If you're planning to sell your home, one of the most important things to plan is how you'll dress up the property and prepare it for viewing. While home staging may seem like an unnecessary expense, spending time to dress up the home helps potential buyers establish a connection to your property as soon as they walk through the door. It also helps buyers visualize the space and what it can become if they purchase the property.
Contrary to most beliefs, home staging does not have to be a costly endeavor. A lot of the work that comes with home staging actually covers removing personal things such as collections and photos and decluttering each space.
If you're planning on dressing up your home, here are eight essential home staging props that won't break the bank.
Books
Books are one of the cheapest home staging props, especially because there are types of books made specifically to be used in dressing up homes. These items make excellent space fillers and are great for incorporating a pop of color into the space.
If you're planning on using books, make sure not to overstock the shelves. Doing so could add a heavy, bulky feeling to a room, which doesn't work in your favor. In addition, use hardcover book sets for home staging but ensure they are not controversial titles and topics.
Slipcovers
Slipcovers are an easy way to depersonalize a space and neutralize bold colors or patterns in your decor. They are also an incredibly affordable alternative to switching our furniture entirely. Slipcovers are perfect for dining room chairs, armchairs, and even sofas.
Jars, Trays and Baskets
Jars, trays, and baskets are great for adding a warm look to any space in your home, most particularly in the bathrooms and the kitchen. Jars can be filled with a number of things like rice, beans, and cookies. Trays can be used to gather smaller items on a large surface, while baskets can be used to store towels or toys in a kid's playroom.
Fruit Bowls
Fruit bowls are one of the most common home staging props used in any kitchen. Fruit bowls allow you to add color and freshness to a kitchen, especially when it is used to hold fruits of all shapes and sizes. It's also easy to choose a bowl that works with your theme. For example, you can use a bowl made of wood or clay when styling a rustic country home.
Decorative Fruits
While we're on the subject of fruits and fruit bowls, consider using lemons and other fruits that home viewers would not be tempted to help themselves to. If you don't want to head to the market to buy fresh fruit, you can use decorative fruit as long as it is clean and of decent quality.
Accent Pillows
Liven up your living room space using colorful accent pillows. These are also an easy way to bring some life and personality to the space. Accent pillows using soft fabrics also make the space cozier and more inviting.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important elements in home staging. Spaces with bad lighting feel smaller and less appealing. If you're looking for lighting fixtures, make sure they are simple in design. This helps it appeal to all tastes and styles.
Mirrors
Finding the right mirror can make a home feel finished. They are also great for reflecting light and making a space feel brighter and larger.
