Category: Dining Rooms

Dining Rooms

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Bedrooms Dining Rooms Living Rooms

Just In! New Bedroom Sets & More!

Our designers are constantly on the lookout for the latest trends and styles for the home. If you’re shopping for a new bedroom set, updated living room furniture or décor for the dining room, here are some of our best new arrivials.

New Bedroom Sets

The Marquee King Bedroom by Michael Amini is built to bring a beautiful and sophisticated aesthetic to your bedroom. The eight-piece set has a glamourous, high-end appeal thanks to its polished surfaces, rich fabric and use of stainless-steel details.

We also love the Sandra Queen Bedroom Set for its clean lines and asymmetrical style. Sleek and modern, the five-piece set has a cool plank design on the headboard, as well as cubbies on the base for customization.

New Living Room Sets

The Arezzo Leather Living Room Set in terracotta is all you need to relax and rejuvenate after a hard day. Featuring a sofa and loveseat, this two-piece set is wrapped in 100% top-grain leather for soft, welcoming comfort.

If you’re looking to add a pop of color to a modern living room, we recommend this Chamberlin Teal Living Room Set in Teal. Its vibrant color blends sophisticated style with casual comfort for sleek, mid-century look.

New Dining Room Sets

Elevate your dining space with this five-piece Haddock Dinette Set. Its smooth espresso-cherry finish and interlocking “X” style base will give your dining room modern and sophisticated look.

We also love this Ogden Dinette Set, which is made with solid pine and veneer and features a rustic, distressed-gray finish. The six-piece collection includes a table, bench and four chairs.

We’re always adding new styles and collections for every room of the home at The RoomPlace. Visit our furniture stores in Chicago and Indianapolis to see the latest additions or shop online at www.theroomplace.com. With our affordable pricing and flexible financing options, you can get it all at The RoomPlace!

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Dining Rooms

Top Benefits of Concrete Dining Tables

concrete slab dining table

concrete slab dining table

Concrete has been a hot trend for some time now—and it shows no sign of cooling off. People are turning to concrete over other natural stones for everything from kitchen counters and flooring to dining room furniture. If you’re currently shopping for a new dining room table, here are some of the pros and cons of concrete dining room tables.

PROS

Durability

There’s no question dining room tables take a beating. From hot dishes and drinks to spills and scratching, it can be difficult to keep them looking like new. However, concrete dining room tables are extremely durable. They’re sturdy, strong and heat- and scratch-resistant, which means they’ll last for years with little wear and tear.

Easy to Clean

Cement dining room sets are also very easy to clean because they are water-resistant, unlike other common dining room table materials such as wood. Concrete dining room tables can be wiped down with mild soap and water and doing so regularly will help ensure your table stays in excellent shape.

Sleek & Modern

If your home has a modern aesthetic, concrete tables are ideal. They easily complement sleek, contemporary dining rooms, whether they have an industrial-chic vibe or more of a mid-century look.

CONS

Needs Sealant

Concrete is not without its flaws, though there are few. One con is the fact that the material is porous. This means that it can easily absorb liquid and needs to be sealed immediately after purchase and resealed every one to three years. Sealant can be damaged by extreme heat, sharp knives and harsh cleaners, so it’s also important to stay on top of your sealant schedule.

At The RoomPlace, you can get it all: modern furniture that is stylish, durable and affordable. Check out our sleek dining room sets online at www.theroomplace.com or visit any of our showrooms throughout Illinois and Indiana to see them in person.

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Dining Rooms Home Decor

Bar Stool Height Guide

Finding the perfect bar stools can be tricky. Not only is there color, style, and material to consider, but the right height is critical to a stool that is as functional as it is stylish. Narrowing down the right height for your bar, counter, or table is a great place to start when picking stools.

How Much Space Do You Need for Bar Stools?

When adding barstools to a counter or table, you need to bring legroom into the equation. You should leave about 10 inches between a seat and the counter or table. This distance is usually the most comfortable for someone of average height. To figure out how tall your chairs should be, grab a measuring tape, pencil, and paper. Measure from the floor to the top of the counter or table surface. Write down that number and subtract 10 inches to get the height of the stool you need for that space.

