When you’re staging your home, what you take away can matter just as much as what you add. The goal of staging your home is to help buyers walk in and instantly picture their own life there—bright, fresh, and clutter-free. That means editing down the visual “noise” and swapping a few everyday items for cleaner, more neutral, and more inviting choices.
Think of this as your quick-hit guide to staging your home without overthinking it. Use these 10 simple “remove this, replace with that” ideas to make each room feel more spacious, modern, and buyer-ready.
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10 Step QUICK-HIT GUIDE to Staging Your Home
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1. Remove: Busy or worn rugs
Replace with: A clean, neutral rug that’s simple and low-contrast.
Want a rug that instantly elevates your staging? Check out the must-have options linked below — perfect picks buyers love!
- PET FRIENDLY & NON-SLIP BACKING: 8×10 area rugs featuring simple of colors while promising a luxurious feel underfoot. T…
- MACHINE WASHABLE RUG: Vacuum regularly to keep the area rug 8×10 clean on daily use,you can simply toss it into your was…
- TRENDY APPEAL: Soalmost 8×10 rug featuring neutral colors and geometric patterns, these vintage area rugs for living roo…
- The Gigi Collection by Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi is an elegant power-loomed area rug with a traditional, tw…
- The color of the rug is influenced by your environment, lighting, and time of day; rugs may contain temporary creases up…
- Power-loomed of polypropylene and polyester in Turkey and OEKO-TEX certified, ensuring its materials don’t contain harmf…
- Timeless Area Rug for Living Room: The Jules Collection area rugs capture a beautiful vintage look that will enhance you…
- Easy to Maintain: Add a rug pad for extra cushion and to keep the large area rug firmly in place. Vacuum regularly and s…
- Modern Colorways: The color of the area rug is influenced by your environment, lighting, and time of day.
2. Remove: Cluttered kitchen counters
Replace with: “Eye Catching” Kitchen Items – A single tray holding 2–3 styled items ( a small plant with a bowl of fruit or a candle) Using wooden cutting boards or a framed piece of art work and leaning them against the backsplash with a plant. Adding an oil/vinegar/ salt and pepper set up on a wooden tray to add personality to the countertop. Have a simple crock with some wooden utensils by the stove. Canisters that are updated are always nice too. Don’t forget to put that large fruit bowl filled with fake or real apples/limes/lemons/artichokes on the dining table or countertop. A beautiful vase of faux stems or flowers on the table or island is a must! Pick and choose and don’t forget to balance the room out with these great options. Check out my How To Stage a Kitchen Blog for more details!
You’ve got to see these kitchen décor items—they elevate the space effortlessly while fitting perfectly.
- Salt and pepper grinder set: This salt and pepper grinder set are made of premium food grade acrylic material, stainless…
- Salt and pepper mill set: These professional oak wooden and acrylic salt and pepper mills feature with a traditional 8 i…
- Salt pepper grinders: Easily fill the salt or pepper to the salt grinder and pepper mill by removing the top. The clear …
- Elegant Design: Our 10.6″-Inch White Scalloped Fluted Bowl is designed with a pedestal base,features a unique wavy edge …
- Versatile Use: This Large ceramic fruit footed bowl is ideal for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a dinner part…
- High-Quality Material: Crafted from durable ceramic, this bowl is both functional and decorative.this white decorative b…
- 2 Different Shapes: offering a round and a rectangular wood cutting board in each package, and each one comes with a han…
- Acacia Wood Design: this cutting board with handle is mainly made of acacia wood, an ideal choice for kitchenware known …
- Accommodating Size Options: the round charcuterie board measures about 16 x 12 inches/ 40.6 x 30.5 cm, making it an idea…
3. Remove: Dark, busy bedding
Replace with: White or light neutral bedding with simple accent pillows.
Click below to explore beautiful neutral bedding and pillow options that will give your master bedroom that effortlessly elevated look. I’ve put some perfect pillow covers to go with the bedding options (for King size bed) for easy shopping!
