Staging The District

10 Best - Ottomans Under $500

 A 'gentleman friend' of mine recently commented that he enjoyed reading my blog because I spotlight affordable items.  This was great to hear on many levels (and not just because the source is so darn cute), but primarily because staging is all about maximizing the value of your design dollar.  After all, the goal is to profit from selling your home, not just make it look pretty!

So, in keeping with my goal of highlighting the best affordable decor options out there, here's the second in my series "10 Best".  This time I went with ottomans, not only because they are incredibly versatile for staging purposes (they can function as coffee tables, flank a bed, and even offer additional seating), but because there are so many stylistic options out there.  So, whether you live in an urban condo, a country farm house, or are part of the normal suburban sprawl, here are super stylish ottoman options for any budget! 

1) Essex Upholstered Ottoman in Ikat Gray/Flax by West Elm ($299)
 
 

Photo: westelm.com

 

2) Nailhead Storage Cubes by Neiman Marcus ($499)

Photo: neimanmarcus.com

 

3) Gaiam Versatile Rush Ottomans - Set of 3 - Natural Woven Finish at Amazon.com ($69)

 

 Photo: amazon.com

4) Queen Anne Lace Square Ottoman in Butterscotch by Target ($239.99)
 
 

Photo: target.com

 5) Louisa Bergere Ottoman by Ballard Designs ($359)

 
 
 Photo: ballarddesigns.com

 

6) Jessica Ottoman by JC Penney ($349 - customizable) 

 

7) Coaster Fine Furniture Ottoman with Metal Legs ($139 at AGHomeStore.com)

  
Photo: aghomestore.com

8) Kristine Upholstered Ottoman - Sea Glass Blue - by Target ($299.99)

 

Photo: Target.com

9) Jasper Ottoman at HomeDecorators.com ($199)

Photo: homedecorators.com

10) Bentley Leather Square Cocktail Ottoman at Overstock.com ($229.99)
 

Photo: overstock.com
 

 

No Vacancy

Vacant = Vague

What do I mean by that???

Well, often times homeowners mistakenly think that showing their home vacant will make the house appear larger.  This is actually a total myth!  Not only does furniture (when used to scale) make a space appear bigger, but it also gives buyers a better idea of how each room can be used!

So instead of clearing out your home and confusing potential buyers, use furniture and accessories to clarify just what makes each room in your home so very special! For example, even when it's clear which bedroom is the master, buyers want to see how their furniture can fit in your specific space.  Can they fit their king size bed?  If so, is there room for bedside tables, dressers, or a small seating area?  The same logic can be applied to living rooms, family rooms, and even basements.  Is there room for a large sectional and a television, or is the space better suited for smaller, more intimate gatherings?

So, keeping these ideas in mind, here are a couple examples of vacant spaces that were spruced up with some basic furniture and a few carefully-planned accessories! 

LIVING ROOM BEFORE

 

LIVING ROOM AFTER

 

DINING AREA BEFORE

DINING AREA AFTER