The 3 Most Important Rooms to Stage When Selling Your Home (And How to Do It Right)

What Are the Most Important Rooms to Focus on When Selling?

Selling your home can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to do, and you want to make sure you get the best possible price. But here’s the good news: not every room needs the same level of attention. According to the 2025 National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Profile of Home Staging, buyers focus most on three key spaces. I was a bit surprised, as before I saw the chart, I chose another room to be in the top 3.

If you stage these rooms effectively, you’re far more likely to sell faster and for more money. In fact, staged homes can sell for 1% to 5% more than non-staged properties. On a $500,000 home, that could be an extra $5,000 to $ 25,000—just for making a few smart upgrades! When the word "staged" is mentioned, it isn't meant that you need to hire a professional stager. I give out free staging and furniture arranging advice, and it has paid off for many of my sellers with quick sales and establishing high prices for certain areas.

According to NAR, These are the Three Rooms

1. The living room

2. The primary bedroom

3. The kitchen

I think that for most people, the kitchen would be the number one room of most importance, but it's in 3rd place according to NAR. I agree that the living room is usually the first room you see, but most living rooms are blank slates when the sellers move out. I can look past sellers' personal decor. I know many buyers can't, but if I can tell they're not liking the furniture or the wall paint or the floor covering style or color, I will explain that these things can be changed.

I feel the same about the primary bedroom. If there is a private primary bathroom, I'm more interested in that than the bedroom itself. I'm also interested in the closets - walk-ins vs. sliding doors. Like the living room, the actual bedroom will be empty when the seller moves out.

How do you feel about the chart below? What are your most important rooms of a house that would factor in to your offer or choosing one house over another? Let me know in the comments below.

I'm also surprised that the bathroom falls so far down - to 6th place! I have viewed homes that really didn't work for us, but I was so wowed by a bathroom I struggled not to make an offer. I would think most people would be more impressed with a modern bathroom vs. a dining room. Like the living room and all bedrooms, the dining room will be a blank space when it's vacant, unless there are some nicely done built-ins, which I rarely see in dining rooms.

I have also been seduced by gorgeous yards and gardens in homes that otherwise didn't work, and we always tell sellers that curb appeal is so important. But I still think bathrooms would have been higher than the yard. The only time a yard might be more important is if a buyer is interested in acreage. Our prior home was on 1/2 acre lot, which was a nice size for the subdivision it was in. I know that was part of the allure of our place, but it was also redone inside with new flooring, updated bathrooms, and it showed great.

Why Staging These Rooms Matters

Staging isn’t about hiding flaws—it’s about helping buyers visualize their future in your home.

1. Living Room - (91% of sellers stage it, 71% of buyers’ agents say it’s important).
2. Primary Bedroom - (83% stage it, 71% say it influences decisions).
3. Kitchen - (68% stage it, 51% say it impacts buyer perceptions).

These stats aren’t random. Buyers today are influenced by TV shows like "Selling Sunset" or "Fixer Upper", where homes look immaculate. Nearly half (48%) expect that level of perfection, and 58% are disappointed when reality falls short. Staging bridges this gap, turning your home into a backdrop for their dreams.

The Payoff: Faster Sales and Higher Offers

Staging isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a financial strategy. Consider these findings:
- 29% of agents saw staged homes sell for 1%–10% more.
- 49% of agents reported that staged homes sell faster.

I agree with the above, although I can't put a price on what a staged home would get vs. unstaged. It would depend on what was done and the general appeal. For a $500,000 home, even a 1% increase means $5,000 extra. At 5%, that’s $25,000—enough to cover moving costs or a down payment on your next place.

Tips for Staging These Important Rooms

Imagine walking into a home where every corner feels inviting—a living room that begs for movie nights, a bedroom that whispers relaxation, and a kitchen ready for family meals. This isn’t just luck; it’s the magic of strategic staging. Let’s break down how to transform these spaces into buyer magnets.

The Living Room – Your First Impression Masterpiece

The living room sets the tone. Buyers imagine hosting friends or relaxing here, so make it feel spacious and welcoming.

Step 1: Declutter and Depersonalize
- Remove family photos, quirky collections, and excess decor. A minimalist space lets buyers project their own lives onto the room. Two homes ago, we had a cute house that was decorated in a shabby chic style. I removed a lot of wall decor and realized that as much as I loved it when it was up, everything looked sleeker and cleaner with it removed.
- Pro Tip: Use the “three-box method” (keep, donate, toss) to streamline decisions. This should be done for each room in the house.

Step 2: Craft a Conversation Zone
- Avoid lining furniture against walls. Arrange seating in a U-shape or around a coffee table to create intimacy. I've never been able to do this with most rooms, and I don't see it that often, with the exception of large, luxury homes.
- Leave clear pathways—buyers should be able to navigate the room easily.

Step 3: Neutralize Colors
- Soft grays, whites, or beiges appeal broadly. If your walls are bold, consider repainting. Brands like Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray or Benjamin Moore’s Simply White are crowd-pleasers.

Step 4: Maximize Light
- Clean windows, replace heavy drapes with sheer curtains, and add mirrors to reflect light. Well-lit rooms feel larger and happier.

