Staging Your Primary Bedroom Retreat
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Retreat? But I just sleep there. I know, there’s a good chance you are busy, and the primary bedroom in your home is loaded with clean or dirty laundry or maybe both, an overstuffed closet, mismatched bedding, and has an out of date paint color. You probably only see your bedroom right before you go to bed and when you wake up in the morning and it’s far from a retreat. I say retreat, because that is the feeling you want your buyers to have. They should feel like they can get away and relax and have a sweet slumber to take on the day. Whether you're preparing to sell your home or simply want to revamp your space, staging your primary bedroom can make a significant impact. Let’s explore the art of staging to help you create a dreamy and inviting primary bedroom.
First off, let me start with saying that a full professional home stage is usually best. But most staging companies only stage vacant homes. What if you are still living in your home while you are selling? Here’s all you need to know about staging your bedroom while you are still living in it.
Clear the Clutter: Before diving into the staging process, decluttering is essential. Remove any unnecessary items, such as excessive furniture, personal belongings, or distracting decor. The goal is to create an uncluttered and spacious atmosphere that allows potential buyers to envision the room as a tranquil retreat. It’s hard to feel restful if there are so many distracting items in a space. Pick up clothing, clear off nightstands and dressers, etc. The only items that should be on top of surfaces are lamps and some simple decor.
When decluttering a primary bedroom, you’ll want to declutter your closets as well. If you are still living in your home, put seasonal items you are no longer using into storage, or even use suitcases to hide clothing and shoes. If possible, don’t store your clothes in closets in other rooms. It makes a buyer feel like the primary closet must be too small to hold everything. What’s the right amount of items to keep in your closet? Try and have two finger spaces between your hangers to make your closets appear larger. If you are selling a higher end home, then invest in some wooden hangers, like these 5 star rated hangers from Amazon.
Deep Clean: After the decluttering, do a deep clean to include floors, any light fixtures including ceiling fans, baseboards window coverings and vents. Wipe down doorways, doorknobs and light switches.
Now to the actual staging and what I like to call, the fun stuff…
See what a big difference staging can make. There’s a reason staging is recommended by so many real estate agents. It not only helps home sell faster, but for more as well.
Determine your home style: The first thing you want to do is determine your home’s style. Is your home traditional, modern, mid century modern, farmhouse? Do your best to incorporate the style of your home into your staging and decor. Buyers looking for an ultra modern home will get thrown off by large, ornate furniture, or flowery curtains. And vice versa. If in doubt, go as neutral as possible.
Choosing a Paint Color Palette: Selecting a soothing color palette can instantly transform the mood of your primary bedroom. Opt for soft, neutral hues or go bold, but just on the headboard wall, especially if you are trying to appeal to the Pinterest generation. They love having some style and character already incorporated into the home. If you feel your buyers are more likely to be empty nesters or retirees, stick with the neutrals.
Incorporate a Pop of Color: This could be your headboard wall, dark colored furniture, a house plant or two, or a blanket at the end of the bed. Having some colors really enhances your photos and draws buyers in. And in 2023, black counts as color!
The Bedding: Crisp, white bedding is always a winner: Nearly every professional stager starts with white bedding. It is clean and fresh, and works with every style. Iron or steam out wrinkles. Have multiple layers of fluffy pillows, and stand them up. Add a throw blanket or fold a lightweight comforter at the base of the bed. Consider getting a duvet cover if you plan to reuse the bedding at your new home. The last layer of pillows and the blanket can be a great place to add that color pop.
Furniture placement: The bed will be the centerpiece of the room. Give the bed it’s own wall flanked by small tables or nightstands. Unless your room is very large, only have one dresser. If space allows, add a chair to make a cozy nook or a bench at the end of the bed, but make sure buyers can easily walk around the room though. Don’t push beds against a wall unless there is no other option, while it might seem to make a room larger, many couples are looking to share the space and don’t want to imagine climbing over each other getting out of the bed.
Accentuate Natural Light: Even if you use black out curtains to help you get a good night’s sleep, selling your home is the time to open up those blinds and curtains. Have blinds all the way up, and curtains wide open. If the view out of the window is not ideal, consider investing in some of these light filtering up/down blinds that can allow a lot of light, but block the view and give privacy.
Art & Decor: Keep art and decor in the bedroom very simple. Think a small houseplant, a single book on the nightstand, a candle or two, etc. For the walls try mirrors or an abstract paintings in colors matching the rest of the decor, or have that be your pop of color if the rest of your room is neutral. Either way, personal photos are always a no no in the bedroom, and word art (signs that say Love, Family, Sweet Dreams, etc) is on the way out on the trends. I’ll also add area rugs in this section. If your bedroom doesn’t have carpet already, add an area rug to bring some softness and style to the room.
There you have it! Some simple ways to stage your bedroom if you are still living there. Just remember staging doesn’t have to cost a fortune, Just keep it simple, clean, and add some inviting decor.
Reach out if you have any questions or are thinking of selling your home in the Denver Metro area. I’m here to help!