Remember to also measure the length of the counter to determine the number of stools that can fit in the space. A good rule of thumb is to allow 28 inches for each place setting.

COUNTER STOOLS

counter stools.jpg

What is the Difference Between Counter Height and Bar Height?

Overall, counter stools and bar stools are pretty similar. They both come in similar styles, and you can find options with and without backs. However, there is a bit of a height difference between the two. Counter-height bar stools tend to have a seat height of 24 inches, which makes them a great choice for most breakfast bars and kitchen counters. Keeping the 10-inch legroom rule in mind, they’re ideal for dining tables in the 34-39 inch range.

Bar-height stools are slightly taller and usually have a seat height of 30 inches. You may also see these called pub stools, and while pub stools are typically the same height, you always want to double-check product specifications. Bar stools work well with tables in the 40-43 inch range.

BAR STOOLS

bar stool

A third stool option is the table stool, but these aren’t sold at a standard height. If you want table stools, you’ll most likely need to purchase them as part of a dining set, but sometimes you can find them available individually. For a standard height table, look for a short stool or bench in the 18-22 inch range.

TABLE STOOLS

table stoolIf you have a non-standard height counter or table, adjustable-height bar stools will be your best bet. The seat height on these stools can be adjusted up to 10 inches to perfectly fit your space. At The RoomPlace you’ll find dozens of stools in all sizes and styles. Shop our collection online or visit our showrooms in the Chicago or Indianapolis to find the right one for you.

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Bedrooms Cleaning & Organizing Design Tips Dining Rooms DIY Entertaining Home Decor Living Rooms Mattresses Room Makeovers

Eco-Friendly at The Roomplace

Make your choice Green!

What do you consider when you are choosing a place to buy furniture? We’re sure you probably think about the quality, cost, delivery options, financing, warranties, selection and reputation of the brand and/or furniture retailer. Is it fair to say that those are the most important factors? Maybe not. Have you ever considered not purchasing furniture from a retailer because they aren’t green, as in eco-friendly?

With the changes in the earth’s atmosphere, the concept of “going green” has gone from being a craze to being a lifestyle change for many people. Blue recycling bins can be found virtually everywhere, along with people who are willing to play their part to save our environment. However, saving our environment only begins with the small things that can fit into a can. What about larger items, such as a mattress, living room furniture or bedroom furniture? Do you think recycling furniture is eco-friendly?

How do I dispose of old furniture?

There are quite a few ways you can dispose of your old furniture to make room for a new set. If your furniture is still in decent condition, one of the best and most eco-friendly ways to get rid of it is by selling. This might take a little longer than calling a junk removal company, but it’s better for the planet. Plus, it will give you some extra money to spend on new The RoomPlace furniture. When you have furniture that’s in less-than-great condition, consider recycling. Not all furniture is easy to recycle, but you can usually find a way to do it depending on the base materials. For example, metal can be taken a scrap dealer.

How do I dispose of old mattresses?

If you’ve been browsing our selection of The RoomPlace mattresses and are wondering what to do with your current one, you have a few options. Mattresses aren’t something you usually want to sell, and depending on your state, there can even be some legal restrictions for selling a used mattress. This doesn’t mean you have to take a trip to the dump, though.

Here’s an interesting fact: While mattresses are one of the most difficult items to recycle, “95% of the material in mattresses is recyclable. Metal springs can be recycled and the steel reused. Polyurethane foam can be shredded and used for carpet pads and insulation. Wood in foundations can be processed by wood chippers used for fuel or mulch. (Source: Enviro-Recycle)” Powered with that knowledge, let us ask what do you think about recycling your old mattress. Would you go through a few extra steps to make sure your mattress is disposed of in an eco-friendly way? Or better yet, will your furniture retailer recycle your old mattress?

Do I have to call a private service to get rid of my old mattress?

You don’t always have to use a private service to dispose of your mattress. The furniture store you’re buying from will likely pick up your old mattress when they deliver your new one. However, it’s what they do with your mattress that matters.

While many companies prefer just throwing away that old mattress, The RoomPlace and our 300,000 square foot Distribution Center is playing a role in protecting our planet by being eco-friendly and recycling it. In fact, we are not only recycling mattresses, but The RoomPlace also recycles the packing materials such as the cardboard, Styrofoam and the plastic that is used to protect your bedroom or living room furniture prior to delivery.

