If you want to sell your home, you need to stage it correctly. This means presenting it in a manner that makes it easy for potential buyers to envision living there. Art is a very tricky subject in this regard. Some pieces of art will put buyers off while others will make the impression you are looking for. With that in mind, read on to discover some useful tips to help you get started.

What doesn’t work

When presenting your home to potential buyers it is always a great idea to highlight a room with a stunning piece of art. However, it is very easy to get it wrong! Stay away from the following to ensure you don’t distract the buyer:

•   Portraits – Buyers want to envisage themselves living in your property and it is very difficult for them to do so with family portraits.
•   Family Pictures – The same goes for wedding pictures, photographs of your children and your pets.
•   Art Involving Human Figures – You run a risk if you opt for art involving human figures. You could easily offend the viewers, especially if you go for nudes! Moreover, this type of art is far too taste-specific.
•   Swords, hunting trophies, fishing trophies, and knives – These are best off packed away! Even if they are merely antiques.
•   Stickers, wall decals, posters etc. – When a buyer sees these they will think the wall is damaged.
•   Religious art – Religious art can be too personal. It makes it more difficult for the buyers to connect to your home.
•   Clocks – There is no need to get rid of every clock in your home! But if you have too many the buyers may fret about the time.

The key is to keep it simple.

What Does Work

Choose art that does not offend but looks pretty and enhances the room. If you are struggling with this, there are other ways you can easily and cheaply transform a room. Let’s take a look at some suggestions…

•   Cushions – There is only one place to begin and this is with cushions! Cushions provide a cheap, easy and effective way to instantly update to your living room sofa. This is especially ideal if you have an old sofa that is starting to fade. Remember, not only can you add colour, personality, patterns, and interest, but you can play around with different textures as well.
•   Flowers – It is always a good idea to buy some flowers and place them in a vase before your home viewing. This will really freshen up the room. They will also add a nice subtle smell to your home. Pick flowers that fit in with the style of your property.
•   Rugs – A rug is a great way to completely transform any room. Shaggy rugs are a good option in particular. Not only do they add style and an effective way of dealing with an old floor, but it also brings warmth and cosiness to the space.

So there you have it: what you should not do when adding art to your home before you put it up for sale, as well as some tips on how you can further enhance your home on a budget.