Some think an empty, minimalist home helps potential buyers imagine their ideal living space. While a few can picture homes with light, cozy furniture, and unique art pieces, most buyers rely on interior designers for inspiration. Staging a home has many benefits, it usually sells faster, at higher prices, and often makes it onto must-see lists.
There are plenty of guides on staging your home. However, not all guides highlight the powerful effect of incorporating artwork. Art can subtly influence buyers’ emotions, helping them form a connection to your home. Here’s how to use art in staging to make your home even more appealing and boost its sale potential.
Table of Contents
Stay Neutral
Home staging aims to help buyers picture themselves in a space. Use neutral pieces and design elements that everyone can appreciate. Avoid bold religious or political items, as they can be distracting. Buyers might focus on those statement pieces instead of envisioning how they’d live or work there. Opt for abstract art, nature-themed decor, landscapes, or still-life silhouettes. Select items that complement the room’s flow without drawing attention.
Size, Style and Color
The art you pick can either enhance a room or cause distractions. Avoid pieces that are overly busy, loud, or colorful. Consider the size, too, art that’s too big can dominate a space, while art that’s too small might go unnoticed.
If you’re unsure about your choices, remember that abstract art is usually a safe bet for staging. You can opt for various paintings or lively photos that match your home’s style.
However, be careful about picking art that’s too modern or bold, as it might draw attention away from potential buyers.
Arrangement and Height
How you display your artwork can significantly contribute to a room’s ambiance. For maximum impact, it’s best to hang art at eye level. Decide whether you’ll feature one large piece or a collection of smaller ones. Different sizes and colors can create an intriguing display, provided they complement each other.
Consider how the artwork aligns with your furniture, choosing pieces whose sizes and shapes enhance the room’s decor. Avoid selecting random artwork that doesn’t harmonize with the space. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might create a thoughtfully arranged gallery wall by adding mirrors and other accents.
Features of Your Home
Using the right artwork can effectively emphasize a home’s standout features, which should always be your objective when staging. Assess what you want potential buyers to notice and consider how art can enhance these aspects.
Determine where you want buyers’ attention to focus. For instance, a tall piece of art can direct the eye upward to highlight high ceilings. In a smaller room, aim to maximize the sense of space. Consider the room’s natural and artificial lighting when choosing which artwork to display.
Collaborate with the Architecture
Many homeowners often hang art too high, causing people to walk past without noticing it. The goal is to get buyers to pause and engage with the piece, which means it should be at eye level. Follow the unspoken gallery rule of aligning the center lines of pieces that are close together.
Most galleries hang larger works with plenty of surrounding space roughly 58 inches from the ground. Use beams, feature-painted walls, and architectural frames as ideal spots to display your artwork.
Endnote
We hope this post has illuminated the importance of selecting the right artwork for home staging and provided you with some inspiration for your choices. With so much art available, your primary goal should be to showcase pieces that captivate everyone visiting your home.