Owning a home remains a big part of the American dream. In fact, the National Association of Realtors estimates that there is an all-time high number of aspiring homeowners today. That said, because of rising interest and mortgage rates, actual home sales are harder to clinch than ever before.

As of 2024, total home sales are 4% lower than they were in 2023. Even properties that did sell were on the market almost a month longer than homes sold in the years prior.

Given this, it’s essential for those selling their homes to stand out amid the competitive market. One of the best ways to do this, aside from onboarding a professional real estate agent, is to have a well-staged open house. Business Insider notes that staging your house well can actually help it sell for up to 88% quicker.

Among all the rooms you may want to stage, the family room is perhaps the most important. Since it’s a communal space for tenants and guests alike, a well-staged family room will best help prospective buyers picture how their lives will unfold in your property. 

So, if you want easy but effective tips on how to stage this area, read on:



Include inviting seating solutions

Seating solutions are more than just functional since they can set the mood and aesthetic of a space. For the family room, it’s thus key that your seating options are comfortable and inviting. This will help anchor the entire area while also encouraging people to stay and hang out. With this in mind, one of the best seats for this task is an L shaped sectional.

Aside from being large and roomy, because they’ve also got modular sections, which include ottomans and chaises, they’re also easy to reorient to suit a space or activity. This will help prospective buyers better visualise how they can make the most of your family room, whether it’s for intimate gatherings or bigger parties.

As seen on retailer Living Spaces, these sofas come in different styles, like mid-century modern and minimalist, making them easy to style accordingly. Many variants of this sofa also come with built-in storage solutions, which will help keep the room tidy, which is another important aspect of a successful open house.



Freshen up your window treatments

If there’s one section of the family room that you shouldn’t overlook, it’s the windows. On one hand, well-utilised windows can properly highlight any views surrounding your home. This helps further rationalise your selling price if it’s contingent on location.

Windows are also the best way to let in natural light, which helps set the vibe. In the family room, they can create a more cozy atmosphere. To do your windows justice, try freshening up their existing treatments with more streamlined ones that let the light and views speak for themselves.

For instance, you can try using sliding curtain panels rather than traditional Venetian blinds or curtain rods. Available on platforms like IKEA, these sliders can easily help you control how much light enters your room without overwhelming the window itself.

Since these are also designed to be on the longer side, they can help make a room look bigger than it really is. Anything that’s too busy will only look dated and potentially turn off buyers.



Keep your decor to a minimum

Finally, while it helps to add decorative details that help liven up a house, it’s critical not to go overboard. For one, a house with too many decorations can easily look messy and unappealing. Additionally, since you’re never really sure what interior design style a home buyer prefers, it’s better to keep things pared down. This way, it’s easier for visitors to picture applying their own touches, especially to a space that will be as frequently used as the family room.

While wall art and tablescapes are lovely, some of the safest decorations are plants. Since these suit virtually every home style, indoor plants are less likely to clash with buyer tastes.

Additionally, indoor planters come in numerous finishes that can add a subtle but effective accent. For instance, terracotta planters give off a more rustic look. Meanwhile, steel planters will complement an industrial style.