The Big Black Box
September 3, 2008 by Elaine Manes · 6 Comments
Let’s face it, we love our television sets. In my staging career, this has been proven to me numerous times. I come into a home to make recommendations to make it show better, and clients seem so willing to add or remove whatever I suggest. Except the TV, that is. And, whatever they sit on to watch TV.
In recent years, televisions have certainly become more streamlined. Flat panel styles are much less intrusive than the large screen projection ones, or “the big black boxes”, as we stagers like to call them. But, I would guess that only about 20% of the homes I visit have made the switch to flat panels. That leaves a whole lot of family rooms whose main feature is the overly-large TV. In homes where all the furniture is aimed at the TV, it may cause buyers to overlook the features which are a part of the home. Buyers should be directed to that fabulous fireplace, or the incredible floor to ceiling windows.
Another distraction for buyers is the number of TVs in some homes. I had clients who had a TV in every room, including the dining room. Fortunately, we worked out a compromise, and they removed all but two. And, the big black box that swallowed up most of their small living room? It was one they agreed to remove, and it opened up the space to reveal a very nice sized room, which buyers appreciated, and the home sold quickly.
It’s never easy to have your home on the market. But, taking the steps necessary to get it sold quickly, means the inconvenience won’t last long, and the sooner you and your TV can be together again!
Elaine is the Staging & Interior Re-design expert for the Get Home Denver Team. Her results have been described by many as "Magic!"
Certified as an Interior Redesign Industry Specialist, she has the Tools and Vision to provide our clients with the solutions they need!
You can Learn more about Elaine at 
I love it. I’ve been in more homes with clients which feel more like an electronics store with the massive screen and tangle of wires running all over the main living area. Most Buyers interpret this as a shortage of space. They rarely appreciate the “quality” of the sound system. Thanks for bringing up the TV taboo!
TV taboo! That’s a great way of putting it! And, let’s not forget the bedroom TV, which clients use as a sleeping pill! I suggest they remove it because it’s hanging off the dresser blocking entrance into the room, and they go pale!
Thanks for the comment!
Good advice. Life as we know it changes when we put our homes up for sale. No more dirty dishes in the sink. No more socks on the floor. No more unmade beds…
And no more monster tv as the focal point of the living room or bedroom. Stage that home so that the buyers envision the home for themselves. The fewer the distractions, the better, whether tv, personal photos, cooking odors or music.
Keep it simple and streamlined.
Debbie Pallais last blog post..Conservatorship for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
It’s amazing how many sellers are not willing to make lifestyle changes when selling their home. I’ve sold plenty of my own homes to know how difficult it is, but in the end, it’s worth it!
Thanks for the comment!
Hi Elaine:
Great advice. TVs can take up a lot of room.
Thanks for the great blog.
Misty
One downfall of the flat screens, even though they are smaller–we now have TVs in bathrooms!
Thanks for the comment!