10 best home décor trends for 2026 perfect for UK rental properties

Tenants form first impressions within seconds, and in today’s visual-first era, trendy, well-styled homes gain a competitive edge in the rental market. For Singapore-based landlords who manage UK properties remotely, following strategic 2026 home decor trends isn’t about chasing a fad, but it saves time, boosts ROI, reduces voids, and attracts quality long-term tenants.

Here are 10 décor trends for 2026 (and why they work for rentals)

1. