The Ultimate Living Room Staging Checklist Realtors Love

If you’re getting ready to sell, your living room is one of the first spaces buyers will judge. The goal is to create a bright, welcoming room that feels stylish but not overly personal. Use this friendly Living Room Staging Checklist Realtors Swear By to stage your space like a pro (and feel free to bookmark it for future listings!).

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Living Room Staging Checklist:

Top 10 Must-Do Updates

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1. Declutter & Depersonalize

Ask yourself: “Could a buyer imagine their own things here?” If not, remove it.

• – Remove family photos, kids’ artwork, and personal collections
• – Clear off surfaces, leaving just 1–3 intentional decor items per area
• – Tuck away extra remotes, chargers, toys, and pet items

2. Deep Clean From Top to Bottom

A spotless room instantly feels more valuable.

• – Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and baseboards
• – Wash windows inside and out for maximum light
• – Clean upholstery, rugs, and any visible stains
• – Don’t forget door handles, switches, and vents

3. Use Mirrors to Open Up the Space

Mirrors are one of the easiest tricks to make a room feel bigger and brighter.

• – Hang a mirror across from a window to bounce natural light
• – Choose simple, classic frames that match your style
• – Avoid placing mirrors where they’ll reflect clutter

Mirrors are a simple way to make any space feel larger and brighter—perfect for impressing buyers! Check out some of my hand-picked mirror options below to help your home shine and sell faster.

4. Add Art That Appeals to Many Buyers

Think calm, relaxing, and “Pinterest-worthy,” not loud or controversial.

• – Opt for neutral or nature-inspired art instead of bold personal pieces
• – Use 1–3 larger pieces instead of lots of small ones
• – Center artwork at eye level and above sofas or consoles (the middle of the artwork should be about 60″ from the floor)

“Explore these neutral art options—perfect for any living room, from compact spaces to wide walls that need a larger piece.

5. Layer in Lamps for Cozy Lighting

Good lighting makes everything—photos, showings, and video tours—look better.

• – Add table lamps or floor lamps to dark corners
• – Use warm white bulbs (around 2700–3000K) for a soft glow
• – Aim for 3 light sources: overhead, floor, and table

Browse my hand-picked lamp ideas below to create cozy, inviting lighting that buyers will love.

6. Refresh With Throw Pillows

Pillows are an affordable way to make the space feel modern and inviting.

• – Choose neutral or soft accent colors (beiges, soft blues, cream, greens, grays)
• – Mix textures and pattern (linen, cotton, velvet – subtle stripes/patterns) to add interest without being busy
• – Use 2–5 pillows depending on sofa size and keep patterns simple

“Browse the throw pillow picks below to instantly refresh your space with color and texture. You can choose from so many colors, but this is a good pattern layout for you to follow!

7. Add a Cozy Throw Blanket

A neat, casually placed throw suggests comfort and livability.

• – Drape a throw over the arm of a sofa, chair, or basket
• – Stick to solid or subtle patterns in neutral tones
• – Avoid anything worn, pilled, or overly seasonal

Take a look at the throw blankets I’ve selected below—perfect for creating an inviting, stylish touch

8. Keep Decor Neutral but Not Boring

Neutral decor helps your listing appeal to the widest range of buyers.

• – Choose decor in wood, glass, woven, or ceramic finishes
• – Use a simple color palette: 2–3 colors plus white/cream
• – Remove overly themed items (holidays, sports teams, loud slogans)

Check out the neutral—but never dull—decor ideas I’ve rounded up for you below.

9. Add Life With Plants or Flowers

A little greenery instantly freshens up photos and makes the room feel cared for.

• – Use a potted plant, vase of faux or real flowers, or green stems
• – Place them on the coffee table, console, or side table
• – Keep arrangements simple and fresh (or realistic if faux)

Browse these plant and floral ideas to brighten your space, from petite accents to larger arrangements that make an impact.

10. Perfect the Furniture Layout

If buyers can’t easily walk around, they’ll assume the room is too small.

• – Float furniture away from walls when possible to create conversation areas
• – Make sure there’s a clear path through the room—no awkward obstacles
• – Remove oversized or extra pieces that make the room feel crowded

Browse my space-friendly furniture picks below to make your rooms feel open, stylish, and easy to live in.

Quick Staging Checklist

Before photos or showings, walk through this mini checklist:

• Surfaces cleared and styled simply
• Floors vacuumed/mopped, rugs straightened
• Pillows fluffed, throw blanket neatly arranged
• Lamps on and bulbs working
• Mirrors and windows streak-free
• Personal items and clutter put away
• Plants/flowers placed and looking fresh
• Furniture arranged to feel open and spacious

As a final touch, don’t forget to create a welcoming mood with scent, temperature, and sound. Keep the home at a comfortable temperature, open a window for a bit of fresh air if the weather allows, and use a light, clean fragrance—nothing overpowering. Soft background music at a low volume can also help buyers relax and linger a little longer. When your living room looks beautiful and feels inviting in every way, you give buyers every reason to say “yes.”