Vacant homes: Should you virtually stage or style physically?
What works best to make your empty property shine in photos
What works best to make your empty property shine in photos
Empty homes can be a challenge to photograph. Without furniture, décor, or any personality, rooms can feel cold, hard to imagine living in, and just plain uninviting. But the right approach to staging can turn that around — helping potential buyers or renters see the full potential of the space.
If you’re facing a vacant property shoot, you might be wondering: should I go for physical styling or virtual staging? Both have their pros and cons, so let’s break down what to expect from each.
Physical styling means bringing in furniture, artwork, plants, and other décor to dress the space before the shoot. This might be done by a professional stylist, the homeowner, or sometimes your photographer can help with simple adjustments.
Pros:
Creates a real, lived-in feel that’s easy for buyers to connect with
Allows for flexible, hands-on adjustments during the shoot
Photos feel authentic and natural, showing true scale and texture
Can highlight a property’s lifestyle potential, especially for family homes or boutique apartments
Cons:
Can be expensive and time-consuming to arrange
Requires moving, storing, and maintaining furniture and décor
Access and timing need to be coordinated carefully
Virtual staging uses digital software to add furniture and décor to photos after the shoot. The empty room is photographed as is, then “furnished” on a computer before the listing goes live.
Pros:
Usually cheaper and faster than physical staging
No need to move or rent furniture
Can easily showcase multiple styles or room layouts
Great for properties with limited access or very short listing windows
Cons:
Sometimes looks less natural or realistic if done poorly
Can create false expectations if the photos don’t reflect the real space accurately
Some buyers may be skeptical of digitally altered photos
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some quick guidelines:
For high-end properties or homes where lifestyle and atmosphere are key, physical styling usually makes the best impression. It creates warmth and a tangible feel that resonates in photos.
For tight budgets or vacant investment properties, virtual staging can be an effective alternative that still helps buyers imagine the space.
If the property is vacant but in good condition and photos will be used for a rental, virtual staging can add that pop without the hassle of moving furniture.
Sometimes a hybrid approach works — a physically styled main living space with virtual staging on bedrooms or other rooms.
Let your photographer know in advance if you’re planning physical styling or virtual staging — they will tailor the shoot accordingly.
For virtual staging, ensure the empty rooms are clean, well-lit, and photographed from angles that work well for digital furnishing.
If styling physically, schedule the shoot for when the staging is complete and the space looks its best.
Avoid over-styling — simple, tasteful touches work best on camera.
If you're considering virtual staging, it's worth asking to see previous examples. The quality can vary a lot between providers — good virtual staging should feel natural and believable, not obviously computer-generated.
Both physical and virtual staging can help vacant properties come alive in photos — the key is choosing the right option for your goals, timeline, and budget. Either way, great photography will highlight the best features of your property and help it stand out online.
If you want advice specific to your listing or would like to discuss staging options, feel free to contact Michael.