February 5, 2026· 18 min read · Yassine El Aroussi
2026 rental apartment decor: the trends guests fall for
Biophilia, Japanese minimalism, terracotta palettes: the decor styles that generate the most Airbnb wishlists and turn your photos into a selling point.
Why decorating your short-term rental is an investment, not an expense
In 2026, Airbnb guests are no longer just looking for somewhere to sleep. They are looking for a visual and sensory experience they can share on Instagram, TikTok, or simply keep as a memory. The data confirms it: properties with thoughtful, coherent decor achieve nightly rates 25 to 40% above their market average, and occupancy rates 15 to 20% higher.
For a Belgian owner running a short-term rental, investing 2 000 € – 4 000 € in decorating their apartment can generate an extra 5 000 € – 10 000 € in annual revenue. The ROI is often under 6 months. This guide presents the 2026 trends, detailed room-by-room budgets, and the strategic purchases that justify a price premium.
The 5 big decor trends for 2026 rentals
1. Warm minimalism
Gone is the cold, sterile minimalism of 2015–2020. The 2026 trend is warm minimalism: few objects, but noble materials, natural textures and earthy tones. Think merino wool, untreated solid wood, artisanal ceramics, raw linen. The space stays uncluttered but it breathes warmth and authenticity.
For a Belgian rental, this aesthetic is ideal: it speaks to Nordic travellers (Dutch, Danish, Swedish) who make up a significant share of tourism in Bruges and Ghent, and it's relatively easy to maintain (fewer items means fewer things to break or tidy).
2. Biophilic design
Biophilic design means bringing nature into the interior space: living plants, natural materials, maximised natural light, colours inspired by the outdoors. In 2026, it's the fastest-growing trend in premium tourist rentals.
Natural light: Remove unnecessary opaque curtains. Light linen sheers let light in while preserving privacy.
3. Local and artisanal art
2026 travellers value local authenticity. An apartment in Liège decorated with lithographs by Liège artist Lismonde or ceramics from the Namur workshop Argile & Feu tells a story. This approach creates an emotional connection with the place, encourages positive comments mentioning the decor, and justifies a premium price.
Local art markets: Namur flea market (every Saturday), Marché de la Batte in Liège (Sunday), Bruges antiques market (weekends)
Recommended budget: 150 € – 300 € for 3–5 framed pieces that completely transform the feel of a wall
4. The return of terrazzo
Terrazzo — that flooring material made of marble, granite or glass fragments set in cement — is having a major revival in 2026. It was everywhere in Belgian buildings from the 1950s–70s and is coming back strong, this time in accessories: trays, vases, coasters, bathroom tiles. For a Brussels or Liège rental in a period building, terrazzo is an architectural nod that fits perfectly with the setting.
5. Earth tones and the ochre palette
The 2026 colour palette moves away from immaculate whites and cold greys to embrace earth tones: ochre, terracotta, sage green, warm off-white, honey brown. These shades are universally more flattering in photography and create a more welcoming atmosphere than pure whites.
Recommended paint colour for Belgian rentals: If you want to paint a single accent wall, go for "Setting Plaster" by Farrow & Ball (no. 231), a very warm dusty pink that adds instant warmth without overpowering the room. Available at Farrow & Ball Belgium (~65 €/litre). Cost for a 12 m² wall: around 35 € – 40 €. Impact on photos: immediate and significant.
Room-by-room decor budget: the full guide
The bedroom (budget: 600 € – 800 €)
The bedroom is the most important space for guests. One night of bad sleep generates a negative review; one exceptional night generates an enthusiastic comment. Prioritise investing in sleep quality.
Mattress: 350 € – 500 € — The mattress is the single most important investment. Choose a pocket-spring mattress from a recognised brand (Emma, Nectar, or IKEA ÅFJÄLL) in a medium firmness. A good mattress lasts 8–10 years and alone justifies a premium of 10 € – 15 €/night.
