When it comes to renting out an apartment, decoration plays a decisive role. Beyond defining the style of the space, it influences how tenants value the apartment, the comments they leave after their stay, and the price they would be willing to pay for it.
A well-maintained flat conveys professionalism and trust. On the other hand, certain decoration mistakes can make guests perceive your property as impractical or neglected, reducing its appeal. Below, we highlight some of the most frequent decorating mistakes we see in rental apartments and how to solve them effectively.
Table of Contents
- Furniture that is too large (and not very functional)
- Overloaded decoration and worn textiles
- Unappealing colours
- Ignoring lighting
- Lack of aesthetic consistency
- Neglecting the bathroom and kitchen
- Neglecting the entrance hall
- Lack of plants (and natural elements)
Furniture that is too large (and not very functional)
Placing an oversized sofa in a small living room or a dining table that takes up almost all the space is one of the most common mistakes. Using disproportionate furniture reduces the sense of spaciousness and makes the apartment feel smaller than it really is, creating discomfort.
Tenants value every square metre, especially in apartments where space is limited. Poorly chosen or badly arranged furniture gives the impression that the owner has not considered the functionality and comfort of those who will live there.
Solution: opt for proportionate furniture that suits the space. Try to keep it lightweight and, if possible, multifunctional. Sofa beds, lift-up storage bases, extendable tables, or modular shelves are great options that save space and add practicality. This type of furniture helps increase the perceived value of your apartment.
Overloaded decoration and worn textiles
An excess of ornaments and pictures on the walls creates a sense of clutter and visual heaviness. On the other hand, when textiles such as curtains, cushions, or bedspreads are worn or faded, the apartment gives an impression of neglect.
Tenants quickly notice these details. You should know that an overloaded apartment or one with old textiles looks unattractive and can lead to negative reviews.
Solution: less is more. A simple and balanced décor with well-kept textiles conveys freshness and care. Refresh cushions, sofa covers, and curtains from time to time to make a big difference to the overall impression.
Unappealing colours
Colour is one of the elements that most influences how a space is perceived. Dark walls or striking tones make the apartment feel smaller and duller. In mid-term rentals, where first impressions are extremely important, poorly chosen colours are a big mistake.
Solution: choose a neutral and timeless palette with colours like white, grey, or beige to add brightness and a sense of space. From this base, add touches of colour with paintings or small accessories that are easy to change according to trends. This will create a cosy space that is versatile and appealing to a wide audience.
Ignoring lighting
A poorly lit apartment immediately creates a negative impression. Even if the décor is beautiful, if the lighting is insufficient or badly distributed, tenants will perceive it as cold and uncomfortable. Relying solely on a ceiling lamp is a very common mistake.
Solution: combine different types of light. A floor lamp in the living room, wall lights in the bedroom and under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen add warmth and functionality. Also, whenever possible, make the most of natural light by using thin, lightweight curtains that let daylight in. Good lighting can completely transform an apartment!
Lack of aesthetic consistency
Some owners decorate with pieces they’ve accumulated over time, without thinking about how they fit together. The result is a mix of styles that causes visual confusion and reduces harmony in the space.
Solution: define a decorative style (Nordic, urban, Mediterranean) or whichever best suits your preferences. Maintain consistency in colours, furniture, and decorative elements. This doesn’t mean everything has to match perfectly, but there should be coherence that gives unity to the apartment. Aesthetic consistency creates a sense of order and increases the perceived value of the property.
Neglecting the bathroom and kitchen
The living room and bedrooms usually get most of the attention, but tenants pay special attention to the condition of the kitchen and bathroom. A bathroom with poor lighting or old taps, and an outdated kitchen, can ruin your guest’s experience.
Solution: you don’t need a major renovation to improve these spaces. Changing taps, adding a modern mirror with integrated lighting, or updating kitchen cabinet handles are affordable details that enhance the perceived quality of the apartment.
Neglecting the entrance hall
The entrance hall is the apartment’s calling card. If it’s poorly lit or has impractical furniture, it creates a bad first impression. Guests tend to remember how they felt when they first entered, so this aspect strongly influences their final impression.
Solution: decorate the hall with simple yet functional elements. A mirror, coat rack or shoe cabinet are great options. These details create a warm welcome, reinforcing the apartment’s positive image.
Lack of plants (and natural elements)
An apartment without plants or natural materials can feel cold. Guests want to feel at home, and the absence of these elements makes the space feel impersonal.
Solution: add easy-to-care-for natural plants such as cacti or pothos. If maintenance is an issue, you can opt for high-quality artificial plants. Materials such as wood, wicker or linen also bring freshness and a homely feel.
Decorating your apartment is a direct investment in its profitability. Avoiding these mistakes and applying simple solutions will make your property stand out and increase its market value. In such a competitive market, the small details are what make the difference. At Apartment Barcelona, we support property owners so that their apartments not only remain attractive but also gain value over time.
If you found this article useful, don’t hesitate to visit our owners’ blog. If you’re a property owner and would like to make an enquiry, get in touch with our team — we’ll be delighted to help!
