How to Stage a Bed When Selling a Home: 11 Expert Tips

2. Choose the best position in the room

Your bed is the focal point of the room, so it should grab attention the moment you step in. Stagers often place the bed opposite the door, ideally along the longest wall, to create a strong visual impact. However, the best spot may depend on your room’s layout. For example, if you have french doors, positioning the bed directly across from them can create a stunning, grand entrance.

As you contemplate locations, think about your bed’s size as well. King-size beds are popular for main bedrooms, but if they consume too much of the space, it’ll make the area feel cramped instead of comfortable.

To ensure your bed fits the room perfectly, consider the “traffic flow.” Think about the natural paths you take to move in and around the space, as well as door swings and window access. If your bed is crowding the room, swapping a king for a queen — or even a full — can make the space feel more open and inviting.

Use the following tips to select the best position for your bed:

• Make sure the foot of the bed is the first thing you see.
• Position your bed on the wall opposite the bedroom door.
• Center the bed along the longest wall.
• If your bedroom has a focal point like french doors, arrange your bed so it faces them.
• If every wall has windows, position your bed centered in front of a window.
• Aim for at least 1½ feet to 2½ feet of space on each side of the bed.

3. Hone in on a color palette

There’s one detail most hotel beds have in common: white bedding.

A white base for your bed feels clean and luxurious, allowing you to build on the look with whatever colors you like. “We find the bed best viewed as the ‘canvas,’” says Elise Nicpon, director of customer experience at Room & Board. “[You can] bring the important layers of texture and color using pillows, throws, a rug, and artwork.”

Start with a white bed as your canvas, then add a pop of color with accent pillows and a textured throw for a playful touch. Research shows that small bursts of color can create a more inviting and positive atmosphere, helping keep both guests and potential buyers engaged and excited.

If you’re unsure of how to stage your bed to complement your interior, Kaari Sommer, an interior stylist with her own home decor blog, The Sommer Home, suggests choosing a piece in your room for inspiration. “I always find a jumping-off point,” Sommer says, like pulling colors from an art print or a rug.

You also can use interior design trends for color palette pairs. According to a study by Joybird, analyzing Google Trends data, bohemian, contemporary, and industrial are among the top style trends in America. Here are some color combos for each:

• Bohemian: White, sage, and terracotta (eclectic and earthy)
• Contemporary: White, black, and tan (monochromatic and high-contrast)
• Industrial: White, gray, and rust (moody and edgy)

Finally, if you’re staging to sell, Behr’s 2024 Color Trends reveal soft, relaxing hues are quite popular, and real estate agents agree that darker neutral colors appeal to the majority of buyers. Carver suggests soft neutrals like gray, brown, green, and blue.

4. Build a beautiful base

If you already have a decorative bed frame, you can skip this step and the next. If you have a metal mattress platform, then you’ll want to soften the look with some accessories. A bed skirt gives your bed a polished look and also can hide any storage you stow underneath. Alternatively, you can opt for a bed frame wrap for a more contemporary appearance.

5. Splurge on a stylish headboard

With your interior design style and color palette in mind, choose a stylish headboard as the backdrop for your layered look.

“I think the headboard is a must,” Carver says. The headboard gives your bed a stately look, transforming it from a casual cot to a classy throne. This addition will make your pillows pop, and your bed feel relaxed and ritzy all at once.

Consider the following ideas when selecting a headboard:

• Textured: Elegant and en vogue, textured headboards are a favorite among designers. Consider this Deco Sun Headboard or this Max Faux Fur Floating Headboard from Urban Outfitters.
• Fabric: Upholstered headboards suit most bedrooms. For a retro feel, try this black velvet headboard from Wayfair. Want something more modern? How about this Natusuko Corduroy Upholstered Headboard?
• Cane or rattan: If you’re feeling the boho trend, opt for an organic material for your bed frame, such as this Dolores cane bed frame from Pottery Barn or this fun rattan Grace Flower Headboard from Urban Outfitters.
• Canopy bed: If there’s space in your bedroom, a canopy bed frame is an excellent way to — quite literally — elevate your design, drawing the eye up to visually enhance room height. Try a sleek mid-century modern frame, like this one from West Elm.
• Metal: For a vintage aesthetic, try a metal bed frame with detail. This look is perfect for industrial designs, as well as a modern farmhouse style.

If you’re selling your home, no need to fork out the cash for a new headboard; instead, pick an affordable alternative. You can shop secondhand on a site like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, build your own, or create the illusion of a headboard with artwork or shelving.

For other inexpensive alternatives to a headboard, consider these ideas from Better Homes & Gardens:

• Wood trim headboard: Minimalistic and modern, using door and window trim for a custom look.
• Tapestry headboard: Adds a bold, artistic statement with colorful and textured fabrics.
• Tufted headboard: Elegant and luxurious, often upholstered in velvet or linen with button detailing.
• Wood block headboard: A rustic, eco-friendly design made by arranging wood blocks in a unique pattern.
• Cutout headboard: Features geometric or organic cutout patterns, often in wood or metal.
• Reclaimed modern headboard: Repurposed barn wood or old timber for a stylish yet sustainable headboard.
• Caned headboard: Offers a vintage, textured look, often found in coastal or boho-inspired bedrooms.
• Wallpaper headboard: Creates a striking visual effect with bold wallpaper designs as a backdrop.
• Industrial-style headboard: Features raw materials like metal or reclaimed wood for a rugged, urban look.
• Framed picture headboard: Incorporates framed artwork or photos to create a unique, personalized headboard.