Now, this is no small feat as the Distribution Center is responsible for supporting 21 stores within the Chicagoland and Indiana area. That means literally tons of recyclable material enter and exit those doors daily. For a better understanding of how much is recycled on a monthly basis, let’s review the numbers:

The Room Place recycles 41.835 tons of cardboard per month on average.

Fun Fact: Recycling 1 ton of cardboard saves 9 cubic yards of landfill space and 46 gallons of oil. (Source: Earth911)

Monthly The Room Place recycles 675 pounds of Styrofoam per month on average.

Fun Fact: A male Siberian Tiger (Amur Tiger) typically weighs between 450 – 675 lbs. (Source: Pittsburgh Zoo)

1,116 pounds of plastic is recycled through The Room Place’s Plastic Bailer Per Month.

Fun Fact: 1,116 pounds is equivalent to lifting 11 couches or 13 love seats from the Bravado Collection. By the way, the Bravado Living Room Collection is made of eco-leather and from an eco-friendly manufacturer.

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Design Tips Dining Rooms DIY Featured Home Decor Room Makeovers

Bring Farmhouse To Your Dining Room with Interior Designer, Kyle Schuneman!

For me, the key to any successful room is layering.  To achieve a farmhouse feel you want to add the right amount of different textures to get that eclectic yet relaxed vibe.  Mixing wood tones with metals and linens is a great recipe to get there.

Where to Start

For this room design, I started with…what else? The dining table! It’s the star of any dining room and should anchor the space so this large Cordova table feels substantial and interesting enough to hold the attention of the other pieces.  Next, it’s all about accessorizing with the chairs. For a Farmhouse feel I like mixing host chairs with side chairs. I chose large linen host chairs mixed with the industrial Davie side chairs to give a nice balance. Sit it all on top of an always classic jute rug and you’ve got the center of your room ready to go.

How to Accessorize

I like to then accessorize the walls around the main event.  A great sideboard like the Lakewood gives a beautiful surface for family treasures and hanging multiple mirrors above creates a dramatic feature wall. Mixing different wood tones starts to tell a story in a space without making it feel like it was all just bought off the showroom floor.  

Lastly, and most importantly it’s time to add LIFE.  Fresh mixed flowers reflect that farm to table feel and a large potted plant in the corner like a black Olive tree spread the freshness around the room.  Pale oak creamy painted walls are a warm backdrop to the mix and match feel of the whole room without competing or adding a distraction. 

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Design Tips Dining Rooms

Dining Set Buying Guide – The RoomPlace

One of the most important pieces of furniture you’ll have in your home is your dining set. Not only is this the place where your friends and family will gather for delicious meals and good times, but it’s also where kids will do homework and a place where you can play games. It’s also one of the focal points of your home.

Having the right dining set can drastically change how your room looks. Thus, it’s imperative that you take the time and effort to find the dining set that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. To make this process as easy and stress-free as possible, read the following tips on how to buy the right dining set.

Consider the Size

The first thing you’ll need to think about when buying a new dining set is what size you’ll need. Not only should you be thinking about how many people will be gathering around the table, but you also need to think about the size of the room. To ensure that you are getting the right sized table, you’ll need to take measurements.

It’s important that you think about the size of the table and the chairs that will be added to the room. Everyone who sits at the table should have enough room to pull the chair out so that they can slide into it quickly and easily. You also don’t want the chairs banging into the walls or other items in the dining room, as this can cause a lot of damage.

If you have enough room and you plan on having guests over for gatherings, you might decide to get a larger table and some extra chairs. Even if you don’t use them every day, having them for when people visit will ensure that everyone fits comfortably around your dining room table.

Focus on the Table

Since the table is the centerpiece of the dining set, you want to find something that expresses your style and personality. There are many different options to choose from, and you can go with something more traditional or you have the option of getting a table that is more modern.

Traditional Options

Should you decide to go with something more traditional, you will be looking for a wood table. Some of the most popular choices for dining room tables include cherry, mahogany, and oak. Traditional tables generally give off an air of regality, and they can come with intricate designs or decorative carvings in the wood.

