Does staging help sell a house? Yes, most of the time, it does. While it won’t magically raise your home’s value, strategic staging can make your space more appealing to buyers, helping it sell faster and potentially a higher sale price.

The impact can make all the difference in your sale. In this Redfin article, we’re breaking down when staging is worth the effort, when it’s not, and how to get the biggest return—whether you hire a professional or go the DIY route.

What is home staging, really?

Home staging is the process of preparing your home to appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. That means cleaning, decluttering, and arranging furniture in a way that highlights your home’s best features, often with neutral decor and minimal personal items.

Staging isn’t about decorating to your taste. It’s about helping buyers picture themselves living there. Whether it’s adding cozy touches to a vacant room or reworking the layout to make a space feel larger, good staging tells a story.

Does staging increase the sale price?

The short answer: sometimes—but it’s not guaranteed.

While staging alone won’t drastically boost your home's market value, it can support your asking price by helping your home show better and stand out in listing photos and tours. Some sellers do see a return, but it depends on the market and the property.

Here’s what staging can actually do when it comes to price:

• Make your home appear move-in ready, which can justify a higher asking price.
• Prevent lowball offers by helping buyers emotionally connect with the space.
• Reduce the likelihood of price reductions by creating a strong first impression.
• Help buyers overlook minor flaws, which can keep negotiations smoother.
• Improve listing photos, which often look more appealing when a space is clean, styled, and thoughtfully staged—compared to empty or cluttered rooms.

Some experts say staged homes can sell for 1% to 5% more, but that varies widely by location and buyer demand. Ultimately, staging is more about helping your home compete than inflating its value.

Why professional staging matters
“The old saying ‘penny wise, pound foolish’ couldn’t be more relevant than when preparing your home for sale,” says the team at The Everset, a New York City–based company offering both designer-curated furniture rental and home staging services.

“Professional staging doesn’t just make a home look nice—it creates an emotional connection that drives buyers to act. While virtual staging or DIY efforts might seem more affordable, they often fall short. Virtual staging can mislead, leaving buyers underwhelmed when they see the real space, while DIY staging often results in poor space planning, clutter, and mismatched scale. Professional staging delivers professional results—and real returns.”

Does staging help homes sell faster?

Yes—staged homes often sell faster than unstaged ones. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, 31% of sellers’ agents said staging significantly reduced the time a home spent on the housing market. 

When a home looks clean, inviting, and move-in ready, buyers are more likely to act quickly. Staging can make your listing photos pop, increase foot traffic during showings, and help your home stay top-of-mind in a competitive market. 

Psychology behind staging

Staging works because it taps into how people make emotional decisions. Most buyers decide within minutes whether a home feels right. A well-staged home creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that helps buyers picture themselves living there.

Neutral colors, balanced layouts, and subtle decor allow buyers to mentally “move in” without distraction. Instead of focusing on flaws or awkward spaces, they’re more likely to connect with the lifestyle the home suggests. That emotional connection can motivate faster—and stronger—offers.

When staging makes the most sense

Staging isn’t one-size-fits-all, but in certain situations, it can make a major difference. Here’s when it’s usually worth the investment:

• Vacant homes: Empty rooms can feel cold and confusing. Staging gives them warmth, scale, and purpose.
• Slow or competitive markets: If buyers have options, staging helps your home stand out and feel memorable.
• Luxury listings: High-end buyers expect a polished, aspirational look, and staging helps deliver it.
• Awkward or unique layouts: Smart staging can show buyers how to use an unusual space effectively.
• Online-first buyers: If your market relies heavily on listing photos, staging can boost clicks and showing requests.

Empty rooms don’t sell dreams
“We want buyers to walk in and say, ‘Wow, I want to live here,’” shares the team at The Everset. “That’s almost impossible to achieve with an empty space. Most people struggle to visualize how a room could look—or how it could feel. Empty rooms can even seem smaller because there’s no furniture to provide scale.

The right furnishings make a space feel larger, more inviting, and ultimately, more desirable.”

When staging might not be necessary

Staging can be a great tool, but it’s not always essential. In some cases, your time and money might be better spent elsewhere. For example:

• In a hot seller’s market: When homes are selling in days with multiple offers, staging may not make a meaningful difference.
• If the home is a fixer-upper or likely to be renovated: Buyers focused on the potential often look past furniture and décor.
• When the home is already well-maintained and lived-in: A clean, decluttered, and tastefully decorated home may not need much staging.
• If your budget is tight: Small improvements like paint, repairs, or landscaping might offer more return than professional staging.

The bottom line: if your home already shows well or demand is high in your area, staging may be optional rather than essential.

Low-cost alternatives to full staging

If full-service staging isn’t in the budget, don’t worry, you can still make a big impact with some budget-friendly strategies. These small updates can help your home shine without the high price tag:

• Declutter and depersonalize: Clear off counters, remove excess furniture, and store personal items to make rooms feel more spacious and neutral.
• Deep clean everything: A spotless home signals that it’s well cared for. Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and baseboards.
• Rearrange what you have: Use your existing furniture to create open, functional layouts. Highlight focal points like fireplaces or big windows.
• Add simple, fresh touches: Think throw pillows, neutral bedding, fresh flowers, or a bowl of fruit in the kitchen.
• Try virtual staging: If your home is vacant, digitally adding furniture to your listing photos can give buyers a sense of scale and layout—at a fraction of the cost.

The power of pillows (and other finishing touches)
“Details matter—especially in staging,” notes the team at The Everset. “Accessories like throw pillows, decor, and luxurious bedding can instantly elevate a space. Even budget-friendly furniture can feel high-end when styled with quality materials, layered textures, and thoughtful accents. In bedrooms, especially, premium bedding can completely transform the perception of the space.”

Final verdict: does staging help sell a house?

In many cases, yes—staging can absolutely help sell a house. It’s not a magic bullet, but it can make your home more appealing, reduce time on market, and support your asking price. Although, if your market is hot or your home already shows well, simple DIY updates might be enough. 

The best approach? Talk to your real estate agent. They’ll know what buyers in your area expect and whether staging is likely to pay off for your specific home.

Does staging help sell a house: FAQs

Is home staging tax deductible?

Generally, home staging expenses aren’t tax deductible because they are considered personal costs related to selling your home. However, if you’re staging a property for a business purpose, like an investment or rental property, some costs might qualify. It’s best to consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

>> Read: Tax Benefits of Owning a Home: Tax Breaks, Incentives, and More

What are the disadvantages of staging a house?

The main downside is cost—professional staging isn’t cheap, especially if your home sits on the market for a while. It can also be time-consuming to coordinate and may feel inconvenient if you’re still living in the home. Plus, if staging isn’t done well, it can come off as impersonal or even distract from the actual features of the home.

Is it better to stage a house or sell it empty?

In most cases, staging is better than leaving a home empty. Vacant spaces can feel cold and make it harder for buyers to visualize how to use the space. Staging helps create a sense of scale, warmth, and livability.

How much does staging cost on average?

Staging costs vary widely depending on your home size and location. On average, full professional staging can range from $600 to $4,000 for a few weeks. Some sellers spend less by staging just key rooms or using partial or virtual staging options.

Can I stage my home myself?

Absolutely. Many sellers successfully stage their own homes by decluttering, rearranging furniture, deep cleaning, and adding simple decorative touches. DIY staging can be a cost-effective way to highlight your home’s best features and attract buyers.