Area rugs

"Rugs can really help you define a large space. We also use them to stage bedrooms: Plop a few pillows and a breakfast serving tray on top of a rug instead of racking up the cost of a full-sized bed and accessories. I learned this neat little trick from another local agent a few years back and have been using it ever since!" - Stephanie Crawford, Zeitlin & Co., Nashville

Sheer curtains

"My favorite staging accessory is a tension rod with a white sheer curtain on the windows. It dresses up the window but still allows the light in. And no tools are needed to hang the rod!" - Giovanna Graves, Central Mass Real Estate Inc., Leominster, Mass.

Side tables

"I love to use trunks or small suitcases in place of a side table. It adds interest because it’s unexpected but appealing to all types of buyers. I’ve had buyers actually want to purchase them when buying the home." - Mary Habres, Encore Home Staging and Redesign, Jacksonville, Fla.

Timers for lights

"I work in a climate that tends toward gray days in the winter so having timers on lights really changes the first impression. During the holidays, I use battery-operated candles with timers. They come on at the same time every day, stay on for five hours, and then shut themselves off. It’s fun, festive, and

safe." - Dava Behrens, Coldwell Banker Valley Brokers, Corvallis, Ore.

Fabulous fabric

"I buy fabric to coordinate with the style of the home I am staging. I cover a large framed canvas with fabric for art and headboards. I also use fabric as a colorful throw at the end of a bed or to recover a chair seat. A little blanket edging and sewing glue finish the edges. I can make everything look coordinated with a custom appearance." - Kristin Bramer, IdEvolution, Lafayette, Colo.

Fresh flowers, mirrors, and candy!

"I like to use beautifully simple fresh flowers—sometimes even just one bud in a small vase in the bathroom. Near the entrance to the home, I like to use a mirror that is sized to scale with the space and goes with the interior décor. Finally, I use clear canisters in the kitchen filled with candy, such as Swedish Fish, M&Ms, or peppermints. It adds some color and a splash of fun." - Jessica Dolan, Room to Breathe Home Organizing & Staging, State College, Pa.