How to Stage Furniture to Sell
Let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked when selling furniture - but can completely change how quickly (and for how much) your piece sells. Before you even snap a photo, pause and ask yourself: What am I really selling here?
Here is my answer…
A Lifestyle
While the furniture itself is the star, what truly makes it irresistible is the feeling it creates.
Inviting, cozy, and functional styling helps buyers picture it in their own home - not just as a piece of furniture, but as a part of their everyday life. And that’s what will sell it.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases through affiliate links.
Professionalism
When it comes to selling furniture, professionalism doesn’t just come from the piece itself - it comes from how it’s presented. Clear, bright photos will instantly set your listing apart.
Natural light is your best friend (sorry bestie!). Photograph your furniture near a window during the day, avoiding harsh shadows or dark corners. If natural light isn’t an option, consider using a ring light or softbox to brighten the space.
Don’t underestimate the power of editing. A quick adjustment of brightness, contrasts, and sharpness can make your photos look crisp and polished, without misrepresenting the piece. Clean, professional images signal to buyers that you care about quality - and that builds trust.
Editing
I strongly recommend using Canva or Photoshop as an editing tool. I use Canva to add my watermark to every.single.photo. I use Photoshop for editing. This app helps with adjusting brightness, add or remove shadows, and even eliminate unwanted items (power outlets, knicks and pin holes on the walls, dirt or dust on the floor) that may distract from the main subject. Don’t go too nuts with saturation or brightness, you don’t want to misrepresent how the piece actually looks in person, but trust me - Photoshop makes a huge difference to your photos, so play around with it!
Staging Strategy
Staging is where the magic happens. It’s not just about showing the furniture - it’s about helping potential buyers imagine it in their home.
Here is my go-to strategy:
Play with Height - Add decor of varying heights (Lamps, vases, frames, candlesticks, coffeetable books) to create visual interest
Layer Textures - Pair hard surfaces with soft textures (ceramics, greenery, woven baskets, wood beads and bowls, fabrics)
Keep it Balanced - Style both sides evenly so the piece feels anchored, but avoid making it look overly symmetrical or stiff.
Focus on Attractiveness - Use simple, timeless decor that complements but doesn’t overshadow the furniture.
Stick to a Theme - If you are styling an MCM piece, stick with modern, minimalist decor. If you have an old vintage dresser, you may lean into tapered candlesticks, vintage chairs, ornate framed art or pictures. Be careful not to blend eras and styles together. Sometimes it works, but sometimes it can look awkward.
Here is a list of Staging items I love - and to offer you inspiration and options!
Play with Height
Layer Textures
Optional other Items
As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases through affiliate links.
Was this blog helpful for you? I would love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment or a question, or anything you want to add. I have been doing this for a while now and honestly, staging is all about having fun with home decor. It’s my favourite part of my job, and I am happy to share my experience with all of you!