If you own a holiday let (or you’re thinking of setting one up), you’ve probably wondered:
- How can I decorate my property so that it stands out from the competition?
- How can I make it look more appealing, attract more bookings, and encourage guests to return?
The answer lies in the décor.
Because decorating your holiday let isn’t just about aesthetics or taste, it’s a decision that can determine whether the property gets booked or not.
Think about it: a well-decorated space not only catches the eye (and gets more clicks on Airbnb or Booking.com), but also justifies a higher nightly rate, improves the guest experience, and increases the chances of receiving five-star reviews.
No matter if your property is by the beach, in the countryside, or right in the city centre; if your photos don’t convey harmony, cleanliness, and comfort, you’re missing out on potential guests.
That’s why, in this guide, we’ll take you step by step through how to decorate a holiday let with profitability in mind, from defining the right style for your target audience to choosing the furniture, colours, and finishing touches that make guests want to click “book now”.
Let’s get started.
The Importance of Good Décor in Holiday Lets
These days, most bookings are decided with a simple gesture: scrolling.
If your listing doesn’t stand out in the first few photos, guests will simply move on. It’s that simple.
And in those few seconds, décor makes all the difference. A well-presented space conveys cleanliness, order, warmth, and professionalism. It not only invites guests to book, it inspires trust.
Having a beautifully decorated property means:
- You can charge a higher nightly rate without scaring guests away.
- You’re more likely to receive five-star reviews.
- You stand out from other similar listings nearby.
But be careful!
You don’t need an interior designer to make your let look great, but you do need to think about your guests: how they’ll feel when they arrive and what they’ll think when they see your photos.
Remember: a beautiful flat doesn’t just make guests happier, it gets booked more often.
How to Create a Decorating Budget Without Overspending
Before rushing to buy furniture or filling Pinterest boards with ideas, you need to do two things:
- Define who your ideal guest is.
- Set a realistic budget.
Without these two steps, you risk overspending or designing a space that doesn’t appeal to your target guests.
Choosing the Right Décor Style for Your Type of Guest
It’s not the same to decorate for a young couple looking for a romantic break as it is for a family with children or a digital nomad who needs a quiet space to work.
Thinking about your ideal guest profile will help you choose the colours, layout, furniture, and small touches that create the right atmosphere.
For example:
- If your property is near the coast and mainly rented out in summer, go for a Mediterranean style with light tones, natural materials, and fresh fabrics.
- If it’s in the city and caters to short breaks or business trips, a modern and functional style works best.
- If you want to attract remote workers, make sure to include a proper desk, ergonomic chair, and good lighting.
The clearer your guest profile, the easier every decorating decision will be.
How to Set a Decorating Budget
Good décor doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does need planning. Know exactly how much you can or want to invest.
It’s best to divide your budget by room, prioritising those that most influence the booking decision: living room, main bedroom, and kitchen.
You’ll find affordable, functional furniture packs that do the job perfectly, especially if you mix in a few well-chosen accents, a framed print, a statement lamp, or a textured rug.
A quick reminder: it’s not about filling every corner, but choosing well.
The Furniture and Accessories Guests Value Most
Once you’ve set your budget and chosen your style, it’s time to pick furniture and accessories that bring each room to life.
Here, less is more: focus on functional, durable pieces that photograph well.
Essential furniture by room
Living room: A comfortable sofa (ideally a sofa bed to increase capacity), a simple coffee table, a rug to define the space, and a TV unit.
Bedroom: The mattress is king — invest in quality. Add bedside tables, lamps, blackout curtains, and, if possible, a small desk or dressing table.
Kitchen/dining area: A table with comfortable chairs is essential. Even in small spaces, provide seating for at least 2–4 people. Keep cookware and utensils visible and tidy.
Bathroom: Add shelving or storage for towels, hairdryer, and toiletries. Include a large mirror and good lighting.
Decorative touches that transform a property
Accessories give personality to a space. Without them, a property can feel cold and generic.
