Getting ready to sell your home? These simple staging ideas to sell a home will help make it feel warm, welcoming, and move-in ready, even if you’ve already moved out.
Whether you’re staging a house to sell while living in it or staging an empty house, these home staging tips are practical, affordable, and impactful.
I just said goodbye to my very first home—a sweet 1980s townhouse. Even though it was empty by the time I was ready to stage it, I found ways to bring in warmth and personality.
If you're also saying goodbye to your first home, I hope this inspires you to stage it beautifully for the next family.
Staging Ideas to Sell A Home
1. Declutter Like You Mean It
One of the most important home selling tips is to declutter. Clear off countertops, remove excess furniture, minimize closets or storage space, and simplify your decor.
When staging a house to sell, you want each room to feel open, clean, and calm, so buyers can imagine their life there, not yours. Decluttering is super important!
2. Keep the Palette Neutral
Neutral colors are key when staging a house to sell. Soft whites, light beiges, and natural tones help make any space feel larger and brighter. Our townhouse is painted with Sherwin Williams Alabaster.
These simple staging ideas to sell a home also appeal to more buyers and photograph beautifully for online listings. It helps the home's best features stand out.
3. Light It Up
When it comes to home staging tips, lighting makes all the difference. Open all the curtains and blinds, wash your windows, and turn on all light fixtures and lamps—even during the day.
If your bulbs are dim or yellow-toned, swap them out for brighter daylight bulbs to instantly energize the space.
4. Choose One Focal Point Per Room
Whether you're fully furnished or staging an empty house, create one simple focal point in each room. Style the bed in the bedroom, arrange a pretty coffee table in the living room, or add a styled mirror in the entry. These small, styled moments make the whole house feel polished.
5. Add Fresh, Simple Touches
Buyers connect emotionally with spaces that feel cared for. Add flowers outside for curb appeal and a welcoming doormat layered over a rug because first impressions matter.
Add a bowl of fruit in the kitchen, a soft throw, throw pillows on a chair, or any furnishings, or a simple bouquet in the entryway.
Don't forget the outdoor living space, including the front yard, porch, patio, and backyard. It is important to make sure your lawn is trimmed and pretty, too.
These easy home selling tips help your house stand out—and they only take a few minutes to pull together.
6. Add a Welcoming Scent
Right before potential buyers arrive, take a few minutes to light a candle, plug in a subtle air freshener, or even bake a small batch of cookies. A home that smells inviting immediately feels warmer and welcoming.
Just be sure the scent is light and pleasant—think fresh linen, soft vanilla, or something slightly sweet like sugar cookies. It’s a slight touch, but it makes a big difference in how people feel when they walk through the door.
Staging an Empty House with Cozy Details
When I was staging an empty house, I kept things simple but intentional.
Kitchen Staging
In the kitchen of my 1980s townhouse, I placed a basket tray on the island with a vase of eucalyptus, a candle and match holder, a soft linen, and a little bird beside a daisy bouquet.
I added a rug and draped a tea towel on the range for just enough charm.
Bathroom Staging
In the bathroom, I layered in colorful towels from the Walmart Drew Barrymore line.
A small tray held a soap dispenser and a mini plant, and I placed a candle on the toilet tank. These details helped give life and style to a quiet, empty room.
To see the full home tour, check it out on YouTube here.
Entryway Staging
Because this little townhouse doesn’t have a formal entryway, I layered rugs right inside the door to instantly create a warm, welcoming vibe.
If you're saying goodbye to your first home, these simple staging ideas to sell a home can help honor your memories while helping buyers fall in love with the space.
Final Thoughts
Staging your home to sell doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive, even if you're not a professional stager. With just a few thoughtful touches like soft textiles, natural light, clearing clutter, and a welcoming scent, you can help buyers feel at ease the moment they walk in.
Here are a few last tips:
- Make sure you do all repairs, interior and exterior.
- Be honest with your real estate agent about any problems. They will guide you. (We sold our home “as is.” Selling a home “as is” means the seller isn’t making any repairs or updates before the sale. The buyer purchases the house in its current condition, knowing any issues will be theirs to handle.)
- Check out this National Association of Realtors site for more details on selling your home.
- If you feel unsure, hire a staging service
Whether you’re a homeowner doing it yourself or working with a realtor, creating an inviting space helps every potential future home buyer picture their future in your home.
Remember, you’re not just selling a house—you’re creating a feeling. And for any seller, that little bit of effort can make all the difference.
Related Posts You Might Like (Internal Links)
- How to Clean Every Room Before You Sell
- Front Porch Flower Ideas That Welcome Buyers
- Garage Sale Sign Printables to Declutter Fast
Happy Decorating!
