Virtual Staging Techniques For Small Spaces
Virtual staging is a great tool to use when photographing a space that could use some furniture or decor. It’s an excellent service to offer our clients as real estate photographers, but can easily be overdone or misused, especially in small spaces.
In this article, I’ll discuss virtual staging techniques for small spaces and share some practical tips to help you provide better virtually staged images.
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Proper Sizing of Furniture and Decor
To start, if you don’t already offer virtual staging, it’s probably time to put it on your list. Give our article How to Price Virtual Staging Services a read to help make sure you price yourself competitively.
One of the first principles of virtual staging, especially for small spaces, is the selection of appropriately sized furniture. Incorporating a love seat instead of a full-size couch, for example, can make a significant difference in how spacious the room appears.
This approach makes sure that the staging looks more real and relatable, which helps the viewer get a true sense of scale.
Proper scaling and sizing of furniture not only demonstrates a thoughtful use of space, but also prevents the room from appearing cluttered or overstuffed.
The same can be said for the decor. Use smaller plants and smaller pieces of art rather than trying to manipulate larger items into the space.
Doing this invites potential buyers to envision their lives in the space, showing them small spaces can be beautiful and functional.
Representing Space Honestly
A common temptation in virtual staging might be to tweak the spatial dimensions subtly to make rooms appear larger. I wrote about this before in our article A Brief Guide to the Ethics of Virtual Staging.
This practice is too often deceptive, and can undermine trust with potential buyers.
It’s crucial to use virtual staging tools to enhance the appeal of the space as it is, without resorting to digital manipulation that alters the room’s actual dimensions or makes it appear larger than it really is.
Keeping the staging honest not only upholds ethical standards but also makes sure that the visual representation meets buyers’ expectations during physical viewings.
An accurate portrayal might seem challenging for small spaces, but simply look to other small spaces and how they’ve been decorated and designed as inspiration.Find your favorite designer on Instagram and look through their feed for some work they’ve done in smaller rooms.
Virtually staging in a small space can end up looking just as attractive as virtually staging in a large room.
Adopt a Less-Is-More Mentality
When it comes to staging small spaces, a minimalist approach is key. I’ve discussed this less-is-more mentality several times before, especially when talking about The Best Staging Techniques for Real Estate Photographers.
Small areas do not require an abundance of furniture or decor; rather, they require strategic selections that highlight the space’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.
This less-is-more mentality focuses on quality over quantity, choosing pieces that serve multiple purposes or that draw the eye without overwhelming the room.
Minimalist staging emphasizes the space’s potential and versatility, encouraging buyers to imagine how it can be personalized.
It’s about creating a sense of openness and possibility, making even the most compact spaces feel welcoming and livable.
Practical Tips for Virtual Staging of Small Spaces
- Focus on Light and Color: use lighter colors and shades to create a sense of airiness and space. Virtual staging software allows for easy experimentation with wall colors and lighting effects, enabling you to find the perfect combination that makes the room feel larger and more inviting.
- Highlight Functionality: especially in small spaces, every square inch counts. Use virtual staging to showcase how a small area can be multifunctional, such as a dining area that doubles as a workspace. Demonstrating these possibilities can make the space more appealing to potential buyers.
- Incorporate Reflective Surfaces: Mirrors and other reflective surfaces can make small spaces feel larger and brighter. Strategically placing these items in your virtual staging can enhance the sense of depth and openness in the room.
- Use Vertical Space: Highlighting the use of vertical space can demonstrate the room’s potential for storage and decoration. Tall, slim furniture pieces or shelves can draw the eye upward, making the ceiling seem higher and the room more spacious.
- Create a Focal Point: Even in small spaces, a focal point can anchor the room and give it character. Whether it’s an art piece, a colorful rug, or a unique piece of furniture, choose one element to stand out in your virtual staging, making the space memorable.
- Simplify the Decor: Overdecorating can quickly clutter a small space, making it feel cramped. Opt for a few well-chosen decor items that add personality without taking up too much visual or physical space.
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.
The statements, opinions, and thoughts provided above reflect an individual’s account. This account reflects one individual’s experience and advice which is unique and outcomes and experiences may vary per individual. Neither ShowingTime+ or Zillow shall be liable for any and all damages attributed to the use of this information. Matthew Digati is an independent contributor to ShowingTime+.