Add:
- Cushions and throws in the lounge and bedroom
- Artwork or prints with neutral or local themes
- Strategically placed mirrors to create a sense of space
- Natural or high-quality artificial plants
- Warm-toned lighting
Small details, like a tray with mugs in the kitchen, neatly folded towels, or a few scented candles in the bathroom, can completely change how guests perceive your property.
Colours and Materials That Create a Welcoming Space
Colour and materials directly influence how a space feels — light, cleanliness, comfort, and warmth.
Which colours work best
Neutral tones are always a safe bet: white, beige, light grey, sand. They make spaces look clean, amplify light, and form the perfect base for decorative accents.
Add colour through textiles or artwork. Pick one accent colour (olive green, navy blue, terracotta) and repeat it throughout to create harmony.
Avoid overly bright or clashing combinations that may put some guests off.
Recommended materials
Choose durable, easy-to-clean materials: cleanliness is key to good reviews.
Opt for:
- Sofas with removable, washable covers
- Mid-tone fabrics (neither too light nor too dark)
- Light wood or matt-finish furniture
- Cotton, linen, or durable polyester textiles
The mix of wood, soft fabrics, and natural touches (like wicker or rattan) instantly creates a homely, comfortable feel.
Making the Most of Your Space
You don’t need more square metres, just make better use of the ones you have.
Layout affects not only how spacious a property feels, but also how practical and comfortable it is for guests.
Tips for optimising every metre
Choose furniture that suits the scale of each room and avoid bulky pieces. Think practical:
- Beds with built-in storage
- Extendable or folding tables
- Vertical shelving to use wall height
And most importantly: keep walkways clear and don’t block doors or windows.
Four additional tips for a functional layout
- Define clear areas: dining, lounge, reading corner…
- Use rugs or furniture placement to create zones without walls.
- Arrange furniture logically: sofa facing window or TV, table near kitchen, etc.
- In small spaces, use mirrors and light tones to make rooms feel larger.
The Finishing Touches That Make Your Property Stand Out
Lighting that works in person and in photos
Lighting can turn a space from functional to inviting.
Avoid relying solely on ceiling lights: add warm ambient light through floor lamps, wall sconces, or indirect lighting.
Whenever possible, maximise natural light:
- sheer curtains
- mirrors opposite windows
- and light colours all help
Personal touches and local character
Guests love unique details that connect them to the destination. From the moment they arrive, they should feel they’re somewhere specific — not in a flat that could be in Madrid, New York, or Paris.
How?
- Hang photos or illustrations of the local area.
- Leave a small, personalised guide with recommendations.
- Include locally made crafts or décor.
These small, affordable details not only decorate the space but tell a story and add authenticity.
Keeping Your Décor Looking Fresh (and Avoiding Bad Reviews)
Good décor also requires maintenance. Textiles fade, furniture scratches, and accessories wear over time.
Inspect your property regularly and set aside a small annual budget for updates. Sometimes, changing cushions, adding a new lamp, or repainting a wall is all it takes to refresh the space.
If you notice fewer bookings or reviews mentioning the condition of the property, it’s a sign the décor needs a refresh.
As one hotel director once said:
“If you start letting the small details slip, it looks like nothing matters.”
And he’s right. It’s far better to fix a small issue than to get a bad review that hurts future bookings.
You Know How to Decorate, Now It’s Time to Apply It
As you can see, decorating a holiday let isn’t a luxury, it’s an investment.
Good décor helps you stand out, justify higher rates, and deliver a better guest experience.
And the best part: you don’t need a huge budget or professional design training, just planning, common sense, and an eye for detail.
If you want your property to achieve higher occupancy and better returns, start by looking at it through fresh eyes.
Sometimes, a small change makes all the difference.
At Home2Book, we’re a holiday let agency that manages over 600 properties in Spain. We help owners like you maximise profitability, not only by advising on décor, but also on pricing, listings, and conversion strategies.
Contact us through this form and we’ll help you manage your property in the most efficient and profitable way possible.
We look forward to hearing from you!
