The 3 Biggest Home Staging Mistakes People Make When Trying to Sell Their Houses (And Why You’re Pro

Selling a house? Great. Trying to stage it yourself? Probably not so great. The truth is, most people get home staging completely wrong, thinking a little fluffing of pillows and some beige paint will have buyers lined up at the door. Wrong. The problem? You're following outdated advice that doesn't actually help your home stand out.

At DesignGaga, we’re here to blow the lid off the three biggest home staging mistakes people make, so you can avoid the cringe-worthy errors that could cost you a sale. Ready for a reality check?

1. Mistake #1: Going Too Neutral

Ah, the classic staging advice: paint everything beige, make it neutral, keep it safe. Well, here’s the thing—safe is boring, and boring doesn't sell. Buyers want to be wowed, not lulled into a beige-induced nap. Sure, you don’t want to assault their senses with lime green walls, but that doesn’t mean you should make your home look like an oatmeal-colored void.

What to do instead: Keep the main palette neutral but don’t be afraid of bold accents. A deep navy accent wall, some vibrant artwork, or a pop of color in your decor can breathe life into an otherwise forgettable space. Neutral is fine, but personality is what makes your home memorable.

2. Mistake #2: Over-Staging Like It’s a Furniture Showroom

Here’s a secret: buyers aren’t here to admire your perfectly arranged throw pillows or catalog-style furniture setups. Over-staging makes a home feel more like a museum than a place someone actually wants to live in. Buyers should imagine themselves living in the space, not feel like they’re about to knock over a perfectly placed bowl of fake fruit.

What to do instead: Keep it real. Scale back on the hyper-styled vignettes and make the space feel livable. A slightly rumpled blanket over the couch or a few everyday items can give the home a sense of life, not a staged scene from a bad rom-com. Staging is about creating possibilities for buyers, not putting them in an overly polished box.

3. Mistake #3: Ignoring the Power of Lighting

Let’s be blunt: bad lighting is a home sale killer. Dark, dimly lit rooms make your home feel smaller, older, and less inviting. Yet somehow, people forget to address the lighting when staging. If your lighting situation is limited to a sad overhead bulb and a dusty lampshade, you're doing it wrong.

What to do instead: Layered lighting is key. Open the blinds, let in natural light, and add table and floor lamps to brighten up the space. Warm, soft lighting makes rooms feel cozy, while harsh overhead lights can make them feel sterile. You want buyers to feel at home, not like they're in a doctor's office.

At DesignGaga, we know that the devil is in the details when it comes to staging. Skip the beige-overload, tone down the showroom perfection, and let there be light. It’s time to stage smarter, not harder.