How to Stage a Bedroom for Buyer Appeal in 6 Steps

Declutter and Downsize

Begin your bedroom-staging process by decluttering. Many bedrooms—especially infrequently used ones like guest bedrooms—become a dumping ground for extra bedding, clothes, and accessories. Remove all items from the closet(s), as they might distract buyers during home showings. Plus, an empty closet can create a feeling of ample storage space.

Furthermore, neutralize the space by getting rid of family photos, religious and political items, and knickknacks. And clean the room thoroughly.

Create a Focal Point

The first thing you should see when you walk into a bedroom is a focal point, and typically that's the bed. Position the bed where it best fits with space on either side. Avoid pushing one side up against a wall, as that can make the room feel cramped.

Besides the bed, use only essential furniture pieces to stage the room—side tables, lamps, a dresser, and perhaps a chair. However, if the room looks crowded, remove the chair. Your main aim should be to show buyers that a whole bedroom set can easily fit in the room.

Ideally your furniture will match to create a cohesive look in the space. If you don't have the right pieces and are working with a limited budget, you can paint or reface old furniture instead of buying new items. Check thrift shops for furniture in the sizes you need that you can refinish.

Dress the Bed in Style

A properly made bed is key to a well-designed bedroom that can win over any buyer. Opt for neutral bedding that can appeal to most design preferences. You also can appeal to buyers by dressing the bed based on your climate and season—e.g., a lightweight quilt in the hot months or a cozy duvet in snowy weather. 

Add plump standard bed pillows, rather than ones that are flat or an odd shape. And finish off the look with a few throw pillows that provide a fun pop of color or pattern. 

If you’ve already moved out of your home and don’t want to leave your linens behind, you don’t necessarily need to put sheets on your bed if the quilt or duvet fully hides the mattress. Similarly, you could use an air mattress on a platform bed frame if you’ve already moved out your real mattress.

Add Personality With Home Decor

Personal items can turn off a buyer. But home decor that enhances the interior design of the space can make your home seem more valuable. For instance, fresh flowers in a vase on a side table can create a welcoming atmosphere in the bedroom. Potted plants are good as well, though you must make sure they appear healthy and tidy.

Likewise, you could place a basket of towels, slippers, and other sleep essentials on the bed to give the room a hotel-like quality. And add an area rug, especially if you have wood or tile floors, to give off a cozy vibe.

Paint the Walls a Neutral Color

Bedrooms are frequently painted in personal colors. For example, kids might pick their favorite bright and bold color. And even though paint is an easy fix, offbeat colors can sometimes turn off buyers. They might not want the hassle of repainting, or they might not be able to imagine the room in a different color. Plus, some colors might make a space feel closed in or dreary.

So to avoid issues with a bold or dingy paint job, give your bedroom a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color. Touch up the trim as well if it has any marks or chips. The goal is for the paint color to fade into the background and be a blank canvas for the buyers.

Bring in More Natural Light

When staging your bedroom, make sure it's light and bright. And maximize the amount of natural light, which is typically softer and more soothing than artificial light. Install sheers with lightweight curtains. That way, you can let in sunlight during the day but still use the sheers as necessary for privacy or to diffuse very harsh light. Avoid heavy draperies and curtains with bold prints or colors, which can distract buyers.

Also, keep in mind that some buyers might come to see the property after dark or on a cloudy day. So you'll need sufficient artificial lights to brighten the space. Lamps are a good option because the shades will soften the light and give off the vibe of a comfortable sleep space. You also can replace bulbs in ceiling fixtures with ones that give off a soft white glow as necessary.