Bed linen: 120 € – 150 € — Duvet + cover + 4 pillows + 2 pillowcases. Choose white or off-white percale cotton (at least 200 thread count). Recommended brands: Zara Home (good value for money), or Belcoton hotel linen if you want something Belgian.
Lighting: 80 € – 120 € – 2 € bedside lamps with dimmable bulbs (warm 2700K light). Warm, dimmable lighting is the difference between a 3-star and a 4-star hotel bedroom.
Storage: 50 € – 80 € — A few matching wooden hangers, discreet storage boxes
Total: 660 € – 950 €
The living room (budget: 800 € – 1 200 €)
The living room is the most photographed room and often the one that clinches the booking. Every euro invested here has the strongest impact on the property's overall perceived value.
Detailed living-room budget
Sofa: 400 € – 600 € — Choose a modular sofa in washable fabric (spray waterproofing recommended). Bolia, IKEA Söderhamn or Made.com offer excellent value for money. Recommended colours: light grey, beige, sage green — avoid pure white (stains) and black (too dark in photos).
Coffee table: 100 € – 200 € — In solid wood, marble or travertine. A beautiful coffee table is often the first thing guests notice and photograph.
Rug: 120 € – 180 € — In wool or natural cotton, neutral tones or discreet geometric patterns. IKEA STOENSE or Bolia for a mid-range budget.
Lighting: 100 € – 150 € – 1 € floor lamp (reading corner) + fairy lights or LED candles for evening ambience
Decor: 100 € – 150 € — A large plant (Monstera or Ficus), 2–3 decorative objects on the coffee table (a beautiful coffee-table book, a candle, a vase)
Total: 820 € – 1 280 €
The kitchen (budget: 300 € – 500 €)
The kitchen doesn't need a full refit to be appealing. Well-chosen accessories transform even the most basic kitchen.
Detailed kitchen budget
Nespresso coffee machine: 100 € – 180 € — The most profitable decor/equipment investment in the kitchen. A Nespresso Vertuo or Essenza visible on the countertop signals quality and justifies a mention in the description and photos. Include 20 assorted capsules in the welcome.
Small appliances: 80 € – 120 € — Design toaster, brushed stainless-steel kettle, hand blender
Total: 310 € – 500 €
The bathroom (budget: 150 € – 250 €)
A bathroom can be small and dated and still feel 4-star with the right accessories.
Hotel-quality towels: 60 € – 80 € – 4 € large bath towels + 4 white Egyptian cotton hand towels. Replace every 18 months.
Premium welcome products: 30 € – 50 € — Shower gel, shampoo, conditioner in elegant bottles (not cheap dispensers). Recommended brands: Rituals, L'Occitane in hotel-size doses, or elegant refillable bottles.
Accessories: 50 € – 80 € — A bamboo tray for products, a makeup mirror, an extra towel rail, a wicker basket
Plant: 20 € – 30 € — Aloe vera or a bathroom fern (they like humidity)
Belgian shops and good addresses
Where can you buy to decorate your short-term rental in Belgium without breaking the bank and without buying the same IKEA piece as everyone else?
Recommended addresses by category
Affordable designer furniture:Bolia (Scandinavian design, showrooms in Brussels and Antwerp), Maisons du Monde (good value for money, plenty of on-trend options), IKEA Belgium (a solid base to personalise)
Accessories and decor:HKliving available at Cook & Color (Brussels, Liège, Ghent) — very photogenic tableware and accessories in terracotta and ceramic
Household linen:Zara Home (excellent value for money), Descamps for premium, IKEA for functional
Art and wall decor:Desenio (affordable posters, many sizes), local artisans on Etsy.be, Belgian flea markets
Plants: Urban Plants (delivery across Belgium), local florists, Leroy Merlin for larger sizes
IKEA hacks for Airbnb owners
IKEA remains the go-to base for Airbnb rentals — durability, price, spare parts available. But a 100% IKEA rental with no personalisation photographs poorly and doesn't justify a premium price. Here are the recommended hacks:
HEMNES chest of drawers with new brushed brass handles (+15 €, available on Etsy): an instant visual transformation
RIBBA frames with a premium print rather than IKEA's own posters (original effect vs copied)
KALLAX shelving as a room divider, with wicker or natural linen boxes rather than plastic inserts
SKAFTET lamp base with a natural linen shade not supplied by IKEA — a much warmer result
What you should absolutely NOT do
Certain decorating mistakes directly harm your reviews and your booking rate:
Decorating mistakes to absolutely avoid in an Airbnb rental
Fragile items with sentimental value: Crystal vases, family heirlooms, expensive original artworks — guests break things. Only put out replaceable items.
