Dining rooms might not be as high-traffic as kitchens, but they still play a huge role in the overall feel of a home. For buyers, a beautifully staged dining room can evoke images of family dinners, holiday feasts, and entertaining friends. On the flip side, a cluttered, chaotic dining room might make them wonder where they’ll put their mail pile.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to prep a dining room for a real estate photo shoot. From clearing the table to brightening the space with the right lighting, we’ve got all the tips you need to make this room look its best.
The Dining Room Prep Checklist
- Clear the Table (Or Neatly Set It) A clean, clutter-free dining table is essential. You can either leave it completely bare or neatly set it with simple, neutral décor. If you’re going for a set table, avoid anything too over-the-top. A few place settings or a simple centerpiece is plenty. Less is more here—remember, the focus should be on the room, not the items on the table.
- Tidy Up Hutch or Cabinets If you have a hutch, buffet, or other large furniture pieces in the dining room, make sure they’re neat and organized. No one wants to see cluttered drawers or a stack of papers on top of your china cabinet. Keep everything looking polished and intentional.
- Clean All Surfaces This includes the dining table, chairs, and any other flat surfaces. Dust and wipe everything down to ensure a spotless finish. It’s amazing how a little cleaning can make furniture look brand new in photos.
- Brighten the Space Dining rooms often have unique lighting fixtures like chandeliers or pendant lights. Make sure all the bulbs are working and that the fixture itself is clean and free of dust. Good lighting is crucial for making a dining room look warm and inviting in photos. If possible, open any nearby curtains or blinds to let in natural light. Natural light paired with well-placed artificial lighting creates the perfect ambiance for photos.
- Floors Matter Too Whether your dining room has hardwood, tile, or carpeting, the floors need to be clean and tidy. Sweep, vacuum, or mop as needed, and if you have a rug under the dining table, give it a good shake or vacuum to remove any crumbs or dust. A clean floor ties the whole room together and makes the space feel more polished.
Real-World Example: When a Simple Table Setting Made All the Difference
We once worked with a homeowner who insisted on leaving their dining table fully set with elaborate china, candlesticks, and a giant floral arrangement. While it was beautiful in person, it overwhelmed the photos, making the room feel smaller and busier than it really was. After suggesting they simplify the setting with a neutral table runner and a few elegant place settings, the dining room instantly opened up. The feedback from buyers? They loved the dining space and could easily imagine hosting their own gatherings there. Sometimes less truly is more.
Activity: Set the Table – But Keep It Simple
Take a look at your own dining table and think about how it would look in a photo. Is it cluttered with papers, keys, or other everyday items? Take a few minutes to clear everything off. Then, experiment with a simple table setting—maybe a few neutral place settings or a small vase of flowers. Snap a quick picture and see how much better the space looks!
Discussion Question: How Does a Well-Staged Dining Room Affect Buyer Perception?
A clean, organized dining room can evoke feelings of warmth and hospitality. Why do you think this space has such an emotional impact on buyers? Discuss how a well-staged dining room can make buyers imagine hosting their own dinners and gatherings, and why this helps sell homes faster.
Wrapping It Up
Staging a dining room might seem simple, but small details can make a big impact. A clean table, well-organized furniture, and proper lighting can make all the difference in photos. When you create a dining space that feels inviting and elegant, you give buyers a glimpse of the life they could have in that home.
Stay tuned for next week’s post, where we’ll dive into bedroom preparation. We’ll show you how to create a cozy, serene space that buyers won’t want to leave!
