When people think of staging, they usually picture furniture, lighting, and color. But sight is just one part of what shapes a buyer’s experience. Sound and scent matter too and they can quietly influence how someone feels the moment they walk through the door. 

At 27 STAGE, we work with homeowners and realtors across Murfreesboro to stage homes that speak to buyers on every level. Scent and sound are tools we use strategically, not to overwhelm, but to create a setting that’s calm, comfortable, and memorable. 

How to Create Calm Scents Without Overdoing It 

Stick to Clean, Neutral Scents 

Buyers are turned off by anything too strong or artificial. We skip plug-ins, harsh sprays, and overpowering candles. Instead, we use soft, clean scents. This includes light citrus, subtle florals, fresh linen, or gentle eucalyptus. The goal is to make the home feel clean and well-cared-for, not perfumed. 

Use the Right Delivery Method 

Scent should feel ambient, not like it’s coming from one spot. We prefer diffusers, lightly scented cleaning products, or occasionally a small candle (used safely and only during showings). These create a gentle background, not a distraction. 

Watch for Competing Smells 

Cooking odors, pet smells, or overly scented laundry products can work against your staging. We always check for these and neutralize them first before layering in anything else. 

How Sound Can Set the Right Mood 

Soft Music, Low Volume 

Light, instrumental music can help soften a home’s energy and reduce that “empty house” echo. It should be played at a low volume, just enough to make the space feel lived-in, but not enough to compete with conversation. 

Match the Style of the Home 

A modern condo might benefit from something a bit more contemporary. A traditional home might feel more natural with classical or acoustic tunes. We consider the buyer profile when choosing background sound. 

Silence Can Be Awkward 

Dead silence makes buyers hyper-aware of every creak, drip, or hum. Gentle sound fills the space and gives them something more pleasant to focus on. 

When It’s Done Right, Buyers Stay Longer 

Buyers may not consciously notice the scent of clean citrus in the kitchen or the faint piano track in the background, but they’ll notice how the home makes them feel. These subtle cues can reduce anxiety, create calm, and encourage buyers to linger just a little longer. And that’s exactly what you want. 

Let Us Help Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere 

At 27 STAGE, we focus on the full buyer experience, from how a home looks to how it feels the moment someone steps inside. If you’re prepping a listing in Murfreesboro, let’s talk. We’ll help make sure the little things, like scent and sound, work in your favor. 

Reach out today to schedule a staging consult.