How to Stage a House for Sale: 13 Tips to Create Love at First Sight

The Best Tips on How to Stage Your Home for Sale

1. Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions matter—buyers decide within seconds whether they like a home. A well-maintained exterior with good kerb appeal sets the tone for the entire viewing.

• Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and remove weeds.
• Wash driveways, pathways, and front steps.
• Repaint the front door and update house numbers.
• Hide bins and any clutter near the entrance.

2. Declutter and Depersonalise

A clutter-free home feels bigger and more inviting.

Buyers need to visualise themselves living there, so remove personal items that make the space feel too lived-in. Pack away family photos, personal ornaments, and anything that adds clutter to shelves and surfaces. Store excess furniture to open up rooms and create a more spacious feel.

3. Deep Clean Everything

A spotless home suggests it's been well cared for, making it more appealing to buyers. Pay extra attention to high-impact areas like kitchens and bathrooms—remove grime, stains, and any lingering odours.

Clean windows, mirrors, areas why there might be old damp stains and shiny surfaces to brighten up rooms, and consider steam cleaning carpets if they look tired.

4. Define Each Room’s Purpose

Every room should have a clear function, helping buyers see how they can use the space.

• If your home is listed as having three bedrooms, ensure all three look like bedrooms.
• In open-plan spaces, use rugs or furniture placement to define living, dining, and work areas.

9. Style the Kitchen and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most important areas for buyers, and a well-presented space can significantly boost appeal. Clear kitchen worktops of unnecessary appliances to create a clean, spacious feel, and consider setting the dining table to give buyers a sense of how the space can be used.

In bathrooms, replace worn towels with fresh, fluffy ones and ensure all surfaces are spotless to create a spa-like atmosphere. Small details can make these key spaces feel more inviting and high-end.

Staging kitchens and bathrooms can be difficult and expensive, which many homeowners struggle with. Here’s a customer who struggled with this but sold with us and is now happy with the outcome:

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10. Remove Excess Electronics

Too many visible electronics can distract buyers and make a space feel cluttered. Keep tech minimal to maintain a clean, well-staged look.

• Hide cables and extension leads where possible.
• Store away TVs in secondary spaces like bedrooms to create a more relaxed, balanced atmosphere.

11. Introduce Plants and Flowers

A touch of greenery can make a home feel more inviting, lively, and well cared for. Even artificial plants can add warmth and vibrancy.

• Place a vase of fresh flowers in the kitchen or hallway.
• Use potted plants in the living room and bedrooms.
• Opt for high-quality faux plants if low maintenance is preferred.

12. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

Staging isn’t just about how a home looks—it should also feel inviting. Appealing to all five senses helps create a space buyers connect with emotionally. Light scented candles or bake something subtle like cookies before a viewing to create a warm, homely feel.

Keep the temperature comfortable—warm in winter and cool in summer—to encourage buyers to linger. Playing soft background music can further enhance the atmosphere, making the home feel relaxing and lived-in.

13. Add a Statement Piece

Once staging is complete, a few standout touches can leave a lasting impression and make rooms feel more memorable.

• Hang a large piece of artwork in the hallway.
• Place an attractive centrepiece on the dining table.
• Add a decorative mirror above the fireplace to enhance space and light.