6. Create a layered look with the comforter, pillows, and a throw

Staging professionals, interior designers, and even stylish brands like West Elm use one, simple technique to elevate beds from bland to brilliant: layering.

Rows of pillows, a casual throw, and even a simple white sheet folded over the bedspread all add a level of sophistication to your bedroom design. “What emotion do you want in your bedroom?” Carver asks. “That’s where the layering comes in.” You’re aiming for comfort, order, and cleanliness, and that’s where layering makes all the difference — it adds a touch of luxury to the space.

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the many components of a comfy, classy bed, Carver has a simple solution: bed-in-a-bag. You can find these sets at a number of large retail stores, including Amazon, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Typically, they come with a comforter, bed skirt, pillow shams, sheets, and sometimes, accessory pillows.

7. Add fitted and flat sheets

Start by laying the top sheet with the decorative side facing down, ensuring the smooth side is against the mattress. Tuck in the sides securely, but leave about one to two feet at the top untucked. This will allow you to fold the sheet back over the comforter, creating a neat, layered look. To achieve the cleanest appearance, ensure your sheets are freshly washed, pressed, and pulled tight, eliminating any wrinkles or creases for that polished, hotel-like finish. “Neat and organized rooms are always attractive,” Mariotti says. “The same goes for your bed.”

8. Select a quality comforter and neutral duvet cover

Choose a synthetic comforter instead of down for a smoother look. If you want a little texture, choose an understated design like this honeycomb pattern from Pottery Barn. Lay your comforter on the bed, leaving a one foot gap between the comforter and the top of your mattress. Finally, fold your fitted sheet over the top of the comforter.

9. Pick your pillows and arrange them in rows

Your pillows are vital to achieving the layered look, and professionals like Sommer follow a simple formula: three rows, arranged by size. Sommer styles her beds with matching Euro pillows and king-size pillows, then a row of smaller, decorative pillows, which she swaps out seasonally.

Here’s an overview of how to apply this method to different bed sizes:

• For a king: Three Euro pillows with shams in the back, then two king-size pillows (20 x 26 inches), followed by one to three decorative accent pillows
• For a queen: Two Euro pillows with shams in the back, then two standard-size pillows (20 x 26 inches), followed by one to three decorative accent pillows
• For a twin: One Euro pillow in the back, one standard 24-inch pillow, followed by one decorative pillow

10. Finish off the look with a blanket or throw

A blanket at the foot of the bed is a great way to incorporate some texture and soften the look. Consider a chunky knit blanket for a cozy look or a faux fur throw for a touch of glam. Sommer likes to lay a comforter folded in thirds across the end of a bed; she sometimes tops the folded comforter with an accent throw.

11. Border the bed with complementary furniture and decor

Wrap up your dazzling design with furniture and decor flanking the bed.

Nightstands are a great addition to any room, offering both functionality and style. They help keep essential items within easy reach while maintaining an organized, clutter-free environment. If the room has enough space, incorporating nightstands can enhance both the practicality and aesthetic appeal of the space. “This too evokes a feeling of rest and relaxation,” Nicpon says.

Create a tiered visual with your nightstands that’ll make your bed look like it’s just won gold. Top your nightstands with a pair of table lamps, equipped with warm bulbs for soft, relaxing lighting. If your bedroom feels too crowded, flank the bed with a pair of pendants, sconces, or even curtains instead of nightstands. If there’s space at the foot of your bed, Carver recommends adding a bench as well, so buyers can sit and get comfortable in the space.

Finally, finish the room with some decorative touches. If you’re preparing to sell, select items that appeal to a wide audience. Steer clear of anything religious, political, risqué, or too gender-specific.

Here are a few suggestions for your bedroom decor:

• Lamps: Place table lamps on top of your nightstands or choose an alternative like sconces.
• Area rug: An area rug can be a great addition to wood or tile floors, adding warmth and style. However, if your bedroom is carpeted and you’re staging it for sale, it’s best to think twice. Carver notes that while rugs initially may enhance the room’s look, they can quickly appear worn after just a few showings.
• A set of three decorative features for the nightstand: Consider two vintage books, topped with a bronze clock, or a vase with peonies or eucalyptus, a candle, and a picture frame.
• Greenery: A touch of green adds life to your bedroom retreat. Add a small potted plant on the nightstand and a larger fiddle leaf fig or monstera in the corner.
• Artwork: If your headboard is short — or you don’t have one — place some artwork over the bed. Choose one large piece that is just slightly smaller than the width of your bed, or a set of three.
• Mirrors: Decorating with mirrors is an excellent tip for smaller bedrooms, as they can make the space feel larger. Add a mirror over your bed, or lean a larger mirror against the wall.

Creating an inviting, well-styled bedroom is all about balancing comfort and visual appeal. By following these steps — from decluttering to selecting the right finishing touches — you’ll transform your space into a cozy, elegant retreat. With thoughtful choices in color, texture, and layout, your bed can become the true focal point, exuding warmth and style for potential buyers or personal enjoyment.

For more staging and curb appeal advice to make the most of your home sale, use HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform to connect with a top-rated agent in your market. Our data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.

Header Image Source: (Kaari Sommer / The Sommer Home)