You might not own your rental flat, but that doesn’t mean it can’t feel like a stylish, high-end escape. Whether you’re staying for six months or six years, there’s something about walking into a space that feels calm, clean, and well put together, like a boutique hotel room after a long day of travel.
But how do you get that same luxurious feel without repainting walls, ripping out flooring, or breaking your tenancy agreement?
The good news is, you don’t need to renovate. With the right mix of texture, lighting, and clever styling, you can turn your rental into a haven of hotel-inspired comfort. Here’s how.
Cheap Upgrades for Rental Property for a Luxurious Feel
Use scent to set the tone
Walk into any luxury hotel and you’re instantly greeted by a signature scent. That’s not a coincidence, it’s a design choice. You can do the same in your flat with reed diffusers, scented candles, or essential oil mist sprays.
Look for calming, clean fragrances like sandalwood, bergamot, lavender or linen. Place them in high-traffic areas like the hallway or bathroom for subtle impact without overpowering the space.
No painting, no permission needed, just instant atmosphere.
Switch to softer, layered lighting
Overhead lighting is rarely flattering — it’s often cold or too bright. Hotels solve this by layering their lighting: warm bedside lamps, soft-glow sconces, and accent lighting that creates a relaxing tone.
You can do the same using freestanding lamps, dimmable bulbs, or even stick-on LED strip lights under cabinets or headboards. If you want extra ambience in the evenings, try battery-powered candles or fairy lights placed in frosted jars. These cheap upgrades for rental property are renter-friendly and won’t require a landlord’s permission.
Upgrade your bedding and towels
You don’t need to splash out on designer interiors to feel luxurious, just swap your basics for soft, hotel-quality options.
Think crisp white sheets, a plush duvet, and two or three layered cushions in velvets or linens. A chunky knit throw or textured bedspread adds instant comfort. In the bathroom, thick oversized towels and a matching bath mat go a long way.
Stick to neutrals like cream, slate grey or warm beige to keep things timeless.
Try a textured feature wall
Ever noticed how boutique hotel rooms often have walls that aren’t just painted? They use texture, subtly, to add depth. If your landlord allows it, a feature wall with a refined finish can transform your space.
Think about the subtle texture you see on the walls of boutique hotel rooms, it’s not just paint. If your landlord is open to upgrades, a polished plaster feature wall can bring that same understated luxury into your flat. Evoke offers custom polished plaster finishes that are perfect for modern rentals. See more at Evokepolishedplastering.co.uk
Not ready for a permanent change? Try removable wallpaper, a woven wall hanging, or even a large canvas that doubles as art and texture.
Add one or two standout pieces
Hotel rooms are minimalist, but rarely boring. They often feature one bold or sculptural piece, a velvet chair, a marble-topped side table, a statement light.
You don’t need to refurnish your whole flat. Just pick one or two standout items you love and build around them. Go for materials like metal, wood, or stone to add contrast against neutral walls and basic furniture.
Even better? These come with you when you move.
For standout designer pieces, take a look at Made.com
Use mirrors to open up the space
Mirrors are a hotel design trick for a reason, they reflect light, add interest, and make small rooms feel bigger.
A tall floor mirror leaning against a wall can instantly expand your bedroom. Circular mirrors in the hallway or above the sofa bring softness and symmetry. You can even place a mirror behind a lamp or candle for a glowing effect at night.
It’s affordable, renter-friendly, and functional.
Explore stylish mirrors on Wayfair
Keep surfaces calm and clutter-free
One thing hotels do better than most homes? They keep things clear. No piles of receipts or tangled chargers in sight.
Try storing everyday items like keys, remotes, and cables in small baskets or ceramic dishes. If you’re working from home, tidy your desk at the end of each day so it doesn’t blend into your relaxation space.
The goal isn’t perfection, just keeping things calm and easy on the eyes.
For stylish and practical storage solutions, check out IKEA
Add greenery for a lived-in feel
Fresh plants add life, colour, and a bit of calm. And no, they don’t have to be high-maintenance.
Go for a snake plant, pothos, or a peace lily, all of which are low-effort and renter-safe. If your space doesn’t get much light (or you just forget to water), faux plants have come a long way and still offer the same visual warmth.
Style them in woven baskets, glass pots or elevated stands for that hotel-lobby look.
Find low-maintenance plants at Patch Plants
Make the bathroom feel spa-like
Most rentals don’t come with spa bathrooms, but you can still add those high-end touches.
Use refillable pump bottles for shampoo, conditioner and body wash, it’s cleaner and looks more polished than mismatched bottles. Roll a few hand towels and stack them in a tray, or add a wooden bath board with candles and a small plant.
A eucalyptus bundle hanging in the shower is also a favourite hotel-style trick, it smells amazing when it steams.
For spa-like accessories, check out The White Company’s bathroom range
Ask about easy landlord-approved upgrades
If you’re staying long-term, it might be worth having a conversation with your landlord. Some are open to small, low-risk upgrades, especially if you offer to handle them professionally.
You could ask to:
- Replace dated blinds with modern curtains
- Swap old handles for modern hardware
- Add removable open shelving
- Install dimmer switches or new pendant lights
These kinds of tweaks improve your quality of life and could even add value to the property.
Ready for Some Small Changes with Big Impact?
You don’t need to own your home to make it feel beautiful. With thoughtful upgrades and a few hotel-inspired styling tricks, your flat can feel calm, curated, and genuinely enjoyable to live in.
At AC Property Management, we believe a rental should still feel like home and we’re here to support tenants who want to live well, without the stress. Whether you’re upgrading your flat one room at a time or just adding a few candles and cushions, luxury is in the little details.