Carpet and Rug Tips for Home Staging: Flooring Matters When Selling Your Home
When it comes to selling a property, every detail counts, and one of the most important aspects that can make or break a sale is the flooring. Flooring plays a significant role in the overall appeal of a home, and in the world of home staging, it’s often one of the first things potential buyers notice. Carpet and rugs, in particular, can transform a room, create a warm atmosphere, and set the tone for the rest of the home.
If you’re planning to sell your home, here are some carpet and rug tips for home staging that will help maximise the appeal of your property and make a great first impression on potential buyers.
1. Choose Neutral Colours to Appeal to a Broader Audience
When staging your home, it’s crucial to select carpet and rug colours that are neutral and versatile. Light greys, beige, taupe, and soft creams are all excellent choices for staging. These colours create a clean, inviting atmosphere and allow buyers to easily visualise their own furniture and personal belongings in the space.
Bright or bold colours might appeal to your personal taste but could overwhelm or alienate potential buyers. Neutral tones, on the other hand, allow buyers to focus on the overall layout and feel of the room rather than being distracted by bold carpet colours. This approach also helps buyers imagine the space in their own style, which is key when preparing a home for sale.
2. Ensure Cleanliness and Freshness
One of the most important factors when staging a home is making sure the carpet and rugs look fresh and clean. Worn-out, dirty, or stained carpets can be a major turn-off for buyers, as they give the impression that the property hasn’t been well maintained. In fact, a dirty or worn carpet can even deter buyers from looking further into the property, regardless of how great the rest of the home looks.
Before listing your home, make sure to professionally clean the carpets. If the carpets are too old or heavily stained to clean effectively, it might be worth replacing them with new, neutral-toned carpet or opting for stylish rugs that can easily be removed or replaced if necessary.
3. Consider Adding Area Rugs to Define Spaces
In homes with open-plan layouts or larger rooms, it can be helpful to use area rugs strategically to define different spaces and create a cosy atmosphere. A well-placed rug can add warmth, texture, and colour to a room, and help separate areas such as the living room from the dining area or a reading nook from the main living space.
Opt for rugs that complement the existing colour scheme and furniture. For example, if the room features a neutral palette, consider adding a rug with a subtle pattern or texture to create interest without overwhelming the space. A rug can also highlight the room’s functionality, such as a large rug in the lounge area to define the space for socialising or a smaller rug near the bed to create a comfortable, relaxing environment.
4. Replace Damaged or Worn Carpets
While you may love your carpets, if they are worn, frayed, or damaged, they could hurt the sale of your home. Buyers will notice flaws in the flooring, which could make them question the overall condition of the home. If your carpet is beyond repair or shows significant wear, it’s worth investing in new flooring.
New carpet adds value and helps create a fresh, modern look that appeals to buyers. If you are not keen on replacing the entire carpet, consider replacing the most damaged areas or focusing on key rooms, such as the living room, bedrooms, or hallways, where the flooring is most visible.
Alternatively, consider hardwood floors or laminate, as these are often more durable and easier to maintain, and they have become very popular with Australian home buyers. If you’re on a budget, opt for affordable yet stylish rugs that can be placed over the existing carpet to add a fresh look.
5. Match Carpet and Rugs to the Room's Function
Different rooms serve different purposes, and your choice of carpet and rugs should reflect that. For example, in a high-traffic area such as the living room or hallway, choose durable and easy-to-clean carpet materials like wool or synthetic blends. These materials are not only hard-wearing but also create a welcoming atmosphere that buyers will appreciate.
In the bedrooms, a plush, soft carpet can create a sense of luxury and comfort, which is particularly important for buyers looking for a restful environment. Consider using a high-quality rug or soft, neutral-toned carpet in these rooms to emphasise relaxation and serenity.
6. Make Sure Rugs are the Right Size for the Room
When using area rugs in home staging, size really does matter. An improperly sized rug can make the room feel disjointed or poorly designed. As a general rule, rugs should be large enough to anchor the furniture and create balance in the room. In a living room, for instance, a rug should ideally be large enough to cover the area beneath the coffee table, with the front legs of the sofa and chairs resting on it.
In bedrooms, a rug should be placed at the foot of the bed or under the entire bed, depending on the size of the room. Make sure the rug complements the layout of the furniture and doesn’t feel too small or out of place in the space.
7. Avoid Strong Odours and Allergens
If you have pets or children, carpets and rugs can often absorb smells and allergens that may not be immediately noticeable but could turn off potential buyers. Before staging your home, make sure to remove any lingering pet odours or dust by having the carpets professionally cleaned. Consider using a carpet deodoriser to freshen up the space and ensure it smells inviting.
In some cases, it may be worth removing the carpet altogether and replacing it with hardwood or tile flooring, which tends to hold fewer odours and allergens. Alternatively, use area rugs that can be cleaned easily, especially if you're staging a home that sees a lot of foot traffic.
Conclusion: Flooring Sets the Tone for a Sale
Carpet and rugs are not just about comfort—they are a key element in home staging that can make a significant impact on the sale of your property. By choosing neutral colours, ensuring cleanliness, and strategically using rugs to define spaces, you can enhance the appeal of your home and create an atmosphere that resonates with potential buyers.
Remember, flooring matters when selling your home. It’s one of the first things buyers will notice, and a well-staged home with well-chosen carpets and rugs can give your property the competitive edge it needs to sell faster and for a higher price.
