Selling in NYC? Here's how to stage your outdoor space even if it's winter

When preparing your New York City apartment for sale, brokers and designers advise that an attractive, functional outdoor space can be key to selling your apartment quickly and even above the asking price. So, if you're selling and have a balcony or private access to the roof, you'll want to maximize its appeal, even in winter. Read: That means staging it along with the interior. 

"I would say any outdoor space has become more desirable than ever for those searching for apartments in NYC," said Parisa Afkhami, an agent at Coldwell Banker Warburg. "The big shift is that those who value outdoor space really see it as an enhancement of their quality of life, with terraces being used as multifunctional spaces for dining, lounging, entertaining, gardening, and even workspaces." She currently has two luxury buyers who both want outdoor space, which she said is not easy to find. She also noted that the beauty of outdoor spaces requires maintenance and energy. "Terraces are a lot of work—planting, pruning, cleaning, and lighting." Buyer beware. 

New development projects, in particular, are driving the outdoor staging trend.

"We always recommend that the developer furnish and decorate the balconies and terraces of the model residences. This approach not only completes the overall aesthetic but also effectively showcases the concept of indoor-outdoor living, which can be a significant selling point for prospective buyers," said Jennifer Dorfmann, managing director of sales at real estate firm Modern Spaces.

A key to staging an outdoor space, especially when temperatures drop, is to make it cozy. "With outdoor staging for winter listings, we like to emphasize warmth and comfort," she said.

[Editor's note: An earlier version of this post was previously published in December 2024. We are presenting it with updated information for December 2025.]

Design with furniture

If there's enough room, stage with outdoor furniture, ideally multi-functional pieces. For example, round tables can be kept in a corner to display plants and lanterns and then pulled out for dining. Likewise, deep benches pushed against the wall and stacked with pillows for a casual lounge area can double as dining tables. Attractive chests offer hidden storage, such as for throws and toys, and built-in seating. 

Susan Hum, manager at Greenehouse NYC, a real estate staging and photography company, said smaller balconies can accommodate a bistro table-and-chair set.

According to Harriet Kaufman, a broker with Coldwell Banker Warburg, "Eating and relaxing outside on a private terrace are still a big plus! And it adds value!" Even a small dining set "gives the impression that you can eat outside." An outdoor heater and an awning are additional ways to indicate that the space can be used year-round.

Embellish with flowering plants 

Plants are a fantastic way to bring life and vibrancy to outdoor spaces during winter.

"Potted evergreen shrubs and small trees are very effective for staging in colder months. I particularly like to use boxwoods, junipers, and dwarf spruces. These add structure and greenery that last through the season," Dorfman said.

Kaufman suggested growing flowering plants on a balcony or terrace. "They are pretty and colorful and lend the feeling of being in a garden, regardless of the size or quantity," she said.

Hum said showing off your outdoor space as a place to grow plants, flowers, and even fruits and vegetables can maximize the bonus square footage in new ways, even in the off-season.

Think vertically 

Consider using your walls and other vertical surfaces to lend height and dimension. Like in interior rooms, large mirrors, either resting on the floor or hanging, open outdoor spaces and add depth.

A trellis allows you to add a green wall with climbing vines or cover what might otherwise be an unremarkable fence. 

Think as well of having one or two taller plants—especially potted trees that are hardy for the zone—that draw the eye up. Dwarf junipers and other evergreens provide four-season visual interest and are well-suited to tiny patios.

Create zones 

If you're lucky enough to have a sizable terrace or rooftop deck, consider breaking it up for different uses. For example, Afkhami highlighted an off-market listing where the terrace is the same size as the indoor space, with distinct zones—living, dining, and lounging—and a beautifully landscaped garden.

And she recently recommended a similar strategy for a seller with ample ground-floor outdoor space on the Upper East Side. It included an area for flowers and herbs, a barbecue area, a dining area, and a sitting area. "Whether it is a patio or other outdoor space, use it and integrate it into your apartment," she said. 

In winter, however, you could focus on a single central seating area, such as chairs or stools around a fire pit or a coffee table, styled with garden lanterns.

(Note: Grills need to be at least 10 feet from anything that can catch fire; propane grills are usually prohibited on balconies and terraces, but charcoal ones are typically allowed, depending on the building.)

Relatedly, Kaufman said decorative lighting conveys the message that you can enjoy your outdoor space after dark. Using different types—string and solar lights, for example—can add dimension and create focal points. 

Adding heavy throws over the backs of chairs and textured pillows creates a sense of warmth. The same applies to all-weather rugs, which can also be used to define distinct areas.

Dorfmann recommended textiles in deep, warm colors like burgundy, forest green, or navy. 

Make it pet-friendly

One of Afkhami's clients installed artificial turf on the balcony floor and used it as a doggie gym and play space for their puppy, adding, "They also said this space eliminated the need for early morning and late-night walks."

Other ways to create a comfy den include an indoor/outdoor pet bed (or crate if that's your pup's preference), a water bowl, and a few favorite soft toys. You can also consider adding a doggy door. 

But first, you'll need to ensure the railing is secure and not too tight for dogs to squeeze through or too tall for them to jump over. 

Snap photos

Of course, you'll want to capture these inviting scenes in professional photos, a necessary part of any successful staging strategy. This worthwhile investment offers excellent dividends.

—Earlier versions of this article contained reporting and writing by Emily Myers.

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