Nowadays, the first viewing of a property rarely happens in person. It happens on a screen. Whether on rental platforms or on social media, especially Instagram, the apartment’s images are key to grabbing attention, sparking interest and creating a strong first impression.
Talking about Instagram-friendly décor doesn’t mean turning the apartment into an artificial set or following passing trends. It’s about creating bright, welcoming and cohesive spaces that look great in photos and videos, while also working perfectly for everyday guest living.
Below, we’ll go through some practical tips to achieve this, without losing sight of durability, easy maintenance and the property’s profitability.
Article contents
- 1. Think about the photo before the decoration
- 2. Natural light as your best ally
- 3. Neutral colours with subtle accents
- 4. Functional, well-proportioned furniture
- 5. Textiles that add visual warmth
- 6. Details that tell a story
- 7. Designed for Instagram, but also for real life
- 8. An investment that boosts visibility and perceived value
1. Think about the photo before the décor
A common mistake is decorating with only the individual item in mind rather than the overall look. Instagram tends to favour well-balanced spaces with a clear visual flow and no unnecessary clutter.
It’s worth asking yourself:
-What’s the first thing you see when you walk into the living room?
-From which angle will the main photo be taken?
-What background will appear in a video call or a reel?
Removing unnecessary items, allowing the space to breathe and paying attention to proportions often works better than simply adding more decoration.
2. Natural light as your greatest ally
Light is one of the factors that most influences how an apartment is perceived in photos. A well-lit space feels more spacious, cleaner and more inviting.
Some simple tips:
-Light curtains that let natural light in
-Avoid placing tall furniture in front of windows
-Use light colours in darker areas
-Mirrors to reflect light strategically
It’s not about hiding the apartment’s limitations, but about highlighting its best features.
3. Neutral colours with subtle accents
Neutral tones work particularly well in rental properties. Warm whites, beiges, sand tones or soft greys create a timeless base that appeals to a wide range of guests and adapts better over time.
To prevent the apartment from feeling flat, you can introduce decorative accents:
-Textured cushions
-Minimalist prints
-Throws on the sofa
-Wood or ceramic pieces
These details add character and look great in photographs, without overwhelming the space.
4. Functional, well-proportioned furniture
Instagram is unforgiving when it comes to cluttered spaces or oversized furniture. A sofa that’s too large or a table that takes up more space than necessary can make the apartment look smaller in photos.
-In rental apartments, less is often more
-Furniture with clean lines
-Pieces raised off the floor, which create a lighter visual effect
-Clear layouts that allow easy movement
Beyond aesthetics, this also makes cleaning and maintenance easier.
5. Textiles that add visual warmth
Textiles make a big difference both in photos and in the guest’s real-life experience. Curtains, rugs, cushions and well-coordinated bed linen soften the space and make it feel more inviting.
For an Instagram-friendly look:
-Natural fabrics or natural-looking textures
-Coordinated colours that match the rest of the apartment
-Subtle patterns
A well-styled bedroom often becomes one of the most eye-catching images in the listing.
6. Details that tell a story
There’s no need to theme the entire apartment, but adding small touches that make it memorable can make a big difference. A well-placed plant, a decorative tray, a book or a statement lamp can instantly elevate the space.
These elements work particularly well in close-up shots and social media content, helping to convey a sense of care and visual consistency.
7. Designed for Instagram, but also for real life
Décor that looks great in photos should never compromise comfort, durability or day-to-day management. In rental properties, hard-wearing materials and practical solutions are essential.
The key is finding the right balance between:
–Attractive, photogenic spaces
–Functional solutions for real stays
-Decisions that don’t unnecessarily increase management costs
When this balance is achieved, the apartment’s image works in the owner’s favour without creating long-term issues.
8. An investment that boosts visibility and perceived value
A well-decorated apartment doesn’t just look better on Instagram. It also enhances the quality of your listing photos, strengthens the overall perception of the property and can positively influence the booking decision.
It doesn’t always require a large investment. Often, well-thought-out small updates are enough to refresh the space and align it with what today’s guests are looking for.
In an increasingly visual market, taking care of the apartment’s image is a direct way to stand out and communicate value at first glance.
If you found this article helpful, visit our Owners’ Blog to read more. If you’re a property owner and would like further information or advice from our team, feel free to get in touch with us — we’ll be happy to help!
