Bedrooms are more than just places to sleep—they’re personal retreats, sanctuaries of rest, and one of the key rooms buyers will focus on when browsing real estate listings. A well-prepped bedroom can evoke feelings of calm and coziness, making it easier for buyers to imagine themselves relaxing in the space. But to achieve that, you need more than just a clean bedspread.
In this post, we’re going to guide you through the essential steps of preparing a bedroom for a real estate shoot. From decluttering shelves to creating a peaceful, inviting atmosphere, here’s how to turn a bedroom into a buyer’s dream.
The Bedroom Prep Checklist
- Beds Made & Cleared The bed is the focal point of any bedroom, so it needs to look picture-perfect. Make sure the bed is neatly made with smooth, wrinkle-free linens. Opt for neutral bedding or something simple and inviting—bold patterns or bright colors can distract from the room itself. Pillows should be arranged neatly, and any extra throws or blankets should either be folded at the foot of the bed or removed entirely.
- Declutter Shelves and Dressers Like with the living room, decluttering is key here. If you have bookshelves, nightstands, or dressers, they need to be free of personal items and clutter. This includes everything from alarm clocks to family photos. Buyers want to picture their belongings in the space, not yours. So keep surfaces clean, and if you have decorative items, make sure they’re minimal and tasteful.
- Put Clothes & Shoes Out of Sight We know—bedrooms are where clothes go to pile up. But for a real estate shoot, you need to make sure all clothes and shoes are stored away. No piles on the floor, no shoes peeking out from under the bed. This small step makes a huge difference in how clean and spacious the room appears in photos.
- Clean Floors & Surfaces As with every other room in the house, floors should be clean and free of debris. Sweep, vacuum, or mop, and make sure any rugs are shaken out or vacuumed as well. Dust off dressers, shelves, and nightstands to give everything a polished look. Clean surfaces and floors make the room feel fresh and well-maintained.
- Lighting: Natural & Artificial Lighting is especially important in bedrooms because it sets the mood. Make sure all bulbs are working and that fixtures are dusted and cleaned. If the room has good natural light, take advantage of it! Open curtains or blinds to let sunlight stream in, creating a bright, airy atmosphere. Soft, warm artificial lighting can also help make the room feel cozy and inviting.
Real-World Example: The Cluttered Bedroom That Almost Blew the Sale
We once photographed a beautiful home with a master bedroom that had incredible potential. But when we arrived, the bed was half-made, clothes were strewn across the floor, and every surface was covered with personal items. After politely suggesting some quick changes—making the bed, clearing the floor, and removing the clutter—the room was transformed. The photos turned out gorgeous, and the house sold shortly after. It’s amazing how such small tweaks can make a room feel completely different.
Activity: Stage Your Own Bedroom
Stand in your bedroom and imagine you’re seeing it through a buyer’s eyes. Is the bed made? Are shelves and dressers tidy? Are there personal items that could be put away? Spend a few minutes straightening things up and removing any clutter. Once you’re done, step back and admire how clean and inviting the space feels. Now, imagine how great it will look in photos!
Discussion Question: How Does Bedroom Staging Affect a Buyer’s Emotional Connection to a Home?
Bedrooms are personal spaces, and buyers want to feel an emotional connection when they see them. Why do you think a well-staged bedroom has such a strong impact on buyers? Discuss how staging can make the difference between a room that feels cold and one that feels like a cozy retreat.
Wrapping It Up
Bedrooms are some of the most personal spaces in a home, but for a real estate shoot, it’s important to create a space that feels universally appealing. A clean, decluttered bedroom with smooth linens and soft lighting can make buyers imagine themselves unwinding there after a long day. The goal is to make the space feel restful and inviting—like a mini-retreat in the middle of a busy day.
Stay tuned for next week’s post, where we’ll tackle bathroom preparation! You’ll learn how to make even the smallest bathroom look clean, bright, and spacious.