- Superior Material: Made of 100% washed cotton, like your favorite, soft comfy, well-worn cotton shirt, breathable to kee…
- Great Texture & Comfort: Looks like linen, feels like cotton, with a lived-in, slightly wrinkled look, which offers that…
- King Size Package Includes: Duvet Cover (1 piece): 104″W x 90″L; Pillowcases (2 pieces): 20″W x 36″L; Duvet/comforter in…
- Polyester
- 【Premium Fabrics】Foindtower Pillowcase Crafted from premium polyester fiber, this fabric boasts exceptional durability a…
- 【Jacquard Stripes】The pillowcase features exquisite jacquard weaving, creating a three-dimensional striped pattern with …
- 70% Linen and 30% Cotton
- 【Natural Linen Fabric】 Made of grade ramie linen and cotton. Natural linen fabric makes it soft, comfortable, and breath…
- 【Design with Flange Edges】 Boho pillow cover has flange at the edges. All fabric edges are sewn well to prevent fraying….
- Extra Soft: Featuring premium polyester microfiber material, this prewashed duvet cover set offers exceptional softness …
- Lightweight: Crafted to maintain the perfect balance between weight and warmth. Ideal for usage all year round.
- Elevated Home Decor: With a relaxed vibe and gorgeous natural texture, Bedsure’s duvet cover set fits seamlessly into an…
- 70% Ramie 30% Cotton
- 【Natural Fabric】Our pillow covers are made of 70% natural ramie and 30% cotton. Natural ramie fabric makes it soft, comf…
- 【Design with Flange Edges】Foindtower boho pillow cover is designed with Flange at edges. All fabric edges are sewn well …
- Cotton and Polyester
- 【Green Digital Printing】Our digital printing technology and organic cotton fabric make sure that the pillow covers are n…
- 【Timeless Pattern】The timeless vintage floral patterns, which combine a rural warmth and modern style, make pillow cover…
- Double-sided Flannel, Inserts Not Included.
- Soft and Luxury: Simmore decorative throw pillow covers are made of fluffy flannel fabric on both sides. Bring comfortab…
- Thick and Sturdy: With thick fabric and sturdy edges, the striped pillow covers are sturdy and perfect for decorations
4. Remove: Mismatched throw pillows
Replace with: A coordinated set in 2–3 colors that repeats your room’s palette.
No matter what colors you already have in your room, these great finds come in patterns that can be customized to your palette. Follow this simple formula of sizes and patterns and your space will look inviting, cohesive, and beautifully put together.
- Linen and Cotton
- 【Natural Linen Fabric】 Made of grade ramie linen and cotton. Natural linen fabric makes it soft, comfortable, and breath…
- 【Design with Flange Edges】 Boho pillow covers have flange at the edges. All fabric edges are sewn well to prevent frayin…
- Polyester Linen
- Vintage Decoration: Our brown green floral pillow covers are printed with floral block print patterns on both sides to f…
- Quality Fabric: Our vintage floral pillow covers are made of polyester linen, comfortable, breathable, not easy to wear …
- Polyester
- 【Premium Fabrics】Foindtower Pillowcase Crafted from premium polyester fiber, this fabric boasts exceptional durability a…
- 【Jacquard Stripes】The pillowcase features exquisite jacquard weaving, creating a three-dimensional striped pattern with …
5. Remove: Outdated light fixtures
Replace with: Simple, modern fixtures in black, brass, or brushed nickel.
