One of the last spaces in a home that people think about staging a foyer which is a little ironic since it is one of the first things buyers see when they walk into a home. Whether you have a large entrance way or a smaller space off the front door, here are some tips for staging a foyer to make it appealing to buyers.
Declutter
No surprise here! The first step to successful staging is to declutter. In a foyer this means finding a home for any shoes and coats that are lying around the floor. If your family is in the habit of setting things to go upstairs near the steps, then consider adding a decorative basket that can hold everything and is easy to move before a showing.
Add a console table
A thin console table is perfect for even small foyers. They provide storage while being slim enough to not make the space feel crowded. Keep the decorations on the table simple, but you can add a bowl to hold keys or even use it as a place to store shoes if you are lacking a hall closet.
Add a mirror
In small spaces, mirrors reflect light and can give a feeling of openness. If you realize you need a little more light while staging a foyer, think about adding a mirror above a table or on the wall.
Designate the space with a rug
Sometimes the entryways of homes flow directly into the living room. Use a rug in neutral colors (not too light to show dirt) to designate the foyer.
Provide a spot for shoes and coats
While you might use the console table or hall closet to store your coats and shoes, buyers won’t. In order to create a welcoming feeling in your home and keep dirt off of your floors, provide a spot for buyers to hang or lay their coats. This might be on a bench if your foyer provides enough space or hooks on a wall. Likewise, setting out a shoe mat gives your buyers a spot to put their shoes.
Notice the view
Take a moment to examine what else you can see from your foyer. You may notice that the vacuum that you thought was cleverly stashed in the corner is visible or that closed curtains block the view of your backyard. Make any necessary changes.
Clean the closet
Buyers will look in closets. If your stuff falls on them when they open the door, buyers will assume your home lacks storage space. Go through your hall closet and box up anything not being used in the current season. You can consider painting the closet if you’ve a lot of scuff marks from shoes on the walls. The goal is for the buyers to be able to see the back wall of the closet and some open space of shelves.
Welcoming scent
Help to give a great impression of your home through scent. Adding a light scent in the foyer by using a diffuser or plug in is a great way to up the appeal. Please skip using candles through since you won’t be in the home to keep an eye on them.
Bring in Light
Light in the foyer is important- examine what is already in your home, clean any light fixtures, and replace light bulbs. If this area of your home is naturally darker, then add a small lamp to the console table or consider switching out the light fixture for one that will illuminate more of the space.