In some cases, a traditional table will have a pedestal rather than four legs for support, and you can usually make a traditional table larger by adding table leafs. When it comes to the chairs that go around a traditional table, they will often be as elegant as the table and will probably come with arms.

Modern Flair

If you are looking to add some modern flair to your dining room, most modern tables incorporate glass into their design and are paired with metal or wood. You might even be able to find a modern table that incorporates granite or marble.

Modern tables are often simple with little to no decoration, but they will still stand out and can make your home look incredibly stylish. When it comes to the dining chairs that go around the table, these might have some more designs and style, which will help you add even more flair to your modern dining set.

Find the Right Shape

The most common shape for dining room tables are square and rectangular, and you’ll have a lot of options to choose from if you decide to go this route. But you also have the option of adding round or oval tables to your space, and these can save you some space.

If you plan on having a lot of get-togethers and you want to encourage conversation, then you might want to consider getting a round or oval table. With this option, you’ll also be able to squeeze in as many people as possible around the perimeter of the table.

Not only do you want to consider shape when looking for a new dining room set, but you’ll also need to consider the type of support it has. There are three main types: trestle, pedestal, and legs. These can all have an impact on how people sit at your dining room table and how chairs slide under.

Both the pedestal and trestle options give you more flexibility when it comes to adding people around the table. These supports won’t get in the way and impact how many people can fit. A trestle table will have more space on the sides, but may have limited space on the ends.

Having a table with legs can add more support. As long as you are aware of where the legs are and how it will impact people’s ability to sit around the table, you can find a way to get everyone to fit and still be comfortable at the same time.

Shop at the Right Store

There are lot of things to consider when looking for the right dining room set for your home. You want something that is going to be functional but also looks really good. If you’re looking for selection and variety, then you should see what The RoomPlace has to offer.

From modern to traditional, we have the dining room sets that will add something extra to your space. Browse our selection to find the right dining set that will look fantastic in your home.

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Color Design Tips Dining Rooms Entertaining Home Decor Living Rooms Miscellaneous Room Makeovers

Trending Designs & Décor for 2019

Featured Image: he RoomPlace
Featured Image: Oskar Cocktail Table from The RoomPlace

Featured Image: he RoomPlace
Featured Image: Oskar Cocktail Table from The RoomPlace

The New Year is almost here, and we’ve got the scoop on rising trends that are here to stay. Whether you’re renovating a whole room of your house or looking for chic, trendy ways to decorate any space, read on to see some of our favorite trending looks in furniture and décor for 2019.

Image: apoleon Back Chairs from The RoomPlace
Image: Lakewood Sage 5 Pc. Dinette w/Napoleon Back Chairs from The RoomPlace

Down-to-Earth Colors

Versatile, brooding and deep, earth tones are popping up as a colorful, charming alternative to the white-and-gray color schemes that dominated 2018. Behr’s Color of the Year, for instance, is Blueprint, a deep yet approachable blue-green tone inspired by the sea. It happens to pair perfectly with Cavern Clay, the smooth terracotta color that Sherwin-Williams named its 2019 Color of the Year. Also on Pantone’s 2019 radar is Night Watch, a strong hunter green that offers a lush and moody look.

Beyond just paint colors, look for furniture and décor that exudes earthy charm with hues like butter yellow, copper, amber, hazelnut, moss green, jade, mahogany and warm gray. As more designers and homeowners get inspired by looking back to the mid-century modern movement, these rich, bold earth and jewel tones are being used to add personality, charm and an inviting atmosphere to any space.

Keep your dining room on-trend with a dining set that features sumptuous earth tones, like this dinette with sage green chairs. In the living area, a brown, beige or warm gray sofa or sectional is perfectly inviting and stylish.

Sammi Gray Velvet Accent Chair from The RoomPlace
Image: Sammi Gray Velvet Accent Chair from The RoomPlace

Bohemian Inspiration

Eclectic design has never completely fallen out of style, but we’re seeing a resurgence in this trend as more people look for ways to infuse their home with color and a bit of whimsy. Along with the rising popularity of rich, earthy colors and jewel tones comes unexpected design choices, expressive color pairings, unique textures and boho charm.