Check out the updated fixtures below; they’re an easy way to refresh, warm up, and modernize your home so it shows beautifully. (Always check measurements and scale of the room when determining size to buy)
- 【Large Rattan Ceiling Light】Made of 100% hand-woven natural rattan, semi flush mount ceiling light is more eco-friendly,…
- 【Boho Lighting Dimension】This rattan chandelier is 19.68″(W) x 18.7″(H) , its perfect size can be used as a rattan light…
- 【4*E26 Base Requirement】 This rattan chandelier comes with 4 E26 lamp holders. Compatible with LED, CFL, Incandescent, H…
- Modern Design Style: ONESMING modern gold dining room chandelier is made of iron carefully selected by our team. The arm…
- Height Adjustable: ONESMING 6-Light farmhouse light fixtures hanging measured 82.67” in Max Height, 23.62” in Min Height…
- Bulb Requirement: The gold sink candle chandelier features 6 E12 bases that are compatible with various bulb types, such…
- [FARMHOUSE DESIGN] This 6-light modern chandelier with rustic charm is an instant centerpiece, showcasing a classic blac…
- [EASY INSTALLATION] Make a bold statement in front door entryways, foyers over stairwells, in living rooms / dining room…
- [ETL LISTED FOR YOUR SAFETY] ETL listed for dry locations. Uses (6) LED, CFL or up to 60W Type B incandescent candelabra…
6. Remove: Excess family photos and personal items
Replace with: Neutral art or mirrors that reflect light and make rooms feel larger.
Explore the links below to find neutral art and mirrors that consistently attract buyers and deliver an immediate, welcoming upgrade to any room.
- [Large Framed Botanical Wall Art]: This large set of 3 botanical wall art set features detailed vintage plant illustrati…
- [High-Clarity Canvas with Rustic Wood-Look Frame]: Each vintage botanical artwork is printed on durable, high-definition…
- [Versatile Neutral Color Palette]: The soft beige and charcoal tones pair seamlessly with farmhouse, rustic, minimalist …
- 40% Metal, 30% Glass, 30% Mdf
- Transform Your Style: Elevate your home decor with the sleek and stylish Kate and Laurel Hutton Mirror – a stunning addi…
- Stunning Mirror Size: Measuring 30 inches in diameter, this mirror features a deep inset glass surrounded by a 2-inch wo…
- Authentic Artist collaboration: Neutral Abstract Landscape is an officially licensed work by independent artist The Crea…
- Gallery Quality Art: Measuring 33 x 23 inches, this is beautifully presented in Sylvie Beaded Rustic Natural frame – a f…
- Lasting Wall Accent: Expertly giclee printed with UV fade-resistant inks, this piece captures extraordinary detail and r…
- 40% Glass 40% Mdf 20% Metal
- ORNATE FRAME: This wall mirror features an ornate, baroque-inspired frame with a decadent garland overlay and arched sha…
- QUALITY MATERIALS: The frame of this arched mirror is made from a resilient iron for a formidable and beautiful display …
7. Remove: Heavy, dark curtains
Replace with: Light, airy panels in white or soft beige that let in maximum light.
Explore the links below to find light and airy neutral curtains—an easy upgrade that brightens your space and adds an effortless sense of freshness.
- Basic Information: Set of 2 Linen Curtain Panels per package. Each panel measures width 52 x 80 length. 3 Hanging Option…
- Rich Linen Blend: These solid curtain panels are made from a linen blend fabric that maintains the soft feel and natural…
- Light Filtering Semi Sheer: These upgraded 180 GSM drapery panels dramatically reduce sun glare and allow soft sunlight …
- WELL MADE: Sold as 2 panels, each panel is W52″ x L84″, and W104″ x L84″ in total. Each curtain panel has 2-in-1 top sty…
- LINEN BLENDED: Made of 30% linen and 70% polyester, which is more soft-touch, durable, and natural. Compared with plain …
- SUPERIOR PRIVACY PROTECT: Unlike ordinary sheer curtains, our thick linen curtains are semi-sheer and provide better pri…
8. Remove: Oversized or extra furniture
Replace with: Fewer, appropriately sized pieces that clearly define each space.
Take a moment to browse the furniture pieces below—they’re thoughtfully chosen to bring a fresh sense of openness to your home while helping buyers easily imagine how the room comes together.
- 【Sturdy & Durable】 With solid wood legs, this loveseat sofa supports up to 500 lbs, designed for lasting performance and…
- 【Premium Fabric】 Upholstered in linen, this couch combines plush comfort with elevated style. Its durable, stain-resista…
- 【Comfy Deep Seat with Spring Cushions】 This upholstered cloud sofa with spring cushions delivers superior support and so…
- Swivel Accent Chair with Lumbar Support: This swivel accent chair comes with a fully padded backrest pillow to give you …
- Soft Oiled PU Leather: The fabric of this swivel barrel chair is made of precious faux oil waxed leather, which is not o…
- Vintage and Exquisite Appearance: The classic barrel shape with rivet decoration makes this armchair an absolutely perfe…
- Elegant 45″ Rectangular Glass Top: Spacious surface ideal for drinks, décor, and everyday living in modern spaces.