The Primary Bedroom – A Serene Retreat

Buyers see the primary bedroom as a sanctuary. Your goal: create a vibe of calm and luxury.

Step 1: Embrace Minimalism
- Keep only essential furniture: a bed, nightstands, and a dresser. A cluttered room feels cramped.
- Pro Tip: Store off-season clothes to free up closet space. Buyers will peek inside!

Step 2: Layer Textures
- Invest in high-thread-count sheets, a fluffy duvet, and a few throw pillows. Add a faux fur rug for warmth.
- Stick to soothing colors: whites, soft blues, or muted greens.

Step 3: Highlight Storage
- Organize closets with matching hangers and baskets. Leave them half-empty to suggest ample space.

I still have a difficult time thinking that the primary bedroom is the 2nd room on the list. I remember listing a gorgeous townhouse, and everything was impeccable, with the exception of 2 things that I pointed out to the young sellers. Their decor and color choices were beautiful - they even had a relaxing Zen room with a waterfall feature. But in their primary bedroom, there was a ratty-looking bedspread that they must have had for many years. To them it probably felt comfy, but I suggested replacing it with a new bedspread, and for whatever reason I suggested a white one. I told them it doesn't need to be expensive and they followed my advice and it really made a difference in their bedroom. They were even pleasantly surprised at how nice it looked.

In their primary bathroom my eyes were drawn to the dirty light switch, of all things. I was almost embarrassed to point it out because, besides that one little item, their home was immaculate. When we live in a home, we get used to certain things because we live there and it's our "dirt". All it required was a quick wipe and maybe it was her make-up or something that wasn't noticed. I wish I could have just wiped it down myself, but I didn't have that opportunity, so I had to mention it to them.

Their place sold quickly and at the top of the price range, so I had happy sellers who used me to find them their dream house. It was a beautiful place that they still live in, along with their growing family.

The Kitchen – The Heart of the Home

Depending on your price range, your competition might not have a completely updated kitchen like the photo above. Even if your kitchen isn’t gourmet, staging can make it feel functional and fresh.

Step 1: Clear Countertops
- Tuck away small appliances (blenders, toasters). Leave only a sleek coffee maker or a fruit bowl.
- Pro Tip: Use under-cabinet lighting to brighten workspaces.

Step 2: Add Subtle Accents
- Place a vase of fresh flowers or a cutting board with artisan bread. Avoid strong scents—opt for lemon or vanilla diffusers instead. Although we've all read about baking cookies before a showing - and who has time for that, I'm not a fan of diffusers or air deodorizers that have any scent. When I've entered a home with a heavy scent from Plug-ins or whatever, buyers will say out loud, "What are they trying to hide?"

Step 3: Deep Clean
- Scrub grout, polish stainless steel, and degrease stovetops. Buyers will open the oven, so make sure it’s spotless.

Our last house-hunting journey took us to a nice home for sale in Scottsdale. The floor plan was OK, but the backyard was amazing. It was owned by a musician and since my husband is a musician, all of the displayed musical equipment (including a baby grand piano) put this house at the top of hubby's list. The primary bathroom was amazing. It was huge with a large sauna. But I wouldn't use a sauna, so that wasn't a selling point for me. I felt it was wasted space that I would have preferred to be used for more closet or bedroom space.

When walking into the kitchen, it looked nice - until I got up close to the cabinets. You could tell they were painted over (white), and it must have been a while back because it was chipping and old-looking. Even worse, the drawers were not smooth to pull open and closed. It appeared that the cabinets were at the end of their lifespan, and an old paint job just wasn't doing much to help. This kitchen needed new cabinets, and it was at the top of the price range for this style of house.

I immediately crossed that house off the list. I have to admit it was more than the shoddy kitchen cabinets. The laundry "room" wasn't a room at all. It was a little nook, and I can't remember what room it was off of, but it was on the main level. I still think about that gorgeous backyard to this day, though.

Your Action Plan: Staging Simplified

Ready to tackle these rooms? Follow this checklist:

Staging on a Budget? Try These Hacks

- Paint: A gallon of neutral paint costs $30–$50, but it can modernize a room instantly.
- Rent Furniture: Websites like Feather or CORT offer affordable rentals for key pieces. I try to work with existing furniture and have never had anyone rent furniture, but if you or your agent feels it is necessary, it might be something you should consider.
- DIY Art: Frame inexpensive prints or create abstract canvases with leftover paint. You can usually find inexpensive wall art at resale shops. One of my favorite pieces is from my favorite consignment shop (sadly, it closed during Covid and never reopened). This was a keeper piece that was a framed painting created with a leather background where some areas were painted, and there are two "jewels" on it. This cost $100, so not something to purchase just to stage a home unless you will use it at your next place. But I truly believe that blank walls do not give depth, and something should be hung unless the house is completely vacant.

The Bottom Line

Staging isn’t about perfection—it’s about possibility. By focusing on the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen, you’re tapping into buyer psychology and media-shaped expectations. As the NAR data shows, the effort pays off: quicker sales, higher offers, and less stress. So roll up your sleeves, channel your inner HGTV star, and get ready to impress!

Remember: You don’t need to hire a pro. With a little creativity and these actionable tips, your home can stand out in today’s competitive market.