16 Home Staging Tips to Speed Up Your House Sale

Staging your home is one of the most effective ways to speed up the sale process and increase its appeal to potential buyers. Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, staging helps to highlight your home's best features, making it easier for buyers to envision themselves living there. Not only can staging help you sell your home faster, but it can also increase the sale price by as much as 10%. Here are 16 DIY home staging tips that will make your property stand out.

1. Declutter Every Room

The first step in staging is to declutter your space. Remove any unnecessary items, personal belongings, and excess furniture. This will make rooms appear more spacious, clean, and inviting. Buyers will appreciate seeing the home as a blank canvas where they can imagine their own belongings.

2. Deep Clean the Entire House

A clean home makes a strong impression. Clean carpets, scrub floors, and wipe down surfaces to remove dust and grime. Pay attention to areas like windows, mirrors, and light fixtures to ensure every detail shines. A sparkling clean home will make buyers feel like they are stepping into a well-maintained property.

3. Neutralise the Colour Scheme

Bright colours may be bold, but they can also distract buyers. Opt for neutral tones like whites, greys, and beige to create a blank canvas. Neutral colours are calming and allow buyers to focus on the space itself rather than being distracted by your personal colour choices. If you need to repaint walls or furniture, now is the time to do so.

4. Maximise Natural Light

Natural light makes any space feel brighter and more welcoming. Open up curtains and blinds, and remove any obstacles that block sunlight. If your home has smaller windows or gets limited light, consider adding mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of a brighter, more open space.

5. Rearrange Furniture to Create Flow

Rearranging furniture can help create a better flow and maximise the use of space. Avoid overcrowding rooms with too many large pieces, and instead, create cozy seating areas and open pathways. This allows potential buyers to walk through your home without feeling cramped.

6. Create Focal Points in Each Room

A room without a focal point can feel disjointed. Highlight key features of each room by creating a focal point. For example, in the living room, arrange furniture around the fireplace or a beautiful piece of artwork. In the dining room, set the table to create a welcoming atmosphere.

7. Style with Fresh Flowers or Plants

Fresh flowers or plants add vibrancy and life to your home. A bouquet on a dining table or a plant in a corner can instantly make a room feel inviting. Choose simple and neutral flowers like white lilies or orchids to keep things understated but elegant.

8. Add Soft Textures and Throws

Layer soft textures like throws, cushions, and rugs to add warmth and comfort to your home. Opt for neutral or muted tones to keep it sophisticated, and avoid overly bold patterns or colours. These small touches make the home feel cozy and lived-in without being too personal.

9. Upgrade Your Lighting

Lighting plays a big role in how a space feels. Replace any outdated light fixtures with modern, stylish options. Make sure each room is well-lit with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. A well-lit home feels larger, more welcoming, and livelier.

10. Stage Key Rooms for Maximum Impact

While staging every room is important, focus on the key areas that buyers prioritise: the living room, master bedroom, kitchen, and dining room. These are the spaces that will make the most significant impact on a buyer’s decision, so ensure they’re staged to perfection.

11. Depersonalise Your Home

Remove personal items like family photos, religious artifacts, or personal mementos. The goal is to create a space where potential buyers can envision themselves, not feel like they are intruding on someone else’s space. Neutral artwork and decor can help create a more universally appealing aesthetic.

12. Organise and Clean Closets

Buyers will open closet doors, so make sure they are organized and clutter-free. Use storage bins or baskets to keep everything neat and tidy. If necessary, consider moving off-season clothes to storage or another area to give the illusion of ample closet space.

13. Emphasise Your Home’s Best Features

Do you have a gorgeous fireplace, high ceilings, or large windows? Make sure these features are highlighted. You can achieve this by positioning furniture to face the fireplace, or by using simple decor items to emphasise the room’s natural features. Don’t hide the beauty of your home!

14. Add an Inviting Entryway

The first impression is everything, so make sure your entryway is inviting and welcoming. Add a new doormat, fresh plants, or stylish outdoor lighting to create a warm welcome for buyers as they enter your home. If possible, clean the front door and ensure it opens smoothly.

15. Stage Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor areas can be just as important as indoor spaces. Clean up the yard, mow the lawn, and trim any overgrown bushes. Add some stylish outdoor furniture or a few plants to create an inviting outdoor space for buyers to enjoy. Consider staging the patio or balcony with comfortable seating, candles, or a small table.

16. Set the Mood with Scent

A home that smells good can have a profound impact on potential buyers. Freshen up the air with subtle scents like lavender, vanilla, or citrus. Avoid overwhelming artificial air fresheners—opt for a more natural scent, such as a freshly baked loaf of bread or the scent of freshly cleaned fabrics.

Final Thoughts

Staging your home doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With a little bit of creativity and elbow grease, you can create a space that appeals to a wide range of buyers. These 16 DIY home staging tips will not only help your home look its best but will also increase its salebility and potentially boost its sale price. Whether you’re staging a luxury property or a mid-range home, these simple yet effective strategies will help you attract the right buyer, sell faster, and get the best price.

If you prefer a more hands-off approach, professional staging services—like those offered by SJ Interior Designs—can give you expert insight into how to best showcase your home. Ultimately, a well-staged home is one that makes a lasting impression and can sell quickly at the right price.