One of the biggest misconceptions about preparing a home for sale is that you need to spend thousands of dollars on new furniture or expensive décor.
You don't.
In fact, some of the most effective staging updates are also some of the least expensive.
When I'm helping sellers prepare their homes, I'm usually looking for simple ways to make rooms feel brighter, fresher, and more inviting. Often, that means replacing worn towels, updating bedding, adding a few decorative accessories, or bringing in a couple of new throw pillows.
The goal isn't to redecorate your home.
The goal is to help buyers imagine themselves living there.
Here are a few of my favorite places to shop for affordable staging items around Pittsburgh's North Hills.
HomeGoods – McCandless Crossing
If I could recommend just one store for home staging, it would probably be HomeGoods.
The McCandless Crossing location is one of my favorite stops before a listing goes on the market.
You can often find:
- Throw pillows
- Cozy blankets
- Comforters
- White towels
- Decorative bowls
- Vases
- Lamps
- Artificial plants
- Wall art
- Kitchen accessories
- Bathroom décor
The inventory changes constantly, so every visit is a little different.
HomeGoods – Cranberry Township
The HomeGoods in Cranberry Township is another excellent option.
Sometimes one store has exactly what the other doesn't, so if you're looking for a particular style or color, it's worth checking both locations.
I especially like shopping here for neutral accessories that photograph well and appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Marshalls – Cranberry Township
Many people don't realize Marshalls carries a surprisingly large home décor department.
It's a great place to shop for:
- Bedding
- Throw blankets
- Accent pillows
- Bathroom accessories
- Decorative baskets
- Seasonal décor
The prices are hard to beat, making it easy to refresh a room without overspending.
TJ Maxx – Cranberry Township
TJ Maxx is another hidden gem for staging.
I often browse their home section for:
- Framed artwork
- Decorative trays
- Candles
- Kitchen accessories
- Accent pieces
- Storage baskets
A few thoughtfully placed accessories can make a room feel polished without looking overdecorated.
Burlington – Ross Township
Many sellers are surprised to learn that Burlington has an excellent home department.
It's one of the best places to find bargains on:
- Comforters
- Bedspreads
- Pillowcases
- Decorative pillows
- Blankets
- Bath towels
- Small home accessories
If your guest room bedding has seen better days, Burlington is a great place to find an inexpensive replacement that looks fresh in listing photos.
What I Usually Recommend Buying
The best staging purchases are the ones buyers notice without realizing they're noticing them.
Some of my go-to items include:
- Crisp white bath towels
- Neutral comforters or quilts
- Coordinating throw pillows
- Soft throw blankets
- Decorative bowls and vases
- Simple framed artwork
- Fresh-looking artificial greenery
- Neutral table décor
- Attractive kitchen towels
- Coordinating bathroom accessories
These inexpensive updates can make a home feel cleaner, brighter, and more move-in ready.
Don't Overspend
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is spending money where it won't increase the value of the home.
The purpose of staging isn't to impress buyers with expensive decorations.
It's to create a warm, welcoming space that photographs beautifully and allows buyers to picture themselves living there.
Simple, neutral, and clean almost always works better than trendy or expensive.
My Approach to Staging
When I meet with sellers before listing their home, I don't just talk about pricing.
I also walk through the house room by room and make staging recommendations based on what will have the biggest impact.
Sometimes that means rearranging furniture.
Sometimes it means removing clutter.
And sometimes it's as simple as picking up a few new throw pillows, a fresh comforter, or some white towels from HomeGoods.
Those small changes can make a surprisingly big difference in how buyers perceive your home—both online and in person.
If you're thinking about selling your home in Pittsburgh's North Hills, I'd be happy to help you decide where to spend your staging dollars—and just as importantly, where not to.
