Home Staging Props Every Realtor Should Have for Listings
Whether you’re trying to sell a vacant home, or a home that simply isn’t designed with a buyer in mind, staging is a crucial step in marketing a home to prospective buyers. If a home doesn’t feel “homey”, it can be difficult for buyers to picture themselves living there.
When it comes to staging a home, there are some key props that every realtor should use to make a home stand out. There are four key areas of the home that are particularly important to stage well, as they will likely influence the buyer most. These areas include the living room/family room, the kitchen, the master bedroom, and the bathroom(s).
When a potential home buyer walks into a home, these are the rooms they tend to check out first, so it’s important to wow them with decor that makes the house feel like a home.
Living Room / Family Room
The living room or family room is a place where people naturally gather to relax and spend quality time together. The following list of staging props will help make this room feel inviting and comfortable to everyone who walks in:
Trays (Round and Rectangular)
Everyone has a slightly different style, which is why having different shapes of trays is recommended. Having these on display makes it easy for a potential buyer to imagine using them to pass snacks and hors d'oeuvres between family and friends. They also look great on a kitchen island with a bottle of wine and wine glasses, or can be a good way to gather the tv remote and coasters on a coffee table. #ad
Faux Plants
Plants give a little extra life to any room. Good quality faux plants (that look real) are great because they provide a bit of color and design and bring nature into the room, but they don’t require any maintenance. #ad
Varying Height Vase Set
Vases of varying heights provide some personality - whether they are filled with flowers/greens, or not. Uniquely designed vases give people something to look at and admire. They work on mantels, end tables, console tables, and more! #ad
Round Mirror
Square and rectangular mirrors are so last year! But seriously, a round mirror will stand out in a living room and add a bit of character to the space. #ad
Fresh Doormat
While a generously loved doormat certainly shows the house gets a lot of visitors, it isn’t necessarily the first thing you want potential buyers to see when they enter a home. Replacing a worn doormat with a large fresh one (don’t skimp on size!) helps provide a better first impression. #ad
Hardcover Books
Books add character! Larger ones can be used for custom built-ins and shelves, while smaller books are great on end tables or on a tray with a small faux plant. Cookbooks can also be used on an easel, or you can stand up five or so with bookends to make a kitchen feel a little more homey.
Books can be used in so many different vignettes. I also recommend covering them using either a brown paper bag (for a more neutral look) or with some thick wrapping paper. Well loved books can be purchased inexpensively at used bookstores or antique stores.
Floor Plants
There is almost always an empty corner in need of some life. Floor plants bring the outside in, with no maintenance. *Consider spray painting the pot on this one black #ad
Decorative Pillows
Everyone loves decorative pillows! They are a great way to add color and a sense of comfort and tranquility to a room, and it can be quite fun to mix and match pillows based on the room colors and style. #ad
Throw Blanket (s)
Last but not least, don’t forget to add a throw blanket - or two. Throw blankets help create a cozy and peaceful atmosphere in the room. Nothing says “homey” quite like a soft throw blanket draped over a chair or the couch. #ad
The Kitchen
As you lead your potential buyers to the kitchen, there are several items that make great staging props for this central area of the home:
Orchid
Orchids are an unquestionably beautiful flowering plant. They come in many different colors, too. Placing an orchid to the side of the sink in a kitchen is the perfect way to add a little flair to one of the most popular rooms in a home. #ad
Faux Plants & Greens
Adding a faux greens in a white pot or pitcher on a counter in the kitchen is another simple way to make it feel like a place where people spend a lot of time. #ad
Cutting Boards / Trays
Cutting boards come in all sizes, styles, and shapes, making it easy to find one or more that fit into the theme of the kitchen you’re staging. Many stores carry sets of three with varying sizes, which work perfectly as a kitchen prop. #ad
Pedestal Bowl / Decorative Bowl
No kitchen is complete without a decorative bowl - or better yet, a pedestal bowl - sitting proudly on the counter or island. They make a great statement piece, and also help potential buyers imagine how they might use the bowl to entertain future guests. #ad
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom can be a tricky space to stage, as you don’t want to over decorate the space. A few simple items will be enough to make the room feel like a relaxing and cozy space for rest:
Tall Lamps
Adding tall lamps to bedside tables creates great accent pieces, and adds additional lighting to the room. This is a great prop for rooms without a lot of light, and they double as decorative items, as well. #ad
White Bedding
Everyone has different color preferences when it comes to bedding, so it's best to keep bedding colors pretty neutral. Plus, it looks cleaner than any other color. White also evokes feelings of calmness and tranquility, and looks good in any lighting, so it’s the perfect color choice for a showing. #ad
Decorative Pillows
Just like in the living room, decorative pillows in the master bedroom add a little style, color and texture to the room. If you want to add just a bit of personality or make the room pop in a subtle way, find some fun decorative pillows to throw on the bed, or on a chair in the room. #ad
Contrasting Duvet Cover or Throw Blanket
To add just a little more personality to the room, try using a contrasting duvet cover or throw blanket. This way you can add a little bit of color (but not too much) leaving plenty of room for the potential new home owner to imagine what the room would look like if they lived there. #ad
*Bonus: if you have a contrasting duvet, you can also add two contrasting shams for additional bed pillows.
The Bathrooms
While bathrooms are certainly some of the smaller rooms in a home, that doesn’t mean they aren’t as important as the rest. In fact, a well decorated bathroom could mean the difference between a “I love this house!” and a “We’ll let you know.”
White Towels
Just as the white bedding in the master bedroom, white towels make everything look clean and fresh. Plus, the color is easy to coordinate with any other color scheme that already exists. #ad
Faux Plants
Faux plants are a great addition to any room in a home. They can make rooms feel less stuffy, and a little bit more vibrant. Adding small faux plants to the bathroom(s) makes it feel spa-like and stylish at the same time. #ad
Soap Dispenser
Sure, there are some cool soap containers out there, but soap dispensers add a touch of elegance to the existing decor. They come in many different styles, colors, and materials to match the bathroom’s color scheme. #ad
*Hint: For a pop of color, purchase a glass dispenser and fill it with colored bath beads that match the bathroom!
Real Estate Home Staging Consultation
Your home’s first impression to potential buyers is crucial. A staging consultation will provide you with the tools you need to sell your home quickly and for a higher price. Now more than ever, your home’s online photos are so important. An hour and a half consultation will provide you with recommendations for de-cluttering, minor repairs, wall color changes, rearranging/removing/adding furniture and other decorative items, and more!
Stage Your Next Listing for Success
Do you need help staging a home for your next showing? Get in touch for a consultation today!
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