Assuming you’ve done the deep cleaning and decluttering, consider adding these items to your shopping list as you’re preparing to stage your home.
Toy chest: Where it is appropriate, it’s sorely needed. If you have children or pets living in your house, you’ll need to keep their things corralled. If you’re constantly picking up toys in common living areas, this is a must-buy.
Bedding: When was the last time you bought yourself a new bedding set? If it’s been a while, then your bedroom will probably benefit significantly from an update. Don’t overthink it; it’s hard to go wrong with a crisp white or a neutral gray shade on your bed as long as it looks fluffy and clean and inviting.
New towels: Nothing makes a bath or shower look more inviting than a pile of fluffy folded towels. Can yours at least play the part without a stunt double standing in? At least break out the “fancy” towels from wherever you’ve stashed them in the linen closet.
Paint: It’s possible you already have some paint lurking in your closet that you can use to touch up any dings in the walls. But why not consider updating the paint scheme as a whole? Paint is one of the most affordable ways you can refine and polish the whole look of your home.
Throw pillows: One very easy way to make a living room set look brand-new and fresh is to buy a new set of throw pillows. The pillows are the first parts of your couch to start showing wear and tear, from fraying to stains.
Furniture covers: If you were already thinking about replacing the living-room set, then this might be an appropriate time to do it; if not, furniture covers come in all kinds of sizes, colors, and fabrics, so as long as the bones of your furniture look solid, the covers will provide the cosmetic finish.
Lights: Assess how much light you have (and how much light you need) in every room in your house. Ideally, your home will feel airy and bright, and light is a major contributor to that atmospheric and elusive tone. If a room feels dark and drab, investing in a table lamp or floor lamp will help alleviate some of that downward “pull” you experience when you walk in.
Area rugs: One area where people may have an opportunity to add some items is the floor. A well-placed rug draws the eye down a hallway toward the armchair by the fireplace, or provides some distinction between the living room and dining area in an open floor plan.
Mirrors: Another very well-known way to help expand the look and feel of spaciousness in your house is to add some mirrors. Hang one over the sofa or fireplace in the living room, on the big expanse of wall in the hallway, or on the closet door in the bedroom.
Small tables or shelves: Showcase some of the niceties that would appeal to buyers. Are there enough clean and shiny surfaces to display a plant or a vase of flowers? You’ll want to add some as your final touch in the home. Find one spot per room to place an eye-catching detail.
Vases or pots: The mass appeal of plants and flowers mean that they are a universally beloved way to stage a house. And that means you’re going to need things in which to put those plants and flowers. Glass vases and ceramic pots are abundant and cheap.
Fresh flowers: A beautiful finishing touch you can put on your space is a bouquet or two of fresh flowers strategically placed throughout the home. Something about flowers or live plants inside helps to create a calming environment, and if you’ve taken the standard advice to outfit your house in mostly neutral tones, some pop of fresh flowers on clean, shiny surfaces will help pull the whole look together.
