Staging is everything. Done right, and you can curate a space that makes buyers want to live there. But done wrong, and you have a home on your hands that could kill your next deal. Whether this is your first time staging or fifth, check out these tips below. They'll help make sure you aren't committing four simple yet heinous staging mistakes.
Mistake #1: Using Furniture That's Too Big or Too Small
When you use furniture that isn't sized for your space, it raises a subconscious flag to your buyers. Seeing a massive couch in a small space will make your room look even smaller, even if the couch itself is trendy and comfortable. While some buyers may be able to see beyond that ungainly couch, others may pass over your home simply because it doesn't feel right.
The same goes for a room without enough furniture. If you're trying to sell a vacant home, focus on staging the living room, bedrooms, and kitchen as if someone was actually living there.
Mistake #2: Using Cheap Furniture
Now is not the time to visit IKEA. While prefabricated furniture may work on a small budget, it doesn't make the right impression on potential buyers. Cheap and mass-produced, it gives off the look of a dorm room.
Solid wood furniture, on the other hand, gives a sense of longevity and permanence to the space. One or two pieces can go a long way to creating a classic look, even if you indulge in trendier items like a reclaimed wood coffee table. A natural wood coffee table gives a punch of personality without alienating any potential buyer.
Mistake #3: Have a Vision for Each Room
While you want to show off just how versatile your space can be, don't fall into the trap of staging multipurpose rooms. These catch-all rooms end up looking strange to the average buyer, as they straddle the line between the living room, office, and playroom without committing to any of them.
It's better if you create a focus for each room, establishing a clear definition by your choice of furniture. A reclaimed wood coffee table paired with a neutral couch and soft rug will look better when you keep exercise equipment, children's toys, and other unrelated items away.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Lighting
Your choice of lighting can have a huge impact on the way buyers see your home. Not enough of it, and your space is dark and drab - people will find it hard to see themselves living or working there. Too much of it, and the bright, glaring lights can expose every nook and cranny. Just like office fluorescent lighting, it can give people headaches or cause eye strain.
If your home gets a lot of natural light, play it up with airy window dressings, mirrors, and other light-reflecting baubles. Otherwise, focus on using table and floor lamps to create an intimate or dramatic look.
Bottom Line
Staging works best when you create a neutral yet trendy space that makes it easy for someone else to imagine them living there. Keep this at the back of your mind every time you make a staging decision. You want to create a stylish home without being too overbearing.
