8 Mistakes to Avoid When Staging a Small Space
When staging a small space, there are several things to keep in mind. You want to ensure the area looks its best and appeals to potential buyers, no matter its size. At the same time, there are a few simple mistakes that can work against you when staging with limited space. It’s important to consider the prospective buyer’s experience when they’re entering your home. That said, here’s what you should avoid doing when you’re staging a small space.
Wrong Size Furniture
Choosing the right furniture is essential when staging a small space. This is because it can make a huge difference in how spacious the room looks and feels. Furniture that is too large can make the room feel overwhelming and congested. Alternatively, furniture that is too small can make the space seem unfinished. Picking appropriately sized furniture is crucial to the success of staging a small space because it impacts both the aesthetic and functionality of the room.
Awkward Furniture Placement
Having a furniture layout that doesn’t complement the size of a room is one of the easiest ways to make the space feel smaller. However, a well-planned furniture layout can create an illusion of more space. This will also improve traffic flow and help highlight the room’s best features. By placing furniture in a way that facilitates easy movement around the room, you can make the space feel more comfortable. The goal is to maximize the available square footage and avoid overcrowding.
Colors That Are Too Dark
When staging a small space, you want create a light and airy feel to make the area feel larger and more appealing to potential buyers. Lighter colors, such as white, beige, light gray, or pastels, tend to be great options. Dark colors can often make a small space feel even smaller and more cramped. This is because dark colors absorb light, which makes the room feel more closed in. In contrast, light colors reflect light and can help create a sense of openness.
Too Many Patterns
Using too many patterns can make it challenging to create a focal point in the room. By adding too many patterns in a small space, the room will start to feel too busy and cluttered. This can detract from the overall aesthetic and make the space feel even smaller. Patterns can be visually stimulating, and when used in moderation, they can add interest and texture to a room. However, when used excessively, patterns can be overwhelming and create a sense of chaos.
Not Leaving Any Blank Space
Leaving blank space is ideal when staging a small area because it can help make the room feel larger. Any room can feel too cramped when every inch of space is filled with furniture or decorative items. When you leave blank space, you can create a sense of balance and harmony. As a result, the room feels more spacious and inviting.
Cluttered Surfaces
Avoiding cluttered surfaces is critical when staging a small space. This will make the room feel cramped and disorganized. Cluttered surfaces can make showcasing the room’s best features more challenging, as they detract from your decor. Instead, you should focus on keeping surfaces clean and organized. This can create a more relaxing environment.
Overlooking Vertical Decor
Using vertical decor is great when staging a small space because it can help create the illusion of height and make the room feel larger. Vertical decor can include tall plants, wall art, shelving units, or floor lamps. These items create a sense of visual interest that can make the space feel much larger. By drawing the eye upward, it creates the impression that the room has more depth.
Not Enough Lighting
Adequate lighting can help illuminate dark corners and make a room feel more welcoming. This can also help create the illusion of more space, which is particularly important in a small area. This is especially necessary for brightening up work areas, such as a desk or kitchen counter. With enough lighting, especially natural, you can improve the mood and atmosphere of a room.
Need help bringing a small space to life with home staging? Consider hiring a professional staging company, like MHM Professional Staging. Our trained experts know how to maximize any room and help you sell your home for more. Schedule a home staging consultation today!