If you’re preparing to sell your home, a quick refresh is essential for maximizing buyer appeal and perceived value.
If you’re preparing to sell your home, a quick refresh is essential for maximizing buyer appeal and perceived value. Realtors consistently recommend a fresh coat of paint, clean windows, decluttering, and, most importantly, addressing the flooring. Worn, soiled, or dated flooring is an immediate red flag that can significantly detract from your home's value—a stark contrast to the "fresh start" buyers are seeking.
Staging is about setting the stage for a new life, and your floors are the foundation of that story.
While the classic advice was to put down new carpet for an inexpensive refresh, buyer preferences have evolved. Today, hard-surface flooring (like hardwood, engineered wood, luxury vinyl plank/tile, and ceramic tile) is overwhelmingly preferred in main living areas, kitchens, and high-traffic spaces for its durability, easy cleaning, and modern aesthetic.
So, why would you choose new carpet for staging today?
When choosing carpet for staging, your goal is a high-end look without the high-end investment. You are choosing for a quick sale, not for 20 years of wear.
Material/Fiber
Polyester (PET) or PTT (Triexta blends)This is the go-to budget-friendly choice. Modern polyester offers excellent softness and vibrant colors, and its cost is a fraction of premium nylon. You get the desired "fresh, new" appearance without over-investing.
Pile/TextureCut Pile (Plush or Saxony)This classic style offers a uniform, luxurious surface that immediately looks polished and high-end. Avoid older long-pile "shag" or dated, busy cut-and-loop patterns. A subtle, pulled-down texture is the modern favorite.
Color Palette
Warm Neutrals - Grey is out. Today's buyers are embracing warmer, earthier tones. Look for: Light Beige, Tan, Taupe, or "Greige" (a warmer grey-beige mix). These colors create a bright, inviting, and neutral foundation that allows buyers to easily envision their own furniture and style in the space.
Pro Tip
Upgrade the PaddingA new, high-quality carpet pad will make even a budget-friendly carpet feel incredibly thick, soft, and luxurious underfoot. This significantly increases the perceived quality and comfort for a minimal added cost.