How to Stage a Bedroom: Tips for Real Estate Success

Why You Should Stage the Bedroom

Staging your bedroom creates a welcoming, relaxing space for potential buyers — fostering an emotional connection to the home.

Our homes are a reflection of ourselves. They’re where we spend most of our time and where we create memories with our loved ones.

Bedrooms are especially important to us, as they represent a refuge — where we go to rest and feel at ease. And the style and design of the bedroom affect how comfortable you feel in the space.

The same goes for potential home buyers. Factors like furniture placement, color palette, lighting, and design elements can help create a retreat for your listing.

Without staging, a bedroom is a cold, empty room — making it tough for prospective buyers to picture themselves living in the home.

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Compare the above image to the one below, which is fully staged and appears cozy and intimate. Which one would you prefer during the buying process?

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You may be surprised to learn how something as simple as the design of a home can influence buying decisions:

• Home buyers are willing to dish out 1% to 5% more of the value on a staged home vs. a non-staged home.
• Staged homes will spend an average of 73% less time on the market.
• 45% of buyers say it’ll positively impact the home’s value if decorated to their taste.
• Master bedrooms are among the most popular rooms to stage (78%), closely behind living rooms at 90% and kitchens at 80%.

How to Stage a Bedroom: Things to Focus On

If you’re planning to stage the bedroom prior to listing, there are a few things to consider, such as cleaning, specific furniture placement, lighting, and more.

Deep Cleaning, Decluttering, and Making Repairs

The master bedroom may already be nice and clean, but what about all the cracks and crevices, hard-to-reach areas, and neglected spots? Is it decluttered and free of personal items like family photos?

Look around to see if there’s anything else you can do to make the bedroom as clean and clutter-free as possible.

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Here are some tips to help you improve your bedroom’s appearance when selling your home:

• If your listing has carpet, use a carpet cleaner to remove dust, dirt, and allergens. Or, hire a professional carpet cleaning company.
• Remove clutter and personal items. Neatly store away and organize unnecessary items. Or, consider renting a storage unit.
• Try a glass cleaner and lint-free cloth to clean the window panes inside and outside the bedroom.
• Get a damp cloth to dust the furniture, such as dressers, bed frames, and nightstands.
• Wash bedding, including sheets, comforters, duvets, and pillowcases.
• Wash curtains or drapes to get rid of any stains or odors.
• Remove cobwebs from the ceiling and corners.
• Move furniture to get rid of dust bunnies.
• Scrub baseboards and molding.
• Vacuum and/or mop the floors.
• Clean and dust light fixtures.
• Dust the ceiling fan(s), too.

Once everything is deep cleaned, you’ll be able to see any imperfections more clearly, like nicked baseboards, patchy paint, or dinged-up outlet covers. Patch these areas up for a more polished finish.

Note: As you get the bedroom nice and clean, don’t forget about the en-suite.

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It’s an extension of the master bedroom, so it should reflect the same level of cleanliness and organization.

• Remove personal items and clutter from countertops.
• Pay attention to corners and baseboards.
• Mop to get rid of residual dirt and grime.
• Scrub the shower or tub thoroughly.
• Scrub and disinfect surfaces.
• Clean and disinfect the toilet.
• Vacuum or sweep the floor.
• Clean mirrors and glass.
• Tackle grout and tiles.
• Dust surfaces.

Neutral Color Scheme

Neutrals are all the rage these days. And for good reason. They go with pretty much anything, making matching other decor easier.

So, use neutral colors like brown, beige, white, off-white, cream, taupe, or gray. The best way to incorporate these colors is into the bedding, rugs, decor pieces, and furniture.

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But don’t go overboard. Use accent colors to break up the neutrals. Accessories and decor like greenery, art, and unlit candles help add a pop of color to the space.

If the walls aren’t already a neutral color, change it up with a tranquil, subtle shade.

When in doubt, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way. Here are some tips for a smooth, professional-looking paint job:

• Thoroughly inspect the walls. If you notice any cracking, flaking, or peeling areas, lightly sand them.
• Paint from top to bottom to avoid dripping paint onto freshly painted areas.
• Use a good brush, roller, and painter’s tape to ensure a seamless finish.
• Protect anything you don’t want to get covered in paint with plastic.
• Choose the right paint shade and a high-quality paint and primer.
• Remove light switches and outlet covers.
• Wipe down any greasy spots.

Rearrange Furniture as Needed

You don’t want an overcrowded room. This can make it difficult for potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space.

