10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Make Your Space Feel More Inviting

[Oksana127]

Creating a cozy and inviting space doesn’t have to be expensive. As a short-term rental host, I’ve learned that small, thoughtful touches

can make a big difference in how guests feel when they walk through the door. Here are 10 simple and budget-friendly ways to elevate your interior and make it more welcoming:

-Soft Lighting – Swap out harsh white bulbs for warm LED lights or add fairy lights and candles for a softer, more inviting glow.

-Throw Blankets & Cushions – A few stylish cushions and a cozy throw instantly make a sofa or bed look more inviting. Choose textures and colors that complement your space.

-Greenery & Fresh Flowers – Even a small potted plant or a vase of fresh flowers can bring life and freshness to a room. Low-maintenance options like succulents or dried flowers work great.

-Wall Art & Mirrors – Affordable prints, framed photos, or a stylish mirror can add personality and depth to a space. Mirrors also help reflect light and make rooms feel larger.

-Rugs & Textiles – A soft rug can add warmth to a space, especially in areas with hardwood or tile floors. Choose a design that complements your color scheme.

-Scent & Ambiance – A subtle scent can make a space feel more luxurious. Essential oil diffusers, scented candles, or even fresh linen sprays work wonders.

-Decluttering & Smart Storage – A clutter-free space instantly feels more relaxing. Use stylish baskets or storage boxes to keep things neat and organized.

-Small Decorative Accents – A well-placed tray with books, a decorative bowl, or a few candles can create a cozy, curated look.

-Personal Touches – Guests love feeling at home. A handwritten welcome note, a local guidebook, or a small complimentary treat can make their stay memorable.

-Updated Hardware & Fixtures – Replacing outdated cabinet handles, doorknobs, or light switch covers can give a space a fresh, modern feel with minimal effort.

These small, inexpensive changes can transform any rental into a warm and inviting retreat for guests. What are your favorite budget-friendly décor tricks? Share your tips below!

[Júlia-Torres0]

Thank you for sharing this! Super useful tips and I noticed I implement almost all of them.

Another thing that I do is sharing a short form, in case they would like us to customize a bit more their experience, asking for preferences of drinks/snacks, what they like to do, so we can leave some treats for them in the loft and give more customized tips of what to do! The guests always appreciate it, when they don’t answer the survey, we leave more general things as coffee, tea etc.

I always say that things as salt, sugar, oil, spices, olive oil are must to have. Last time l went to a place on Airbnb they didn’t leave even salt… it was super inconvenient. 

[Emilie]

The form is a lovely idea @Júlia-Torres0! At which point of the booking do you  send it, right before check-in or a little bit ahead? 

[Júlia-Torres0]

Thank you Emilie!
I like to send it in advance, if the check-in is close (1-2 weeks) to the booking date, I send it in the first days after the booking is confirmed, if it will be in a few months, I would send it a month before. It is good to send it in advance to give them time to fill it (even though it is just one question that can be filled in 2 minutes), then you also have time to organise it!

[Emilie]

That makes sense, thanks again @Júlia-Torres0 for the tip! Have you had any surprising responses to the form so far or has it all been kind of what you expected?