The dining room is one of the 4 most important areas to stage – and one of our favorites, since there are so may possibilities.
First to consider are the house style, color scheme and size, as well as the target buyers’ lifestyle. It’s important to define the area – whether there is already a designated room, a chandelier, or just an open plan that you can simply define with an area rug. Central to any dining room is the table – the focal point that will draw the buyer’s eye. Its shape, size and material should fit with the space in style, color and scale. It should be centered under the chandelier, if there is one in place. If you’re hanging a chandelier, it needs to be between 30-36 inches above the table. For staging, it’s best to have four chairs in order not to overwhelm the space – unless the table is large enough to comfortably seat six.
Next step is to create a tablescape. We like the simplicity of the table runner with a beautiful centerpiece. Sometimes the condition or color of the table calls for the tablecloth, in which case you want to make sure you lay out the table settings to break up its visual weight.
Centerpiece can be one large item or a grouping of several smaller pieces. You can use a vase with flowers, bowl filled with fruit, decorative serving platters, or candles. The centerpiece needs to be proportionate to the size of the table and it’s proximity to the light fixture – or the or lack of one. When it comes to the table settings, its best to keep it clean and simple. There is no need to add silverware, and glassware is optional. A fine china set can add to the overall style – whether it’s more traditional, or adding a pop of color. Cloth napkins are also a nice touch.
If space permits, an addition of the sideboard could contribute to the set up – and provide the storage space to put away the clutter during the showings. Another option is a bar cart that can be staged depending on the buyer demographics as a coffee station, wine tasting bar, or hydration station with water and soft drinks.
Happy Staging!