How to Stage a Home for Sale in Nashville, TN

by Nik Shewmaker

How to Stage a Home for Sale in Nashville, TN

How do you stage a home for sale in Nashville, TN?
To stage your home for sale in Nashville, focus on maximizing natural light, decluttering, highlighting architectural charm, and appealing to local buyer preferences. A well-staged home helps buyers envision living there—and can mean more offers and a higher sale price.

Why Home Staging Matters in the Nashville Market

In a competitive market like Nashville, how your home looks can matter just as much as its features. Buyers often scroll listings first—meaning your home has to grab their attention instantly. Home staging isn’t about decorating; it’s about merchandising. It helps your space feel bigger, brighter, cleaner, and more emotionally compelling.

Homes that are professionally staged sell faster and for more money. According to the National Association of Realtors:

81% of buyers say staging makes it easier to visualize the property as a future home.
Staged homes sell for 5-10% more on average.

With Nashville’s growing influx of out-of-state buyers, staging gives your home the polish it needs to stand out online and in-person.

Start with a Clean Slate: Decluttering and Cleaning

First impressions count. Here’s what you need to tackle before you bring in throw pillows and centerpieces:

Declutter relentlessly. Clear surfaces, closets, and corners. Less truly is more.
Deep clean everything. Floors, baseboards, appliances, windows, ceiling fans—nothing should look or smell neglected.
Depersonalize. Family photos and niche artwork should be stored away so buyers can mentally move in.

Nik Shewmaker of Nashville’s Nik always advises starting with a blank slate. You’re not just selling your home—you’re selling the possibility of someone else’s new life.

Highlight What Nashville Buyers Want

Buyers in Middle Tennessee have specific tastes, and staging should reflect that.

What works well here:

Neutral color palettes: Think warm whites, greige, soft taupe.
Functional living areas: Show off open layouts, conversational seating, and multipurpose rooms.
Natural textures: Wood, linen, greenery—Nashville buyers love a balance of modern and rustic.
Outdoor spaces: Stage your porch, deck, or firepit. In this climate, outdoor living is a must-have.

Nik Shewmaker keeps a pulse on what’s resonating with buyers from Brentwood to East Nashville. She’ll help tailor staging to your specific buyer demographic.

Room-by-Room Staging Checklist

Living Room

Remove bulky furniture and extra chairs
Add throw pillows and a light blanket
Angle furniture to create conversation zones
Place fresh flowers or a bowl of green apples on the coffee table

Kitchen

Clear countertops of everything but 1–2 neutral items
Add a fresh fruit bowl or a simple plant
Clean grout, stainless steel, and cabinet hardware
Place a cookbook open to a pretty page

Bedrooms

Use white or light-colored bedding
Add lamps for soft lighting
Keep nightstands clutter-free
Hang art with calming tones

Bathrooms

Use fresh white towels and bathmats
Display minimal, spa-like toiletries
Remove all personal hygiene items
Clean mirrors until they sparkle

Outdoor Spaces

Mow and edge the lawn
Add potted plants or a seating area
Power wash the front walk and porch
Install new welcome mat and house numbers if needed

Photography: The Final Step That Sells

You’ve prepped the house—now show it off. According to Redfin, homes with professional photos sell up to 32% faster.

Nik Shewmaker works with top-tier Nashville photographers to ensure your home looks amazing in listing photos. She also uses video walkthroughs, drone shots, and Instagram reels to increase visibility and interest.

Nashville Neighborhood Nuances

Each Nashville area has its own staging angle:

East Nashville: Eclectic, artsy, and vintage—accent with local art or reclaimed wood pieces.
The Nations: Trendy new builds—think minimal, modern furniture and pops of bold color.
Franklin: Southern charm reigns—incorporate traditional furniture and elegant florals.
Green Hills: Upscale and refined—lean into high-end finishes and timeless decor.

Nik knows how to stage with these buyer personas in mind, crafting a narrative that feels both aspirational and attainable.

Don’t Go It Alone: Call in the Pros

Yes, you can stage your home yourself—but professional guidance makes a big difference. Nik Shewmaker offers personalized staging consults, trusted vendor referrals, and expert insight into what sells in each neighborhood.

She knows how to make your space shine in photos and in person—and her results speak for themselves.

Final Thoughts: Stage It Like You Mean It

Staging isn’t just fluff—it’s strategy. In a market like Nashville, staging your home can be the difference between sitting and selling.

If you’re thinking about listing your home, don’t just clean it—stage it. And when you’re ready, reach out to Nik Shewmaker of Nashville’s Nik for a personalized staging and marketing plan that gets results.