Personal photos: They create a museum feel, not a hotel one. Guests don't want to feel like they're in someone else's home.
Very dark colours: Black or navy walls absorb light, make photos difficult and the space feel oppressive.
Too many objects: Clutter signals a lack of care. If you don't know where to store something, get rid of it.
Inconsistent mix of styles: Pick 1 dominant style and stick to it. Mixing rustic, industrial and Scandinavian creates visual confusion.
Dead or poorly maintained plants: A withered plant is worse than no plant. If you can't keep plants alive, choose very high-quality artificial plants (budget 30 € – 60 € each at Zara Home or House of Silk).
Coloured bed linen: Coloured sheets go out of fashion and photograph less well than white or natural tones.
Sensory marketing: the details that make the difference
Ambient fragrance
Marketing studies show that smell is the sense most closely tied to memory and emotion. A property that smells good leaves a lasting impression. For an Airbnb rental:
Reed diffuser: 20 € – 35 € (Rituals, Maisons du Monde, Zara Home). Recommended scents: cotton flower, fresh linen, cedar and vetiver — avoid overly sweet fragrances or aggressive floral scents.
Placement: Entrance and living room only. The bathroom and bedroom should not have ambient fragrance (can be disruptive for sensitive guests).
Intensity: The scent should be subtle — noticeable on entering but unnoticeable after 5 minutes. Replace the reeds every 2–3 weeks.
Showcasing your WiFi: a reassuring detail
Many travellers check WiFi speed before booking. Print a screenshot of your speed test (Speedtest.net) showing the real speed (download + upload) and place it in your welcome book or on the fridge. A clearly displayed 200 Mb/s WiFi alone justifies 5 € – 10 € more per night for business travellers.
The 10 amenities that justify a +20 €/night premium
Certain amenities have a proven impact on the price guests will accept:
Price premium by amenity (Airbnb + AirDNA Belgium 2026 data)
Free private parking: +15 € – 25 €/night in urban areas (Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp)
Terrace/balcony: +12 € – 20 €/night
Bathtub (vs shower only): +8 € – 15 €/night
Washing machine: +6 € – 10 €/night for stays of 4+ nights
Air conditioning: +8 € – 12 €/night in summer (June–August)
Dedicated workspace (desk + chair): +10 € – 15 €/night for business travellers
Payback on the 2 000 € investment: 2,000 ÷ 546 = 3.7 months
Net annual gain (after payback): ~4 550 €
This calculation illustrates why decor is consistently the investment with the best ROI in short-term rental management. It's rare to find an investment that pays for itself in under 4 months with an annual return above 200%.
Conclusion: decor as a lasting competitive edge
In 2026, the Belgian Airbnb market is more competitive than ever. In tourist cities like Bruges or Ghent, guests can choose between hundreds of apartments similar in size and location. Decor is one of the few differentiating levers that escapes price competition.
A property decorated with intention, consistency and local personality creates a memorable experience that generates spontaneously enthusiastic 5-star reviews, recurring direct bookings and a self-sustaining reputation. Start with the bedroom (mattress and linen), move on to the living room (sofa and lighting), then refine the details. Every step is a profitable investment in your asset and your Airbnb concierge business in Belgium.
