5 Common Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Property in Wisconsin
You only get one chance to make a first impression—and in real estate, that impression happens online, long before a buyer ever walks through the front door. From the very first listing photo, your home needs to feel fresh, inviting, and easy to imagine living in. That’s where home staging makes all the difference.
At Lynnemark Home Staging, we’ve staged thousands of homes across Southeastern Wisconsin—from charming bungalows in Sheboygan County to luxury properties in Ozaukee County. We've seen firsthand how the right (or wrong) staging can impact buyer interest, offer speed, and final sale price.
Below, we’re sharing the most common home staging mistakes we encounter—and how to avoid them—so your listing can stand out in the competitive Milwaukee-area market.
1. Skipping the Decluttering Phase
One of the biggest turn-offs for buyers is clutter. Whether it’s a crowded bookshelf, jam-packed closet, or stacks of paper on the kitchen counter, these everyday messes make it hard for buyers to see the space clearly—and even harder for them to picture themselves living in it. Buyers want to feel like there’s room to grow, and visual clutter makes a space feel smaller and less functional.
✔️ Tip: Before staging or photos, remove at least 50% of items from closets, cabinets, countertops, and open shelving. Create clean, open surfaces that let buyers focus on the home, not the stuff inside it.
2. Poor Lighting
Lighting can make or break a space, especially during Wisconsin’s long, gray winters. Even the most beautiful rooms can fall flat in dim or uneven lighting. We often walk into listings where burnt-out bulbs or heavy curtains make a space feel smaller and less inviting.
✔️ Tip: Replace outdated or burnt-out bulbs with warm LED lights (we love soft white for a cozy, natural glow). Keep curtains light and open during showings to maximize daylight. Consider adding mirrors to reflect light and brighten dark corners.
Remember to stage key rooms and have great lighting in them!
3. Overly Personalized Decor
It’s your home—but during the sale process, it should feel like anyone’s home. While your personal style and memories make your house special, buyers may find it difficult to connect with a space that's full of personal photos, bold artwork, or niche collections.
✔️ Tip: Aim for a neutral, inviting aesthetic that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Think cozy throws, fresh greenery, and simple art. Pack away personal items like family portraits, monogrammed décor, or anything highly specific to your hobbies or tastes.
4. Not Staging Key Rooms
We often see sellers focus on just one or two rooms—usually the living room and maybe the kitchen—while skipping spaces like the primary bedroom or a bonus room that could be used as a home office. But in today’s market, especially in Waukesha and Washington Counties, remote work and flexible living spaces are top priorities for buyers.
✔️ Tip: Be sure to stage the five essential spaces: living room, dining area, kitchen, primary bedroom, and at least one additional room—like an office, guest bedroom, or finished basement. And don’t forget the bathrooms—a few accessories and fresh towels can go a long way in making them feel spa-like.
5. Furniture That Doesn’t Fit the Space
A luxury home we staged ensuring furniture fits the area without being too crammed
Furniture that’s too large can overwhelm a room, making it feel cramped and awkward. On the flip side, furniture that’s too small can make a space look sparse or unfinished. We often walk into listings with oversized sectionals crammed into small living rooms, or tiny beds in large bedrooms, both of which throw off the scale of the home.
✔️ Tip: Use furniture that’s appropriately scaled to each room. In staging, our goal is to highlight square footage and flow—not just fill the room. The right pieces can guide the buyer's eye, define purpose, and maximize visual space.
Let a Professional Handle It
At Lynnemark Home Staging, we take the guesswork out of selling your home. From decluttering strategies and lighting plans to expertly scaled furnishings and accessories, we know what it takes to create spaces that connect with buyers emotionally and visually.
👉 Want to avoid these common pitfalls and sell your Southeastern Wisconsin home faster—and for more? Reach out to us here to get started.