The last thing sellers and listing agents want to hear is “too small” this feedback seems hopeless but it’s not. I haven’t met a small space yet that staging couldn’t open up and define. It is amazing what furniture can do to make a space look larger. Space or the lack there of is an optical illusion. In staging playing with scale, light, and dimension are the ways to open space up.
Tips of the space trade:
- Start with any empty space. Make sure before you begin to fill a space you empty it.
- Flow and function of the room. Identify where doors, walkways, closets, windows or architectural aspects like built-ins or fireplaces are in the room.
- To scale furniture. Set the
room up as it is intended to be used with furniture pieces that are to scale with the size of the space. Perhaps more modern slimmed down mid century modern loveseat instead of an overstuffed full size couch. tables, of all functions can be found in any size. Even a small horizontal surface holds a glass of wine. Apply this logic with everything in the room including art work and decor pieces. - Using lighter colors. Choose lighter colors and use pops of color sparingly. White’s and neutrals give light. Darker or bolder colors absorb light and pull the eye in.
- Proper accessories and placement. Leave spaces open. Choose larger wall or counter space to use a wow piece of art or decor. Leave smaller wall spaces in corners or around window or door frames open. Use an eye-catching piece of original artwork and place it somewhere distant. Mirrors can be a great accessory to reflect light. Place them so they are across from windows to give buyers the impression of a bigger room.
- Take advantage of the ceiling. Anything floor-to-ceiling, such as a bookshelf, will bring the buyers eyes upward and show the detail of the home’s architecture.
- Clean. Shiny windows, clean floors, and no clutter immediately make an impact on the buyer.
Don’t be afraid of your diminutive space. Get to know it and use the tricks of the staging trade to make the space work for your buyer.
