A guide to staging your bathroom

When it comes time to sell your home, one of the most nerve-wracking parts is opening your home to visitors. You already want to clean your home from top to bottom before your next open house, but taking things a step further than a good dusting can make all the difference. 

Staging your home to sell can help you attract more and better offers. You can stage any area of your home, including the bathroom, on your own, or hire a professional stager. Bathroom staging costs can vary widely depending on your approach and you can definitely do it on a budget. 

The goals of home staging

If you aren’t familiar with the process of staging, this refers to preparing a home for sale by enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. The goal of staging is to showcase the property in its best possible light, making it more attractive and appealing to a wide range of buyers. The overall goal of staging is to make the home look inviting, spacious, and well-maintained.

• Depersonalization: You remove personal items such as family photos, religious artifacts, and unique artwork to allow potential buyers to envision themselves in the space.
• Decluttering: Stagers remove excess furniture, knick-knacks, and other clutter to create a more open and spacious feeling in the home. Closets, cabinets, and storage spaces are often organized to demonstrate their functionality. 
• Cleaning: No one wants to picture themselves in a dirty home. Once the home is thoroughly cleaned, including carpets, windows, and appliances, potential buyers will feel more comfortable and hopeful.  
• Neutralizing: Bold or unconventional paint colors are often repainted with neutral tones, creating a blank canvas that allows potential buyers to visualize their own style in the space.
• Improving: You want your home to look its absolute best when getting it ready to sell. This may mean rearranging furniture in a way that maximizes the flow of the rooms and highlights the home's best features. Stagers also often use accessories like throw pillows, rugs, artwork, and fresh flowers to add warmth and character to the home.

How to stage your bathroom

Need some bathroom staging ideas? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get started. 

Step 1. Deep clean

Start by thoroughly cleaning every surface, including tiles, grout, bathtub, shower, toilet, and sinks. Remove any stains or mold to create a sparkling, clean appearance. 

Step 2. Declutter

Next, you will clear off countertops, leaving only essential items like hand soap and a decorative piece. Remove personal items such as toothbrushes, razors, and toiletries. Remember—the buyers want to picture their lives in your home, not your life. This staging step is especially important if you are still living in the home and it’s full of your personal belongings.

Step 3. Neutralize

Use a neutral color palette for towels, shower curtains, and rugs. Neutral tones create a clean, spa-like atmosphere that appeals to a broader range of buyers.

Step 4. Update fixtures

Consider updating old or outdated fixtures like faucets, towel racks, and light fixtures. Modern, matching fixtures can add a touch of elegance to the space.

Step 5. Organize

Neatly arrange items inside cabinets and drawers to showcase available storage space. Buyers appreciate seeing organized storage options.

Step 6. Add greenery

A small potted plant or vase of fresh flowers can bring life to the bathroom. Just make sure it doesn't overcrowd the space.

Step 7. Add proper lighting

Ensure the bathroom is well-lit. Consider using soft, flattering lighting to create a cozy ambiance.

Step 8. Bring in fresh scents

Place a discreet air freshener or light a scented candle to create a pleasant aroma. Avoid strong or overwhelming scents.

When you list your home with Orchard, we’ll get your whole home show-ready, not just the bathroom. Get started here.

Can you hire someone to stage your bathroom?

If you are busy or aren’t quite sure how to best stage your bathroom, you can hire a professional home staging company or a bathroom staging specialist to stage your bathroom, along with other areas of your home. Many real estate agents and homeowners opt for professional staging services because they have the expertise to make your home look its best, potentially leading to a quicker sale and higher selling price. (Here’s a look at some home staging stats.)

Professional home stagers, including those who specialize in bathrooms, have experience transforming spaces using their knowledge of design principles and buyer psychology. They have access to a wide range of furnishings, accessories, and decor items that can enhance the appeal of your bathroom. These experts understand how to depersonalize, declutter, and arrange items in a way that maximizes the space and highlights its features.

When you hire a professional bathroom stager, they will assess your bathroom, consider the target market, and create a staging plan tailored to your specific space and budget. They will handle everything from selecting appropriate fixtures and accessories to arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing manner.=

While hiring a professional stager comes at a cost, many sellers find it worthwhile due to the potential increase in the home's perceived value and the likelihood of attracting more buyers. Additionally, the investment in staging is often less than the potential price reduction you might need to make if your home doesn't sell quickly.

Before hiring a staging professional, it's a good idea to research local staging companies, check their portfolio, read reviews, and compare prices to find a reputable and experienced stager who suits your needs.

How much does professional bathroom staging cost?

The cost of professional bathroom staging can vary widely based on factors such as the location, the size of the bathroom, the extent of staging required, the stager's experience, and the specific services included. 

On average, bathroom staging costs typically range anywhere from $200 to $800, depending on the factors mentioned above. Smaller bathrooms or those requiring minimal staging might be on the lower end of the scale, while larger or more elaborate bathrooms might fall on the higher end.

It's important to note that some staging professionals offer packages that include staging for multiple rooms, which could provide cost savings compared to staging individual rooms separately.

When considering professional bathroom staging, obtain quotes from multiple staging companies or professionals in your area. They can provide you with a more accurate estimate based on a consultation where they assess your bathroom and your specific staging needs. This consultation often helps them tailor their services to fit your budget and requirements.

Is staging your bathroom worth it?

Staging your bathroom is always worth it when selling your home. A well-staged bathroom creates a positive first impression and enhances the overall appeal of your property, potentially increasing its market value. Staging helps buyers visualize the space, highlighting its features and making it more memorable. High-quality, staged bathrooms showcased in online listings can attract more potential buyers and lead to a quicker sale. While the decision to hire a professional stager depends on your budget and the local market, the investment in staging often pays off by making your home more attractive and competitive in the real estate market.