Barrington Purple Linen Sofa from The RoomPlace
Image: Barrington Purple Linen Sofa from The RoomPlace

Aim for the unexpected and focus on complementary colors and natural finishes when designing a bohemian-inspired space. A velvet accent chair, mauve sofa, mid-century coffee table and a vintage-inspired area rug are chic, eclectic additions to a boho living room.

KAS Casablanca Teal Area Rug From The RoomPlace
Image: KAS Casablanca Teal Area Rug From The RoomPlace

High Contrast

Contrast is a timeless and essential aspect of any design, but 2019 will see some dramatic looks on the high-contrast front. Think white tile with dark grout, black-and-white floors, contrasting wood finishes and bold color choices for walls and cabinets. Add contrast easily to an existing room with new wall décor in a striking color, or a high-contrast area rug in an eye-catching pattern. Matte black is a particularly trendy color option for furniture finishes, lamps, tiles and more.

Micah Black Large Kitchen Cart from The RoomPlace
Image: Micah Black Large Kitchen Cart from The RoomPlace

Bar Carts

This trend may be a bit more specific than those above, but it’s one we can’t ignore. Bar carts and rolling kitchen islands are hot—for good reason. They offer convenience and portability paired with a unique elegance that instantly enhances your kitchen, dining room or living area. Perfect for entertaining or everyday use, a kitchen cart is a versatile accent that will let you roll 2019 style to any room in your home.

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Dining Rooms Miscellaneous

Trending Dining Room Holiday Designs

Majestic 7 Piece Dining Room Set from The RoomPlace
Featured Image: Majestic 7 Piece Dining Room Set from The RoomPlace

Majestic 7 Piece Dining Room Set from The RoomPlace
Featured Image: Majestic 7 Piece Dining Room Set from The RoomPlace

If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your dining room for the holiday season, you’ve come to the right place. From upgrading your dining chairs to getting creative with your table settings, there’s no shortage of ways to make your dining room shine for that special Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner with your family and friends. Let’s take a look at a handful of ideas for three different trending dining room styles: classic, rustic and elegant.

Classic

If your idea of perfect holiday décor includes mistletoe, Christmas balls, glittery garlands and red candles, there are plenty of ways to achieve a classic holiday dining room design that’s also on-trend. Here are just a few:

Celeri Ceiling Lamp from The RoomPlace
Image: Celeri Ceiling Lamp from The RoomPlace

  • Chandelier: If your dining room doesn’t already have chandelier-style lighting above the table, now’s the perfect time to add one. It’s sure to bring a warm ambiance and traditional touch to your space.

Tucson Dining Room Table & Bench by Scott Living from The RoomPlace
Image: Tucson Dining Room Table & Bench by Scott Living from The RoomPlace

  • Table Runner: A classic table runner adds elegance and instantly upgrades your dining room table by adding texture and contrast. It also makes the table appear longer and neatens the appearance of your table settings and centerpieces. You can’t go wrong with red, white, burlap or a festive pattern.
  • Chair Wreaths: Hang a mini wreath from the back of each dining chair for a look that’s classically festive but also unique.

Rustic

The combination of chic and rustic in interior design is a trend that won’t be leaving anytime soon—and there’s no better time to give your dining room a rustic makeover than the holiday season. Keep décor chic, simple and natural with these ideas:

  • Woodsy Accents: Bring a wintry woodland vibe to your dining room with festive table settings like mini potted pine tree centerpieces, wood slice coasters, plaid or burlap fabrics and holly wreaths. Succulents, pine cones, birch logs and other outdoorsy décor is the perfect complement to your rustic holiday dining room.

Image: White Fullerton Side Chairs from The RoomPlace
White Fullerton Side Chairs from The RoomPlace

  • White Upholstery: Keep your rustic design from looking too shabby by complementing it with chic white fabrics including white chairs, tablecloths, napkins or curtains.
  • Natural Hues: Aside from snowy white, you can create a natural yet festive look in your dining area by using colors you’d find in nature during the holiday season. Soft tan, warm gray and sage green work beautifully with white décor to create a chic and rustic aesthetic.

