How to Stage your Living Room with 'Pizzazz'

So your living room is not your family room and it's not the den so understanding the room itself is important when staging your home.  Most living rooms are viewed by buyers as an elegant space needed for special occasions or guests and creating an atmosphere that relates to this impression is important when staging this room.

1.  Many living rooms have a fireplace or window feature that emphasis it's purpose.  When staging this room it's important to take these special features into consideration by never obstructing the view that makes this room special.  From the doorway always look to the feature and if anything is obstructing the view change the placement of the furnishings so the special feature takes it's place as the most important focal point of the room.

2.  Accentuate the fireplace when your lucky enough to have one.  Place a wonderful and powerful piece of art above the mantel to emphasis this very special feature. Powerful does not contain any cultural, religious or personal messages.  The buyer's eye will guide itself to this feature without any effort at all.  

3.  When a fireplace is not available use the windows in this room as the focal point placing certain accents to accentuate the room.  Simple ways of doing this is by setting the stage.  Two chairs with a table and lamp is a good way to bring the buyers eye over to the window area.  Another idea is a single console table with a few accessories that make a statement but aren't personal in nature.  Now add the Pizzazz to a wall with a wonderful piece of art that is opposite to the window.  This idea provides balance to the room and the buyer will take in it's full effect.

4.   Furnishings should also be smaller in nature to enhance the size of the room.  Don't be afraid to replace the sofa you once felt was needed for seating for a love seat that takes up less space.  Equally, oversized chairs should always be removed.  Replace these chairs with elegant and smaller versions that will help increase the size of the room.

5.  Remove any accessory smaller then a football.  If you have built-in's keep this in mind and always use the of 1 or 3 accessory rule per shelf.

6.  An area rug that only measures slightly larger then the furnishings placed upon it is a great way to make this room feel elegant, warm and cozy without hiding the beautiful hardwood floors.  We are selling the home and flooring after all!   If your formal living room does not have hardwood floors never place a rug over carpeting.

Always keep this room open and inviting to allow a buyer the opportunity to appreciate it's purpose.