Like many professional home stagers, I like to peruse online photos of local MLS listings. There are three common mistakes I see again and again when it comes to bedrooms, and the solution is very easy, once you know what to do. Take a look at the "before" picture and see if you can identify 3 (or more!) common mistakes that sellers make when preparing their home for MLS photos. Then scroll down for the "after" photo.
Mistake #1: Comforter pulled up over the pillows
Back in the 1960s and 70s, people used bedspreads that came up over the pillows and tucked under the front edge. That doesn't work so well with today's comforters or duvets--it just looks odd. The comforter should either be folded down, or it should be pulled up to the head of the bed with the pillows placed over it. Then add a couple of pillows with shams (Euro or regular size), and 2 or 3 accent pillows for a polished, pulled-together look.
Mistake #2: No bedskirt
Yikes! The bed is almost naked without a skirt! I cannot believe how often I see MLS photos of bedrooms with the metal bedframe showing. Sometimes it looks as if the bed is floating in midair. Please please please, at the very minimum, get a plain white bedskirt, cover up the metal frame, and give the bed a firm foundation.
Mistake #3: Flat or mismatched pillows
This is such a common mistake that I don't think people even realize what their pillows look like. In the "before" photo, the pillow on the right is way thinner than the one on the left, giving the bed a lopsided look. If you are a seller who is doing their own DIY home staging, get a couple of fluffy new matching pillows and put the old ones away.
A final word, then the big reveal
Styling a bed is not everyone's thing, but DIY'ers can get great results by avoiding these 3 common mistakes. Another fail-proof way to get great looking bedroom photos is to purchase a bedding ensemble and make your bed exactly like the bed in the photo on the packaging.
Of course, the absolute best way for sellers to make sure their home is photo-ready is to make an appointment with a home stager who will help prepare the home to sell faster and for more money.
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