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A 1923 Craftsman Bungalow Home with a fresh coat of paint
adamkaz/istockphoto

Spending time and money to stage a house for sale may not seem like it’s worth it in a seller’s market, but it can actually lead to a solid return on investment. Staging a home may help a house sell 2 to 11 times faster than a nonstaged home, according to the International Association of Home Staging Professionals. Staging may also increase the sale price by up to 20%. But how much does it cost to stage a house? You don’t have to hire a company that knows how to stage a house for sale; it can be done on your own. Start with these ideas that can refresh the look of your current house, but also carry over to wherever you go next. 

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Related: Secrets Realtors Don’t Want You to Know

Burdette Soft Neutral Rug

Boutique Rugs Neutral Rug
Boutique Rugs

$59 and up from Boutique Rugs

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A neutral area rug in the entryway or under a dining table can add some flair when you are staging a home. You can’t go wrong with classic colors like taupe, grey, and beige.

Related: Home Decor Products on Amazon That Buyers Adore

Cylinder Textured Indoor/Outdoor Planter

Indoor/Outdoor Planter
Target

$10 and up from Target

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This subtle yet stylish planter can work indoors or out. It also is a good size for a table or on the floor.

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Seiler Upholstered Flip Top Storage Bench

Upholstered Bench
Wayfair

$180 from Wayfair

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This sleek, cushioned bench comes in a few colors to fit your decor. Entryway items can be tucked inside the storage compartment, making it super versatile.

Acacia Wood Fruit Bowl

Wood Bowl
Amazon

$19 from Amazon

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A bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter is a classic staging technique. This handcrafted bowl looks more expensive than it is. 

Cinnamon Beignet Candle

Cinnamon Beignet Candle
Target

$12 from Target

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Set an inviting scene with the scent of something freshly baked. This clear candle features the essence of vanilla, coffee, bourbon, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Spa Bath Towel

Spa Towel
Target

$14 from Target

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Fresh, white fluffy towels in the bathroom are another go-to home staging tip. These towels are low-lint so they won’t shed and make a mess. 

Mainstays Solid Texture Decorative Throw Pillow

Mainstay Decorative Throw Pillow
Walmart

$7 from Walmart

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These simple pillows (available in a few shades) can freshen up a couch or bed. 

Velvet Plush 4-Piece High Stretch Sofa Slipcover

Velvet Plush 4-Piece High Stretch Sofa Slipcover
Amazon

$45 from Amazon

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If your sofa isn’t exactly up to staging standards, a slipcover will do wonders. This velvet cover slides over your existing couch to make it look more luxe. It’s available in 12 colors.

Bed in a Bag White Seersucker Comforter Set

Bed in a Bag
Amazon

$62 from Amazon (queen size)

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A fresh white comforter and sheets make a bedroom look more luxe. This set contains all the pieces — comforter, pillow sham, flat and fitted sheet and pillow case — for well under $100.

Amazon Basics 60W Equivalent Light Bulbs

Amazon Basics 60W Equivalent Light Bulbs
Amazon

$10 from Amazon

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The right lighting can make all the difference in how a staged home looks. These bulbs offer a crisp, bright daylight lighting.

Mainstays 30″ Artificial Potted Plant

Mainstays 30
Walmart

$60 from Walmart

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Add a homey feel without the work of watering and upkeep. This faux palm plant in a pot can be used as an accent piece in a bedroom or living room.

Woven Seagrass Home Storage Basket

Seagrass Baskets
Target

$26 from Target

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Use these versatile baskets to make bookshelves and bedrooms look better. They wipe clean, too.

Wall-Mounted Circle Mirror

Round Wall Mirror
Amazon

$60 from Amazon

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Accent mirrors like this simple one can make a small space feel bigger. It’s also a “safe” decor that goes with many house styles.

Modern Hotel Grade Shower Curtain

White Shower Curtain
Amazon

$22 from Amazon

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Don’t forget to upgrade to a fresh shower curtain in the bath. This white one goes with any decor and doesn’t require hooks for hanging.

Throw Blanket

Decorative Throw
Amazon

$20 from Amazon

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A decorative throw blanket carefully draped on a chair, sofa or bed is another stager tip. This knitted throw is available in 26 colors to complement any decor.

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Smiling senior woman in her kitchen drying a cup with a towel, she is leaning against the countertop, one window has sunshine coming inside
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Meet the Writer

Jennifer Magid has worked as a writer and editor in publishing and marketing for almost two decades. She has written for outlets ranging from InStyle magazine to Psychology Today and for a number of grocery and personal care brands. Jennifer is frugal by proxy: She is married to a certified cheapskate, which has been good for her wallet but bad for her shoe and handbag collections. These days, she never, ever buys her fashions at full price. Jennifer holds a Master’s in Journalism from New York University. She lives in Connecticut with her family and an admittedly expensive-to-maintain standard poodle — the one anomaly in her cheap lifestyle. Find out more about Jennifer at www.jennifermagid.com. You can reach her at [email protected].