Good staging isn’t cheap and cheap staging isn’t good.

Good developers know that empty properties look unloved and that buyers struggle to imagine living in them. In an increasingly competitive market, one factor can significantly affect how quickly a home sells and at what price: the quality of home staging. Good staging is an art form, transforming a property from vacant into a vibrant appealing home. However, as with most things in life, good staging isn't cheap — and conversely, cheap staging isn't good.

This is an open plan reception we staged for a development of apartments in North London. The furniture is well proportioned for its size, the neutral colour scheme has layers of texture and a cohesive look due to its design concept and the high quality of our choices.

Why Skimping on Home Staging Could Cost You More

The statistics show time and again that home staging can significantly impact the speed and price of a sale. We know it's tempting when looking to save money to elect to use cheaper staging options, not realising the potential downsides.

We’re not in the business of calling out our competitors so we won’t name names or include photographs. Let’s take a recent example where a developer chose a less experienced stager whose quote was half the price of ours. It cost less than £6k where we had asked for £12k.
Within our fee includes, removals, inventory, accessories, our design, the rental and insurance for three months (bearing in mind the average time on the market is 59 days nationally).

The issues with the cheaper option were evident. What went wrong:

Small Furniture: The big rooms had small furniture, making spaces feel empty and unwelcoming. There wasn't enough furniture, making the house seem bare.

Wrong Size Accessories: If you have large rooms then the rugs and mismatched lamp sizes ruined the look of the rooms. It's crucial to get the scale right, and here it was all off.

Repetition and Lack of Variety: Some stagers will be bound to certain suppliers.  Using the same bed in every bedroom doesn’t showcase the potential of different spaces. Each room should tell its own story.

Missing Details: No ceiling lampshades, hardly any art, and very few accessories made the place look unfinished. These details matter in making a space feel lived in and luxurious.

Cheap Looks Cheap: The furniture and accessories looked cheap because they were. High quality or luxury wasn’t the priority, which is a big problem when you’re trying to sell a home that needs to impress.

Why This Matters

The main goal of staging is to make a home appealing to as many potential buyers as possible. Good staging transforms a property into a place where potential buyers can imagine themselves living. Lack of attention to detail, the repetition of furniture, and choosing quantity over quality sends the wrong message.

Instead of creating a welcoming, luxurious space that buyers can visualise as their own, the cheaper staging option made the home look and feel bargain-basement. This can turn off potential buyers, leading to a longer time on the market and possibly lower offers.

We do understand that opting for cheap staging might look like a money-saving move at first. But it can end up costing more in the long run due to a lower selling price and more time on the market. High-quality staging pays for itself by helping sell the property faster and for a higher price.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right staging is crucial in the home selling process. It's not just about filling a space with furniture but about creating the right atmosphere and appeal. Developers must understand the impact of staging quality to ensure their property looks its best and sells for what it's truly worth. In the end, investing in good staging is not spending money; it's making money.

Our team is led by award-winning experts Amanda and Leigh who bring you a proven track record of success.

This is because quality staging starts with a solid foundation of interior design principles. Our team comprises award-winning experts with a proven track record of success. Our work stands on the understanding of colour theory, spatial awareness, and styling trends that speak directly to the emotions of potential buyers. Because it’s those emotions that move the viewer to buyer.

Beyond the aesthetic elements, good staging requires impeccable logistical planning. Each piece of furniture selected for a space must not only be transported safely but also placed with strategic intent. This element of our work is often unseen but vital. It ensures that every staged home we present is not just visually appealing but also highlights the property’s best features.

The ultimate goal of staging is not just to decorate a space but to elevate it in a way that captures and celebrates its potential. Good staging guarantees stunning photography, an essential tool in today's digital marketplace. This digital kerb appeal is often the first, and most crucial, step in transforming interest into action.

The details are what makes the difference in this show home bedroom. Bringing the colour scheme together, adding enough furniture for the room not to feel empty, but still feel spacious. Small additions like trinket trays and planters alongside the completed room with lampshades installed all add wow factor but have to be considered cost-wise when we quote for a job.

As for us, we understand that the difference between good and great is in the details. Our expertise in selecting the right pieces for each home comes from years of experience and a genuine passion for design. We don't just know which furniture works well; we understand why it works, ensuring every space we stage resonates with potential buyers.

We select furniture and accessories to infuse a property's potential with our design knowledge, the current market trends and your target demographics' taste. We have a wide range of inventory and selecting the right item for each area is what transforms ordinary spaces into visually intriguing narratives which create a “buy me” vibe for a property.

When you work with us every penny invested gives back in multiples. For both agents and developers, the last thing you need is an added layer of stress in the process. You're looking for a staging company that can make your property stand out, without bringing in a raft of complications. Our experienced team knows the ropes and can navigate the sometimes-chaotic journey of home staging with a professionalism that is nothing short of reassuring.

With our exceptional problem-solving skills backed by experience, a rich catalogue of quality furniture and steadfast commitment to removing rather than adding to your challenges, we ensure you're getting exactly what you pay for – excellence and peace of mind.

In summary, while it might be tempting to opt for more economical staging options, remember, cheap staging isn't just about cutting costs—it's about cutting value. Investing in professional, quality staging is investing in the potential of your property.

After all, in the current competitive property market, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

Looking to take the next step to get a property sold? Get in touch.