Elegant

If you’re looking to host an elegant holiday dinner, your dining room design should reflect a sophisticated style. Thankfully, elegant doesn’t have to mean complicated. With modern dining room design trends, your dining space can be simple, elegant and breathtaking with ideas like these:

  • White & Gold: Inspire the holiday spirit in a sophisticated way with white, gold and silver décor that elevates and brightens the room. From Christmas tree ornaments to table settings to centerpieces, these hues create an elegant ambiance.

Upholstered Chairs: If you’re looking for comfortable chairs that have an upscale vibe perfect for your elegant holiday plans, upholstered dining chairs are perfect for the occasion. Chic, elegant and refined, chairs like these bring instant sophistication to your dining room design.

Avenue Curio China Cabinet from The RoomPlace
Image: Avenue Curio China Cabinet from The RoomPlace

  • China Cabinet: Whether your dining room already features a gorgeous china cabinet or you’re looking for a new one, this piece of furniture is sure to add class and elegance to the space. It’s the perfect place for displaying fine china, beautiful dishes or holiday accents to enhance your dining room.
Categories
Dining Rooms Entertaining Miscellaneous Room Makeovers

How to Organize Your Dining Room for the Holiday Season

Charlotte 9 Pc. Dining Room w/Linen Chairs from The RoomPlace
Featured Image: Charlotte 9 Pc. Dining Room w/Linen Chairs from The RoomPlace

Charlotte 9 Pc. Dining Room w/Linen Chairs from The RoomPlace
Featured Image: Charlotte 9 Pc. Dining Room w/Linen Chairs from The RoomPlace

Whether you usually host the important gatherings in your family or it’s your first year welcoming everyone into your home for the holidays, make sure your dining room is ready for the season. From cleaning to arranging furniture to decorating, there’s sure to be a few ways you can spruce up and organize your space before the holidays. For a dining room that will accommodate your guests efficiently while being warm and inviting, here are a few tips to get you started.

Declutter

The first step to organizing your dining room in preparation for holiday dinners is to declutter and clean. It may not be much fun, but chances are you’ll need as much space as you can muster—floor space and table space alike!

Fullerton Dining Table from The RoomPlace
Image: Fullerton Dining Table from The RoomPlace

Depending on the number of guests you’ll need to accommodate, chances are you’ll need to add an extra table (or at least a leaf to your adjustable table) to accommodate guests. In that case, you might want to remove unneeded furniture and décor from your dining room. Items that take up space but won’t serve a purpose during the festivities should be moved out of the way to a different room.

Rearrange

Once your dining room is cleaned and decluttered, you may wish to do a little rearranging to make your space efficient and comfortable. Guests will be getting up for seconds, kids will be underfoot and you’ll need to make sure there’s space for people to walk through the dining room and around the table. Here are a few tips for setting up your dining room furniture for the holidays:

  • It can be helpful, if you have the space, to set up one table for adults and another area for children. For the kid’s table, a tablecloth that can be wiped clean and non-breakable dishes are a must.

If you have a large enough table, set out food in the center to limit trips to the kitchen.

Image: Vista Server Cart from The RoomPlace
Image: Vista Server Cart from The RoomPlace

  • Make use of a buffet off to one side of the dining room—not only for setting out food and dishes, but also for storing items you might need in a pinch during meals, such as hot pads, napkins, serving utensils or extra wine glasses.

Image: Lakewood White Dining Bench from The Room Place
Lakewood White Dining Bench from The Room Place

  • To maximize floor space, bench seating can be a good alternative to bulky chairs, particularly for kids.

Decorate

Finally, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your newly organized dining room. From table cloths to centerpieces to festive décor, add your personal touch to create a dining space your friends and family will feel welcome in. Here’s a handful of ideas to inspire your holiday decorating:

Linden Area Rug (5’x8’) from The Room Place
Image: Linden Area Rug (5’x8’) from The Room Place

  • A cozy area rug can warm hardwood floors and give your dining room a homey, welcoming vibe.

