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Yes, the blanket. Not only is the blanket the perfect item to have on the couch home, but the blanket also has become an essential staging piece for real estate photos. Prior to the quarantine times, blankets were nice to have on hand, and one was in the photo, it had to be in a basket or tucked away.
However, the days of that are over.
Blankets in real estate photos allow the potential buyer to feel:
- Comfortable
- Invited
- Cozy
- Relaxed
We all have blankets in our homes. If you choose to use a blanket in your real estate marketing photos, there are several key factors you need to consider.
Cleanliness
Especially because cameras, technology, and editing software continue to get more advance, the quality of photos have become better than ever. With that in mind, if there is a stain, it will show up. If there is pet hair, it will show up. So, just before you decide “Oh this old blanket will do!” and throw it on the couch, make sure the blanket has been freshly washed. Or, if you are in the home goods section of a store, you might want to purchase a new blanket.
Size
The blanket needs to be a size that can be either be folded up and placed on the end of the couch nicely, or can be folded and place onto the corner of the couch.
Color
If your home has more neutral colors, this is a perfect opportunity to pull accent colors into the photos.
If your home had a lot of natural light, greenery showcased through the windows, and if your furniture is a neutral color, you can use a RED blanket, because red and green are complimentary colors.
If your furniture is a BOLD color, then chose a blanket that is a complimentary color of the couch (Red/Green, Yellow/Purple, Orange/Blue)
If your paint colors are BOLD, then choose a blanket that is neutral.
All else fails, you can always go with a neutral color blanket. However, color allows the photographer to create additional interest with editing and lighting.
Patterns
Patterns can be great as well! Just keep the colors in mind when picking out a blanket that has a pattern on it. Quilts can also be great, but just make sure the quilt goes with the style of your living room.
I recommend not having a blanket with the following:
- Photos of family members
- Cartoon characters
- Writing
The purpose of having real estate photos is for the potential buyer to know what your home looks like. The purpose of the blanket is to help make the buyer feel more “at home”. Blankets hold memories and special emotions for people
- First blanket as a child
- Blanket given as a gift by a family member (especially if it was made)
- Blanket that you curl up an watch a movie with
So, before you put your home on the market, check your blanket basket and see what blanket would work best in the photography!
Kelly Raulston
“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic.
I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016.
I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017.
When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