So, rearrange furniture and remove non-essential pieces for a more spacious feel.

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Then, strategically place the remaining furniture to enhance the functionality and appeal of the room:

• Consider using tall furniture like a vertical dresser or armoire to maximize storage without taking up much floor space.
• Create a sense of balance in the room by evenly distributing furniture and maintaining a cohesive design.
• Place nightstands on either side of the bed for symmetry.
• Position the bed as the focal point of the room.

Don’t think you have the right pieces to appeal to buyers? Consider renting furniture for a more homey feel.

Natural Lighting, Window Treatments, and Fixtures

Incorporating natural light can make the bedroom feel more open and spacious.

• Consider drawing back curtains, using sheers, and installing floor-to-ceiling curtains to create an open feel.
• Arrange furniture to maximize natural light.
• Place mirrors strategically to reflect light.
• Don’t block windows with large pieces.

Dress the Bed

As we mentioned earlier, the bed is the room’s main focal point. Here are some simple tips to help add some depth to the bed:

• Use a duvet, comforter, and decorative throw pillows for depth and texture.
• Incorporate a throw blanket in neutral colors.
• Use neutral bedding.
• Add fluffy pillows.

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If the room can accommodate it, consider adding a bigger bed to convey a sense of luxury and give off the illusion of a larger space.

Make sure the bed faces the doorway so that people immediately see it when entering the room.

Don’t Forget the Closet

When learning how to stage a bedroom, it can be easy to forget about the closet. It’s tucked away and out of sight, but potential buyers often check this area to see how much storage space it offers.

To make sure the closet is organized:

• Declutter by removing clothes. Donate unwanted items. Store seasonal clothing elsewhere to create a more spacious look.
• Put away personal belongings like jewelry, handbags, or accessories.
• Use storage bins or containers to control clutter.
• Arrange shoes neatly on shelves.

Essential Accessories: Area Rug, Live Plants, and More

Accessories and decor pieces like area rugs, live plants, and other items can add warmth and texture to the bedroom. (Image Source)

When choosing the right pieces to add, consider the bedroom’s color palette and the size of each item to ensure balance. Introduce a variety of textures and materials, like a plush rug, ceramic lamps, natural wood accents, or mirrors.

Bonus Bedrooms

The primary bedroom is an important room to stage for home selling. But don’t leave out kids’ bedrooms and guest bedrooms.

Kids Bedrooms

To stage a kid or toddler bedroom:

• Start with a neutral base on the walls and for larger furniture like beds and nightstands.
• Use bright-colored bins, baskets, or shelving units to add pops of color.
• Designate a specific play area with a colorful rug or playmat.
• Choose neutral bedding.

Need inspiration? Pinterest is a great resource for design ideas:

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Guest Bedrooms

Stage the guest bedrooms to create a cozy and inviting space throughout the home.

Remove unnecessary items, such as toys, crafts, or extra things you may store in the guest bedroom. This will emphasize that it’s a functional bedroom, not a storage space.

Also, in bedrooms, avoid using eye-catching vignettes. The elaborate decor may not resonate with everyone and can make it difficult for buyers to envision the space as their own.

Try Virtual Staging AI as an Alternative

Virtual staging with AI is a more convenient and affordable alternative to traditional staging.

You don’t have to purchase or rent new furniture to make the home more appealing. All you need is a smartphone camera and good lighting. Then, you upload your image to get a beautifully staged result in seconds.

Virtual Staging AI produces the same results as a professional home stager without the trouble, cost, or long turnaround.

You can even replace current furniture with more appealing furniture and decor for potential buyers. The best part? You have access to unlimited renders to find the perfect combination.

Virtually Rendered with VSAI

Traditional staging can cost up to $4,000. But Virtual Staging AI’s plans are only:

• $12/month (Basic)
• $19/month (Standard)
• $39/month (Professional)
• $69/month (Enterprise)

It’s a nominal charge to turn unappealing bedrooms into desirable rooms for prospective buyers. Think of it as the secret recipe for selling a house faster and for top dollar. Worth the investment, right?

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Stage Your Bedroom for Maximum Appeal

Staging your bedroom is all about highlighting the focal points of the space, including the bed, side tables, drapes, and natural lighting. Focusing on these factors helps create an inviting sleeping environment that allows buyers to imagine themselves using the space for years to come. Want to avoid the potential hassle (and high cost) of traditional staging? Try VSAI’s virtual staging for free now.