Staging Occupied Homes: Do Homeowners Really Sleep in Those Perfect Beds?
One of the most common questions we receive from both homeowners and home stagers new to occupied staging alike is about the practicality of staging occupied homes. Specifically, when it comes to those picture-perfect bedrooms with dreamy bedspreads and super fluffy pillows, many wonder: do the homeowners actually sleep in those perfectly staged beds?
The Reality of Living in a Staged Home
When staging an occupied home, the goal is to create a marketable space that appeals to potential buyers while remaining functional for the current homeowners. This delicate balance is especially true in the bedrooms, where effective staging can dramatically enhance the space’s appeal, yet homeowners still need to use them on a daily basis.
Common Approaches to Staged Bedrooms
Based on our experience working with occupied homes, here are the three most common approaches to managing staged bedding:
1. The Swap
Many stagers implement what we call a “swap,” where the stagers:
- Set up show-ready bedding for photographs and viewings
- Provide homeowners with separate, easy-to-use bedding for nighttime
- Or, the show bedspread covers homeowners’ day-to-day bedspread
- Creating a simple process and a visual aid for homeowners to switch between the two
This approach allows the home to maintain its staged appearance during showings while still being practical for daily living.
2. Living With the Staging
Some homeowners do actually sleep in the staged bedding. In these cases:
- The stager provides detailed instructions on maintaining the bed’s appearance
- Homeowners will purchase new bedding based on the stagers’ recommendations and learn how to make the bed to keep the staged look
- Extra care is taken by the homeowners to keep linens clean and wrinkle-free
This approach works best for meticulous homeowners who don’t mind the extra effort involved in maintaining the staged aesthetic.
3. The Hybrid Method
Perhaps the most common solution is a hybrid approach where:
- Decorative elements (throw pillows, bolsters, and coverlets) are removed at night
- Base bedding (sheets and functional pillows) remain in place (if in good condition)
- Decorative elements are quickly replaced before showings
This compromise balances practicality with aesthetic appeal.
Finding What Works for the Homeowners
The right approach depends on several factors:
- How frequently the home will be shown
- The homeowner’s comfort level and willingness to maintain the staging
- The specific requirements of the local real estate market
- The individual stager’s professional practices
As stagers, it’s critical to discuss the staging process with your clients—both real estate agents and homeowners— to ensure everyone is on the same page and that the staging aligns with the homeowner’s lifestyle. The homeowners, being fairly new to the staging and selling process, may not fully understand what they are getting themselves into. Living in a staged home can be challenging, especially when there is a need to quickly re-stage the space for last-minute showings.
We must communicate clearly and set proper expectations so that homeowners understand how to maintain the staged environment while they are living in their homes and being on the market at the same time.
Why This Matters for Your Home Sale
Properly staged bedrooms can significantly influence buyer perception, particularly in the primary bedroom. According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell faster and for higher prices than their non-staged counterparts. However, this success relies on maintaining the staged appearance throughout the selling process.
Imagine coming across a beautiful listing online, only to find dirty dishes and laundry scattered everywhere during an in-person visit. This stark contrast can lead to a disappointing first impression, which may negatively affect potential buyers—especially if they are viewing multiple homes in one day.
No matter which approach you recommend to your home sellers, the goal remains the same: to present the home in its best possible light while maintaining the homeowners’ quality of life during the selling process as much as possible.
Have you staged many occupied homes? What were your experiences? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Looking for more home staging insights? Join our membership community Stagers’ Adventure Club for monthly expert talks and additional support for your staging journey.
