Have you ever walked into a small space and immediately felt claustrophobic? As a real estate agent who works with condo sellers, it’s happened to me many times. And I can tell you from experience, it’s harder to sell a unit that feels cramped. The good news is, embracing the principles of staging can make even the smallest condo feel more spacious.
Unfortunately, many people are hesitant to stage. I can’t tell you how many sellers hold showings without considering the impact that their personal design choices will have on buyers. Worse yet, many investors put their units on the market while they’re still sitting empty. The truth is, a great staging transformation can make a condo feel bigger, brighter, and (ultimately) more comfortable.
If you’re ready to sell your small condo, here are five tips to open it up through staging—and create an aesthetic that buyers will love.
1) Declutter ruthlessly
If you’re staging a small condo, I have one word for you: edit. Cut back on the clutter in your home as much as possible. Because no matter how much you love your belongings, having too many of them is bound to make your space appear overcrowded.
I know decluttering can be a daunting task. That’s why I advise starting small. Get rid of any items you no longer want or need by giving them away, donating them to charity, or (if they’re unsalvageable) tossing them out. Next up, relocate small appliances and other possessions you want to keep that don’t contribute to the clean aesthetic buyers look for in a home.
2) Scale down your decor
Take a good, hard look at your existing décor. Do those oversized pendulum light fixtures overpower your living room? What about your bulky bookcase or coffee table—are they taking up more space than they need to? If the answer is yes, removing these items can help maximize the space you have.
I know—you probably love your home furnishings. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean they’re doing your small condo any favours. Consider removing oversized items in your home to make way for smaller, sleeker pieces. Remember that the right décor can make a statement without being imposing.
3) Be mindful of colour
Colour can have a major impact on how a room feels. If your staging efforts include repainting, opt for light, neutral shades. You may have heard that white can make a home feel bigger, and that’s often true. But the goal should be to make your condo feel inviting, as well as more spacious. That’s why light neutrals with warm tones are often the perfect option. Think cream, pale blue-grey, or beige with golden undertones.
You might also want to consider adding an accent wall in a complimentary colour. This type of contrast can add visual interest without making your condo seem overly “busy.”
4) Let the light in
If there’s one thing I know about decorating, it’s that dingy lighting can make a home feel smaller. To combat this effect, consider using white LED lightbulbs that cast a warm glow. You should also seek out areas that aren’t well lit—like shadowy corners and dark hallways. Adding a floor lamp can go a long way toward highlighting hidden square footage.
Using multiple lighting sources can also help you create a more multifaceted space. For example, layering ambient, accent, and task lighting can call attention to the many ways that a small condo is able to meet a home hunter’s needs.
5) Rearrange your furniture
I’ve already mentioned the potential benefits of scaling down your furnishings, but placement is just as important. If your space is feeling cramped, consider rearranging your furniture. Focus on the overall flow of the room. Is the couch far enough away from the coffee table? Is it easy to walk around the room without bumping into obstacles?
You might also want to think about your mix of furniture. Let’s say you have an open concept kitchen and living room, without a full separating wall between the two. If you have a couch, loveseat, and several chairs, you may only be highlighting one of the purposes of your room. Removing your loveseat and some of your chairs could make way for a small dining room set, which would allow potential buyers to see just how functional your condo really is.
If you’re considering staging, the best advice I can give you is to consult with a professional stager. A good real estate agent will have the experience to assess whether you’re unit needs to be staged—and provide a great recommendation.
Wondering if staging is right for your small condo? Send me a message and we can review your options.
