How to Stage a Luxury Closet
Stage a closet?! You must be kidding
If you have a luxury closet, you MUST stage it!
When home sellers and selling agents consider staging a home, closets are frequently an afterthought. It’s understandable; in most homes, the closets are simply functional. Wire racks and DIY closet divider units don’t leave much of an impression. Only in custom or remodeled homes do closets generally make an impact.
Therefore…when a home has a luxury closet, stage it!
A renovated luxury closet that isn’t staged equals money lost. If you are lucky enough to be selling or representing a property that has a customized closet, take the extra time to stage the space. Speaking personally, a luxury closet would grab my attention instantly. Even in the finer neighborhoods of my town, the majority of listed properties have unimpressive, overcrowded, builder-grade closets. A well-staged luxury closet beckons the home buyer to look closer at the property.
Ideas for luxury closet staging
Using some items from my staging inventory, and a few items from my own closet, I transformed an empty custom closet into a more impressive version of itself. The entire process took about 20 minutes–and I believe you will find the end result to be more impressive than an empty closet. Allow me to persuade you.
Hanging spaces
This closet had hanging racks for shirts and pants, as well as a longer hanging area for dresses and coats. To emphasize the hanging space, I hung brand-new velvet hangers, as well as a long dress bag, on the hanging rods. Using uniform velvet hangers gives the impression of a cohesive closet–and they look so much better than plastic or (gasp!) wire hangers!
Shelving
The closet had unique cubby spaces above the hanging rods, and a bank of wall-mounted shelves for shoes. I used a luxury shopping bag, a tote bag, and a felt hat to showcase the cubby spaces. In the shoe area, I placed a few pairs of eye-catching luxury shoes, as well as folded sweaters and luxury shopping boxes to draw they eye to the shelves. The variety of color, shape, and merchandise brings attention to the amount of shelving space.
Built-in vanity
As a bonus, this closet had a vanity space. I staged the vanity with a large mirror and luxurious items to reflect light and, again, draw attention to the space. My goal was to provide an emotional connection. A buyer would see the staged luxury closet, and imagine living the lifestyle that the home suggests. Staging with luxury items adds to the perceived overall value of the home.
Whatever the property’s assets, be strategic
Intentional staging of a property is a critical aspect of real estate marketing. Every property has positive aspects, and staging efforts should emphasize those selling points. If your property has a custom closet, or a very large closet, it is in your interest to stage it thoughtfully before listing.
Shameless plug: Need help strategizing your rental or for-sale property? Give me a call–I offer staging consultations via Zoom or Skype for property owners & real estate agents outside of the central North Carolina region! Call or text 336.707.7324 and ask for Hillary!
Hillary McAlhany is the owner of Gate City Design. She is a certified professional home stager/redesigner, E-designer & color expert. Although she is based in North Carolina, she offers remote design services outside of the central North Carolina region.
