When staging and selling your home, all bedrooms are secondary to the Primary Bedroom, where whoever is forking over the purchase price is going to spend a lot of their time. Staging the primary bedroom shows buyers a sanctuary to imagine their new life in and is key to winning an emotional connection with that buyer.
After meeting with thousands of homeowners, one thing I know is that the primary bedroom almost never gets the same decorating love and attention as the living spaces and the kid’s bedrooms. That isn’t to say that homeowners don’t all WISH for a special retreat at the end of the day, so, stage that bedroom! You are creating a lifestyle for them.
Size matters. When a home is sold vacant, the primary bedroom is one space that might keep the home from selling if buyers don’t think it is big enough to fit their current bed. Furniture in the primary bedroom gives buyers perspective on how and what will fit into the space. The negative space, or empty areas, are as important as the furnishings. If the queen-bed fits with room to spare, a king-bed will also fit!
Start with a bed that fits into the space. In a smaller bedroom, remove canopy and sleigh beds which add significant size and visual weight. Replace with a simple frame and upholstered headboard and it will make a big difference in how the buyer visualizes the space. It might even make sense to remove a king-bed and replace it with a queen-sized bed for staging.
Since the bed is the centerpiece of any bedroom, it is important to finish the look with all the right accessories. Balance the sides of the bed with nightstands and matching or coordinating lamps. Nightstands don’t have to be the same, but matching lamps will tie them together. If there is no headboard, build up the bed with larger pillows in back and a neutral, horizontal piece of art.
The right bedding can finish the space and create luxury in the buyer’s eyes. While expensive bedding is beautiful, bedding does not have to BE expensive to look luxurious. Chose a simple quilt set in a neutral color, folded down to reveal coordinating sheets. Add contrasting throw pillows and blanket to finish off the look of a primary bedroom we all want to come home to. Avoid busy patterns, bright colors and worn or dated bedding. Especially in a room with a strong or dark wall color, a white quilt set is the foundation of a great bed.
Scale is also important in the bedroom. Larger nightstands call for larger lamps and vice versa. If dressers are especially large, stick to one dresser and store the chest of drawers. Avoid large, overstuffed armchairs in a small corner and remove baskets, ottomans and any personal items on the floor to make the entire space feel larger.
A common issue I find in primary bedrooms is lack of lighting. I meet homeowners every day who live with the builder-grade two bulb flush mount fixture for years and never add any lamps or upgraded lighting in the bedroom. It leaves the space feeling builder basic and nothing special. You want special in the primary bedroom! Bedside lamps are not just for lighting but are a great way to add style to the space. Overhead lighting is key for function but can also add a warmth and upgrade the value. Investing in a simple chandelier or even a basic ceiling fan will upgrade the room from a buyer’s perspective.
It is common to have lots of electronics and chargers in the bedroom. Remove them all to achieve that peaceful retreat that buyers will want to buy. The primary bedroom is one space where some personal items can remain. A special photo of a couple, a wedding memento or a family photo can remain for staging. Another reminder every seller should keep in mind is to secure valuables and weapons which are often stored in the primary bedroom or closets.
What if the seller doesn’t already own any of these things? While most sellers don’t want to purchase expense furniture for staging, it might make sense to shop now and move the new furniture to the new home. Beyond the larger items, simple accessories and linens are a small investment with a big impact. Check out some of our favorites on Amazon for staging to sell, or to upgrade your current primary bedroom before you sell and enjoy it now!
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