Decorating a rental apartment is an exciting process, but it can also feel overwhelming. Many property owners make common mistakes resulting in a cluttered space, mismatched, or less appealing to potential tenants. To help you increase your rental income and attract renters, we’ve highlighted some of the biggest decorating pitfalls and how to avoid them.
1. Rushing the Decorating Process
One of rental property owners’ most common mistakes is trying to furnish and decorate their entire apartment immediately. While the excitement is understandable, rushing the process often leads to impulse purchases that don’t fit the space or the preferences of potential tenants.
Take your time. Consider home staging techniques, which encourage neutral and timeless pieces that appeal to a wide audience rather than overly personal decor. Well-thought-out interiors can justify a higher rental price and attract quality tenants.
2. Choosing the Wrong Paint Colours
Paint colour sets the tone for your apartment’s interior, but picking the wrong shades can make a room feel too dark, too bright, or simply uninviting. Many owners select bold or striking colors without considering how they will appeal to a broad range of renters.
Before committing, test paint samples on your walls and observe them throughout the day under various lighting conditions. Stick to neutral tones like warm whites, soft greys, or beiges—as these make spaces look bigger—and add pops of color through accessories like pillows, rugs, and artwork.
3. Ignoring Scale and Proportion
Filling a rental space with furniture that’s too large or too small can disrupt the balance of a room. Oversized furniture can make a space feel cramped, while tiny pieces can make it seem under-furnished.
Choose versatile and space-saving pieces, especially in small flats. For instance, foldable dining tables or storage ottomans are perfect for maximising space efficiency.
4. Overloading with Matching Sets
Many homeowners make the mistake of purchasing identical furniture sets, which can make a home feel like a showroom rather than a welcoming rental home. Too much matching can create a lack of character and depth.
Mix and match modern, functional furniture pieces from different collections or add texture with wood, metal, and soft textiles to create a stylish yet practical look.
5. Poor Lighting Choices
Lighting is often an afterthought, yet it plays a crucial role in how a rental property feels. Relying solely on overhead lighting can make a room feel harsh and unwelcoming.
Incorporate multiple layers of lighting, such as floor lamps or under-cabinet lighting, to create a warm and inviting space. Read more about tips to light dark apartments in this article. Another great selling point for tech-savvy tenants could be to incorporate smart lighting solutions among other smart technologies for your property.
6. Forgetting About Functionality
A beautifully decorated rental unit is great, but if it doesn’t function well, it won’t feel comfortable. Many owners focus solely on aesthetics without considering tenant needs, such as ample
storage space or a comfortable workspace, especially for students or digital nomads working remotely.
Prioritise comfort and practicality. Choose furniture that suits different lifestyles and materials that will withstand wear over time, reducing maintenance costs.
7. Hanging Artwork Incorrectly
Artwork hung too high or too low can throw off the balance of a room. Many homeowners either overcrowd walls with too many pieces or leave them bare.
A general rule is to hang artwork at eye level (around 57 inches from the floor to the center of the piece).
For rental units, opt for neutral yet stylish artwork that enhances the space without feeling overly personal.
8. Balancing Personal Touches
While it’s great to take inspiration from magazines and Pinterest, rental apartments should strike a balance between style and neutrality. A space that feels too generic may lack warmth, while an overly personal space can alienate potential tenants.
The perfect solution? Add thoughtful decor touches like high-quality curtains, a stylish mirror, or even indoor plants to make the place feel homey without being overwhelming.
9. Overcrowding Spaces with Too Many Accessories
Decorative accessories can enhance a space, but overloading shelves, tables, and surfaces with too many trinkets can make an apartment feel cluttered.
Follow the minimalist style, where “less is more”. Select a few statement accessories that complement your decor rather than filling every space. Using decorative trays to group smaller items together can help provide a more organized look.
10. Ignoring Outdoor Spaces
Many apartment owners focus solely on interior decor and neglect outdoor areas like balconies, patios, or terraces, missing an opportunity to add value to their rental unit. A well-designed outdoor space can be an extension of your home’s style and provide a relaxing retreat.
Even a small balcony can be transformed with a foldable table, hanging plants, and soft lighting, which in the end will increase the appeal of your rental listing.
Decorating your rental property should be an enjoyable experience, not a stressful one. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on timeless, functional design, you can make your apartment more attractive to tenants, reduce vacancies, and maximize your rental income.
Looking for expert help in managing your rental property? Our team at AB Apartment Barcelona can take care of everything from decor recommendations to full-service rental management. Contact us to learn more!
