Quick, Easy Staging Ideas

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

28 Feb 2008 08:23 AM

Staging your home when it's for sale really does have an impact. It helps people better visualize where they would put their own belongings if they did indeed buy your home.

While an empty home may appear more spacious, it also tends to feel a bit more overwhelming, especially if it's larger than the home the potential buyer currently occupies (which is often the case since many people purchase a new home in order to move up to bigger and better things). An empty home may leave the buyer questioning, "How will I fill all this space?"

As we know, it isn't difficult to fill space (all too quickly), but it can seem that way when viewing a large expanse of empty space. So, help the buyer out by putting -or leaving- at least a few items in place.

Eat in Kitchen

For under $100 you can make an eat-in kitchen look charming and inviting. Use a card table, build a table, or pick up a used one. It doesn't have to be a great one, since you can simply cover it with a tablecloth.

Leave two existing chairs or grab a couple at a used furniture store, thrift shop, or furniture outlet. Push the table against the wall, and place a chair at each end at an angle (so they look like they are pulled out partially and ready to sit in).

Buy a king size sheet in a great color, and you can make a brand new tablecloth, matching window valance, and maybe even some matching cloth napkins from it, for just a few dollars. All it takes is sewing a few straight lines, or a good iron and some seam tape.

*Check back for instructions.

Pick up a pair of goblets or pretty wineglasses, plates, and other accessories at a thrift shop, garage sale, or discount store, or use items you already have to set the table. Grab a vase or bowl (or both) to match and add to the counter top. A bowl of fruit is a great touch. Add a fresh, new dishcloth and dishtowel, a pair of potholders from the dollar store if you like, and you're set.

It's just enough to feel homey while still feeling spacious, clean, and uncluttered.

*Please check back for more staging ideas.

Three Tips for Staging your Home

Home Staging: Don't Forget the Garage (and other Stuff)

Staging Extremes

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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