Home stagers, realtors, and even home owners argue over this point all the time. So today I am sharing my two cents on whether or not dining tables should be set when staging a home.
Generally, when you’re staging your home to put on the market, I recommend that you avoid setting the table, instead keeping the focus on the space, not your stuff. That is, after all, the entire concept behind staging to sell. You aren’t selling your stuff, you’re selling the house! So why add yet another distraction?
Potential buyers walk through a home in about 15-20 minutes on average. By setting the table, you are now taking away from their experience of the space by directing them to the tabletop instead of the beautiful outdoor view, shiny hardwood floors, or gorgeous chandelier.
While a smartly dressed table can be amazing to look at, remember what you’re selling…THE HOUSE! So dress your table for a celebration or holiday, not for a showing. Keep that colourful bouquet on the table to draw the buyer’s eye into the room, but don’t over-indulge. You want to ensure that potential buyers remember the space itself, not your grandma’s china!
There are exceptions, though…
In my 10 years in the industry,I’ve only set a table twice inhundreds of home staging projects!
In both cases it was because it was a very high-end home with a large dining room. I wanted to showcase how elegant and comfortable a sit-down dinner with many guests could be. After all, this would be an impossibility in most homes.
We used the client’s fine china and glassware forhome staging.
I felt it was especially important to set the dining room table in these homes because their layouts made them ideal for entertaining. Plus, the target market for such high-priced, conservative homes in these “old money” neighbourhoods was senior executives and their families. They would most likely want to do some serious business and personal entertaining.
But again, in smallerdining rooms, I’m not a fan of setting the table for home staging. I think it’s distracting to see plates and glassware when the table top visually takes up most of the room.
In my opinion, setting a breakfast island looks too gimmicky. It’s clear what a breakfast island can be used for so I don’t think it’s necessary to set up a contrived meal scenario. Of course, if thecounter top is really ugly, you can break it up a bit with placements, cereal bowls, etc.
As a general rule, when staging typical family homes, my preference is a nice centrepiece on a dining table rather than going with place settings. I generally use a bowl of fruit on a kitchen counter and a simple flower arrangement on the kitchen table.
Overall, you could say I’m not a fan of setting the table for home staging. There will undoubtedly be different opinions on this and I’d love to hear thoughts. Please share your experience or point of view in the comments below!
As a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the home staging industry, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the table. Having successfully completed hundreds of home staging projects, I understand the nuances of creating spaces that captivate potential buyers. My insights are rooted in practical experience, allowing me to navigate the delicate balance between showcasing a property's unique features and avoiding unnecessary distractions.
The debate surrounding whether dining tables should be set during home staging is a topic I've encountered and grappled with throughout my extensive career. It's a matter that often sparks discussions among home stagers, realtors, and homeowners alike. In my two cents on the matter, I advocate for a strategic approach that prioritizes emphasizing the space itself rather than personal belongings.
When staging a home for the market, my general recommendation is to refrain from setting the dining table. The overarching principle is to keep the focus on the house, not the belongings within it. Potential buyers typically spend a brief 15-20 minutes touring a home, and setting the table can divert their attention from essential features such as outdoor views, hardwood floors, or elegant chandeliers.
While a beautifully set table may be visually appealing, it runs the risk of becoming a distraction. The goal is to ensure that potential buyers remember the space, not the specific items within it. For this reason, I discourage over-indulgence in decor, suggesting that any additions, such as a colorful bouquet, should complement the room without overshadowing its inherent charm.
However, I acknowledge that exceptions exist. In my extensive tenure, I've set a table only twice, and both instances involved high-end homes with spacious dining rooms. The rationale behind these exceptions was to showcase the potential for elegant and comfortable entertaining in such luxurious spaces. In these cases, using the client's fine china and glassware added a touch of sophistication tailored to the target market of senior executives and their families.
In contrast, I express reservations about setting tables in smaller dining rooms, deeming it distracting when the tabletop dominates the visual space. Similarly, I caution against the gimmicky presentation of breakfast islands, emphasizing the need to maintain a natural, uncontrived feel during the staging process.
As a general rule for typical family homes, my preference leans towards a tasteful centerpiece on the dining table rather than elaborate place settings. A bowl of fruit on a kitchen counter and a simple flower arrangement on the kitchen table are my go-to choices for creating a welcoming atmosphere without overwhelming the space.
In conclusion, my stance on setting the table for home staging is clear—I generally advise against it. However, I recognize that opinions may vary, and I welcome the opportunity to engage in discussions and learn from diverse perspectives. If you have experiences or insights to share, please feel free to contribute your thoughts in the comments below.
