There is an interesting article about staging in the REALTOR Magazine Online.
Its quite ordinary until you read the quote:

"Boyd says buyers, need to be on guard.  If they get too emotionally attached to how the home looks when it's staged, they can end up overpaying." 

and

"The biggest concern for home buyers is that the staging effect can make a home seem more appealing to the eye," the report says."(report referred to is by the NAEBA about the dark side of good home staging)

That sure seems like a thumbs up for home staging.  The dark side of course is that buyers may overpay, though not necessarily.  Overpaying can be stopped by carefully reviewing comparable properties with your agent (preferably us)

What can also happen is that the staged home will sell quicker then one that is not staged. 
Staging can mean simple decorations in an empty home or whole house, all furniture rearrangement.  A well staged home will turn casual lookers into buyers.  It will help you compete against other homes.  It makes sense and it works.