Image: Markos Floor Lamp from The Room Place
Image: Markos Floor Lamp from The Room Place

  • Winter days are short, so make sure your dining room has plenty of lighting options to adjust the ambiance as needed.
  • Regardless of your decorating style, you can’t go wrong with simple, elegant décor like white or cream-colored tablecloths, gold-tone centerpieces and seasonal flowers such as mums or poinsettias.
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Bedrooms Dining Rooms Home Decor Living Rooms Mattresses Miscellaneous

6 Steps to Staging Furniture When Selling Your House

Heritage Gray 3 Pc. Living Room from The RoomPlace
Featured Image: Heritage Gray 3 Pc. Living Room from The RoomPlace

Heritage Gray 3 Pc. Living Room from The RoomPlace
Featured Image: Heritage Gray 3 Pc. Living Room from The RoomPlace

Whether you’re selling your own home or a client’s, preparing a house to be sold presents several challenges. You want your home to sell quickly and for the highest price possible, which means ensuring the property appeals to many buyers.

One of the best things you can do to make your home sell quickly at your desired price is to stage it with beautiful furniture. Homes staged with attractive, appealing furniture and décor are proven to sell faster—and often for a higher price—than their non-staged counterparts.

Why? Staging makes it easier for potential buyers to imagine living in the home. Plus, in the age of online real estate listings, well-staged photos really pop and stand out compared to other homes, enticing more people to look at your house.

#1: Remove the clutter.

Before you worry about arranging furniture, the first step in staging is removing clutter and personal belongings from the house. Knick-knacks, family photos, wall signs, toys, and other small or customized items should be taken down, boxed up and stored elsewhere—not in the home’s closets, since prospective buyers will be looking there, too. It’s best to start with a decluttered space that’s as simple and versatile as possible, so buyers can envision living there immediately.

#2: Deep clean.

Second, maximize the house’s appeal by cleaning it thoroughly. Other than the obvious spots like the bathroom and kitchen, make sure to address any neglected areas, such as dusty light fixtures, closets, beneath rugs, gaps next to appliances, etc. If you have pets, make sure you take care of any pet odors that may be lingering. Launder all fabrics, have your carpet cleaned (professionally if possible), and air out all rooms of the house by opening windows.

Don’t forget about the exterior of your home when addressing this step. Curb appeal will attract more buyers. If possible, try to: power wash your house’s siding, clean the windows, mow the lawn, trim any overgrown bushes or plants and make sure flower beds are weed-free.

Urbana 8 Pc. King Bedroom Set from The RoomPlace
Image: Urbana 8 Pc. King Bedroom Set from The RoomPlace

#3: Prioritize staging by room.

In case you don’t have the budget or time to stage every room of the house, focus on the rooms that have been shown to have the biggest impact on how well your listing does. Start with the living room—it’s essential. Next, stage the master bedroom, then the dining room and kitchen. Additional bedrooms are the lowest priority.

#4: Thin out your furniture.

Once you’re ready to stage your furniture, start by removing some of it. Keeping only the essentials will make each room feel bigger and further reduce the appearance of clutter, which will appeal to buyers. Obviously, you’ll want to remove any outdated or damaged items first, replacing them with new furniture if needed.

Larry Accent Chair from The RoomPlace
Image: Larry Accent Chair from The RoomPlace

When staging your living room, for example, stick with a high-quality sofa, a loveseat or accent chairs, coffee table and an appropriately sized rug to anchor the furniture and give the space a cohesive look. Simple, contemporary pieces are best since they offer versatility and mass appeal—you want the space to look stylish yet timeless, so try to avoid designs and colors that are very trendy.

Newcastle Platinum 3 Pc. “Floating” Living Room from The RoomPlace
Image: Newcastle Platinum 3 Pc. “Floating” Living Room from The RoomPlace

#5. Utilize the “floating” technique.

Move furniture away from the walls so that it “floats” towards the center of the room. This design technique helps the space appear bigger yet more stylish and intimate. Arrange chairs and couches facing each other to create a cozy vibe.

#6: Add some final touches.

Small finishing touches add color and life to increase your listing’s chance of success. Consider final additions of things like bowls of fruit, fresh-cut flowers, potted plants, neatly folded towels, a new welcome mat on the doorstep, etc.

With these home staging tips, you’ll be well on your way to enhancing your listing and enticing potential buyers in no time.