When selling a home, décor choices can impact how large or small a residence appears to potential buyers. Here, the National Association of Realtors offers some simple tips from professional home stagers on how to show off square footage, even when space is tight.
1. Remove heavy drapes
Leave windows bare or hang sheer linen curtains. The space will feel brighter, and the view will be extended to the outdoors and automatically make your space feel larger.
2. Go monochromatic
Painting every room in the same color can help lengthen a smaller space, preventing your home from feeling choppy and giving it more of a continuous feel. Furnishings and accessories also should be monochromatic. Reduce contrasting colors whenever possible. For example, if you have a room with taupe walls, walnut floors, a brown sofa and milk-chocolate pillows, the edges of each item will be less defined and, in turn, be perceived as taking up less space.
3. Remove rugs
The more you break up the flow of your flooring, the smaller your space will feel. Limit rugs to only one or two main areas, such as under the dining table. Also, small rugs can dwarf a space, so when you do use them, make sure they aren’t too tiny.
4. Add mirrors to rooms
Mirrors can help make a small room appear larger by reflecting more natural light. Consider placing a mirror next to or directly across from a window to add more depth to the room.
5. Raise the bar (in the bathroom)
Place shower curtains and window treatments higher on the wall, which will give the illusion of higher ceilings and greater space.