- Tempered Glass Top: Clear glass top adds elegance while ensuring durability and easy cleaning for daily use.
- Blackened Bronze Finish: Matte blackened bronze frame brings understated elegance and industrial-modern appeal to your s…
- Rustic Elegance & Versatility: This 47-inch coffee table for living room features a rustic brown finish and a modern low…
- Generous Tabletop Space: The spacious rectangular tabletop provides ample room for your living room table essentials, fr…
- Rounded Edges: Designed with rounded corners, this modern coffee table minimizes sharp edges, making it a safer choice f…
9. Remove: Bold, highly themed decor and word art
Replace with: Simple, timeless accessories that feel calm and uncluttered.
Check out these timeless accessories in soft, neutral tones; they instantly warm up a room and create a comforting atmosphere buyers love.
- Enhance your home decor with our exquisite Rattan Box for Home Decor with Lid, available in two sizes (Large: 15.5″L x 9…
- Our versatile Rattan Box with Lid is not just a decorative piece but also a practical storage solution. Use it to organi…
- Crafted with care, the Rattan Storage Box is handmade from natural rattan, cedar, and real glass, ensuring a clean and e…
- Elegant Art Design – These faux book storage boxes have a refined look with linen fabric. The gray and beige combination…
- Versatile Decor and Storage – The set comes with one large and one small box.The smaller white linen box is packed insid…
- Enhance Home Decor Aesthetic – Whether on a desk, coffee table, or bookshelf, these faux book boxes are unique decor ele…
- Minimalist Design : A sleek and understated look that complements any Zen or minimalist decor.
- The flower leads: The vase sets the stage, allowing the flowers to shine and share their story.
- Perfect Size: Measuring 11″ tall, 11″ wide, and with a 4.3″ opening, this watertight vase is perfect for fresh flowers, …
10. Remove: Strong or unusual wall colors
Replace with: Soft, neutral wall paint (warm white, beige, or greige) that appeals to most buyers.
Check out the neutral wall colors below; they’re ideal for giving your home a clean, updated look while appealing to a wide range of buyers.
Sherwin-Williams Beige & Soft Neutral Wall Colors That Appeal to Buyers
Accessible Beige (SW 7036)
A widely recommended warm neutral with subtle gray undertones — neutral enough to work in nearly every room and lighting condition.
Balanced Beige (SW 7037)
Slightly richer than Accessible Beige, this tone gives rooms a cozy yet neutral feel that still feels light and modern.
Natural Choice (SW 7011)
A soft off-white with warm beige/greige undertones that keeps rooms bright and welcoming without stark whiteness. It reflects a lot of light while still adding a cozy, neutral backdrop.
Aesthetic White (SW 7035)
A light, balanced neutral with a soft beige undertone — bright and versatile, yet warmer and more inviting than a stark white. Perfect if you want a color that feels airy but still subtly warm.
Classic White Neutrals – Bright, timeless, and universally appealing
- Alabaster (SW 7008) – Warm, soft white that isn’t too stark and adds subtle warmth to a room. (My Favorite – is in my personal home everywhere from the walls to the ceiling to the trim and doors!)
- Pure White (SW 7005) – Clean, crisp white that works beautifully throughout a home. This would be great for all trim and doors if you need a refresh on trim only.
Staging your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming—most of the magic happens in what you remove and how you thoughtfully replace it. By swapping busy, dated, or personal items for clean, neutral, and coordinated pieces, you make it easier for buyers to fall in love with the space.
Use this list as a quick staging checklist anytime you’re preparing for photos, showings, or an open house, and you’ll be one big step closer to those “we got an offer!” messages.
