Photo: VHT Studios

Making a lasting impression on potential buyers during your open house is crucial for a quick and successful sale.  Staging your home effectively can make all the difference.  While preparation tasks such as deep cleaning, painting, and making necessary repairs are also extremely important, the following tips focus on quick, day-of staging suggestions that will ensure your home stands out and captivates buyers during your Open House:

Photo: VHT Studios

Declutter and Depersonalize
Buyers need to envision themselves living in your home, so create a clean, neutral space by removing any last minute clutter from countertops, shelves and tables to give the impression of more space.  Also store away personal items like family photos, personal collections and items that might distract buyers as well as organizing closets and cabinets to make sure they’re neat & suggest ample storage. 

Photo: VHT Studios

Fresh Flowers and Plants
Fresh flowers and plants can bring life and color to your home, creating an inviting atmosphere.  Strategic placement of fresh flowers in vases can add elegance and warmth to areas such as the kitchen, dining room and living room.  Add a touch of nature with houseplants; position them in well lit areas to make the space feel more vibrant.

Photo: VHT Studios

Throw Pillows and Blankets
Throw pillows and blankets can instantly make a space feel cozy and inviting especially in the Living Room and Bedrooms.  Arrange throw pillows on the sofa in a mix of patterns and textures.  Drape a soft, neutral colored blanket over the back of the sofa or a chair or add a few decorative pillows to the bed with a folded blanket near the end of the bed to create a polished, comfortable look.   

Photo: VHT Studios

Set the Lighting
Proper lighting with both natural & indoor lighting can enhance the mood and appearance of your home.  Open curtains & blinds to let the sunshine in. Bright rooms feel larger and more welcoming.  Turn on all lights, including lamps & overhead fixtures to ensure the home is well lit; use warm light bulbs to create a cozy atmosphere. 

Photo: VHT Studios

Create a Warm Ambiance
Small touches can make your home feel more inviting and comfortable such as background music.  Play soft unobtrusive background music such as smooth jazz along with one final swoop of all rooms to make sure everything is in its place. 

Photo: VHT Studios

Focus on Key Areas
Certain areas of your home will attract more attention than others. Make sure the entry-way, bathrooms and kitchen are especially well-prepared.  Keep the entry-way well lit and welcoming with a simple rug and tidy console table.  A bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers can add a touch of color in the kitchen. Cleanliness is crucial especially in the bathrooms.  Make sure towels are fresh, countertops are clear & personal items are stored away. 

Staging your home for an open house is all about making it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. These quick, easy-to-implement tips can make a significant difference in creating a welcoming atmosphere that entices buyers. With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale.


Home Staging by Lisa – is a trusted partner in the Chicago Western Suburbs for home staging and decorating. They specialize in helping agents and their clients achieve optimal returns on investment, while also offering homeowners a personalized redesign service to create spaces they love coming home to. Servicing Chicagoland areas of Addison, Bartlett, Bensenville, Berwyn, Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook, Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Carol Stream, Clarendon Hills, Countryside, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Hanover Park, Hinsdale, Lagrange, Lombard, Lisle, Naperville, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Oak Park, Roselle, St. Charles, Streamwood, Villa Park, Warrenville, Western Springs, Westmont, Wheaton, Winfield.