The Best Bed Styling Tips for Selling Your Home

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-styled bed when you’re hosting an open house or having photographs taken for an online listing. “When a bedroom looks tidy, inviting, and thoughtfully put together, it immediately gives the impression that the home is well cared for,” says Realtor^Ⓡ Rachel Stringer. But what’s the best way to make your bed? It may be more pared down than you’d think. 

Read on to find out what Stringer, as well as interior designer Lauren Saab, have to say about making your sleep space offer-ready—plus three no-fail combinations.

Make Money Online Meet the experts:

• Rachel Stringer, Realtor at Raleigh Realty in North Carolina

• Lauren Saab, interior designer and founder of Saab Studios in Texas

Make Money Online 5 Tips for Styling Your Bed

Do: Choose neutral colors. 

Stringer says that soothing neutrals—soft whites, creams, and light grays—are your best bet. “They appeal to a wide range of tastes and create a sense of calm,” she says. On the other hand, “overly bold colors can turn buyers off,” the Realtor adds. 

Do: Be mindful of patterns and prints.

“Patterned bedding can work if it is understated,” Stringer says, but loud prints are a definite no—and Saab agrees. “Bold patterns look busy in photos and turn buyers off fast,” she adds. 

Don’t: Get too cozy.

Flannel sheets and pillowy duvets may be cozy, but they can look overly casual.  “Duvets work for comfort, not for showing off a room,” says Saab. If you must have one, she adds, don’t make it the main focal point. “Fold it small at the bottom so it adds a bit of weight and nothing more.”

Do: Consider a quilt or coverlet.

Saab’s preference is a simple coverlet. “The bed just looks finished, clean, ready to go,” she says. Stringer offers a slightly more nuanced opinion: “Quilts or coverlets can give a lighter, more textured feel, which is great for a modern or coastal look,” she says. “A plush comforter often conveys luxury, which works well in more traditional space,” Stringer says. 

Don’t: Go overboard with pillows and throws.

Gone are the days when a stylish bed required a minor pillow fort. When it comes to accents, less really is more. “A few accent pillows can make the bed feel intentional without looking staged,” Stringer says. 

Make Money Online 3 No-Fail Combinations for Styling Your Bed

If you want an understated and affordable makeover: Splurge on a lumbar pillow.

Keep the sheets and coverlets simple (and wallet-friendly) and save your budget for a gorgeous lumbar throw pillow.

Shopping list:

• Classic Organic Percale Fitted Sheet Set – Queen, $70 at Quince

• Organic Cotton Matelasse Coverlet – Full/Queen, $110 at Quince

• Naveta Velvet Lumbar Pillow, $124 at the Citizenry

If you want something seasonally appropriate: Choose rich neutrals. 

Richer neutrals like camel, tobacco, olive, and deep charcoal create an autumnal vibe. 

Shopping list:

• Stonewashed Organic Cotton Percale Sheet Set in Olive – Queen, $151 at The Citizenry

• Hand-Stitched Velvet Quilt in Tobacco – Queen, $299 at Parachute

• Hand-Stiched Velvet Sham in Tobacco, $79 each at Parachute

If you want a bit of texture: Opt for linen and cotton.

Subtle textures like linen or cotton add depth without being distracting. 

Shopping list:

• Washed European Linen Core Sheet Set – Queen, $359 at Brooklinen

• Ribbed Matelasse Quilt in Driftwood – Queen, $139 at Brooklinen

• Ribbed Matelasse Sham Set in Driftwood, $71 at Brooklinen