The Advantages of Minimalist Staging for Real Estate Photography
Minimalist staging is a great way to make any home look more presentable for real estate photography. While this might not be possible in every home, it’s certainly a topic worth discussing.
In this article I’ll share the many advantages of minimalist staging for real estate photography as well as some best practices.
Table of Contents
A Less is More Philosophy
Adopting a ‘less is more’ philosophy when staging a house for real estate photography, which I’ve written about many times before, can significantly elevate the appeal of a property, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
See our articles Real Estate Photography Staging for Small Spaces and Free Home Staging Guide for reference.
This minimalist approach focuses on decluttering and simplifying the space to highlight its best features, thereby creating a more spacious, inviting, and aesthetically pleasing environment.
The essence of minimalist staging lies in the careful selection and placement of furniture and decor. By choosing fewer pieces you can draw attention to the architectural features and spatial qualities of the house.
For example, a single, well-placed piece of art or a strategically positioned mirror can make a room feel larger and more open. Likewise, a small plant by a window can accentuate natural light without obstructing the view.
This not only enhances the room’s aesthetic appeal but also allows potential buyers to imagine their own lives and belongings in the space, a crucial factor in their decision-making process.
Show More of the Space Itself
One of the primary advantages of minimalist staging is its ability to make spaces appear larger and more open.
By minimizing clutter and carefully selecting furniture and decor that complement the size of the space, minimalist staging removes distractions and allows potential buyers to appreciate the actual dimensions of the property.
This is particularly beneficial for small spaces, which you can read more about in the article that I shared above, where the goal is to maximize the perception of space.
It can be very easy to want to decorate the space and not consider what the decor might be hiding. Always consider the architecture and features of a home prior to staging your photos.
It Helps Simplify the Buyer's Visualization
The minimalist approach helps potential buyers envision themselves in the space more easily. With fewer personal items and neutral decor, buyers are not distracted by the seller’s personal style and can more readily imagine their own belongings in the space.
This emotional connection can be a powerful decision-making factor for buyers, making them more likely to make an offer.
It’s perfectly natural for a possible buyer to imagine where they are going to put their furniture and other possessions. This is so much easier when they can clearly see the space available.
Chances are you’ve done this yourself while surfing around Zillow. You find a house you love, look at the living room photos, and tell yourself where you would arrange your own furniture.
Now imagine all the times you haven’t really been able to figure out exactly how you would set the room up because the photo was too cluttered or the staging was over done.
That’s all the reason you need to keep it simple.
Minimalism Helps Online and Print Marketing Materials
Now, this certainly isn’t the primary concern of real estate photographers. But it’s definitely something that’s worth considering since we rarely think about marketing materials other than the image itself.
Minimalist-staged homes photograph beautifully, offering clear, clutter-free images that stand out in online listings and print brochures. This can increase the property’s visibility and attract more online views, leading to more in-person visits.
Additionally, this minimalist look works fantastic for marketing materials where the agent or broker want to attach some branding to it.
Having your realtors face or logo over a cluttered image, regardless of how nice the image looks, will never look as good as an image with clean open spaces and lines.
Additional Resources
If you’re just getting started in real estate photography, check out our Beginners Guide. It’s full of helpful articles and tips that will guide you in the right direction as you begin your real estate photography journey.
You can check out our Gear section as well to see reviews and recommendations on the latest real estate photography gear.
If you’re more interested in other resources that can help your real estate photography business, check out our Business Resources page.
