The Biggest Staging Mistakes I See in DC Listings (And How to Avoid Them)

DC real estate is… unique.
You’ve got century-old rowhomes next to glassy new builds, micro-condos next to multi-level estates. And somehow, everyone wants their home to look like a Pinterest board.

Here are the top mistakes I see in un-staged or DIY-staged listings — and how you can avoid them.

1. Scale that just… isn’t scaling

That oversized sectional in a narrow Dupont living room?
No ma’am.
DC spaces need thoughtful scale to show full potential.

2. Lighting that belongs in a dentist’s office

Cold overhead LEDs are the fastest way to kill a vibe.
Warm lighting transforms everything — photos, mood, perception.

3. “Neutral” that reads as “sad”

There’s neutral and then there’s lifeless.
Layered neutrals with texture photograph beautifully.
Flat gray-on-gray? Not so much.

4. Ignoring the oddball layout

DC homes love a quirky floor plan.
Staging solves that.
Unstaged, buyers assume the space “doesn’t work.”

5. No emotional anchor

A beautiful room tells a story.
A room with mismatched leftover furniture tells a Craigslist ad.

Staging isn’t about perfection — it’s about clarity.
Show buyers the best version of the home, and they’ll respond.