11 Bed Staging Tips that Interior Design and Hospitality Experts Swear By

There’s something irresistible about a freshly made bed in a swanky hotel — the kind of clean, cozy perfection that makes you linger, even with the sound of ocean waves just beyond your window. Want to bring that luxury home? We’ve gathered expert advice from real estate pros, interior designers, and hospitality insiders to share 11 tips for staging your bed like a five-star suite.

Whether you’re selling your home or staying put, a perfectly styled bed can work wonders. “The primary bedroom is one of the biggest selling points when staging,” says Tony Mariotti, CEO of RubyHome in Beverly Hills. According to a recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) report, it’s the second most important room to stage for buyers (36%), right behind the living room (39%). With these tips, your bed will beckon buyers — or you — to stay a little longer.

1. Declutter, depersonalize, and deep clean

Professional stagers each have their own method for styling a bed, but even the most perfectly made bed loses its magic when surrounded by clutter. If drying racks, stacks of mail, or piles of laundry crowd the space, unwinding becomes nearly impossible. A serene, clutter-free environment is key to turning your bedroom into a true retreat.

Before you buy new bedding or shop for a headboard, you have to set the stage. To begin tidying your room, turn to the Queen of Tidy herself: Marie Kondo. Author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering And Organizing,” Kondo advises homeowners to walk through a room and pull out items like clothing, books, and more. The key question: “Does this spark joy?” If the answer is “no,” let it go. Neatly store the items you keep in the closet, dresser, or even under the bed. The less clutter on display, the better.

This tip is essential for sellers, but Leslie Carver, a top Nevada real estate agent with 28 years of experience, suggests homeowners take decluttering a step further.

“The first thing I tell my sellers is when you walk into a room [is to] look at it like you’re looking through the eyes of a buyer and see where your eye falls. If it’s on all your personal property, that’s not good.”

Buyers need to imagine themselves living in the space, so clear out personal items like laundry, dishes, and family photos before listing.

Finally, whether you’re staging your bedroom for buyers or creating your own personal retreat, a deep clean is essential. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 58% of buyers’ agents say that home staging significantly impacts a buyer’s perception of the home — and a spotless, fresh-smelling room makes a lasting impression. Lingering odors or visible dust can be deal-breakers, so don’t overlook any details. Follow our detailed deep-cleaning guide, or find top-rated cleaning services on sites like Molly Maid, Angi, or Yelp to ensure your space looks and smells inviting.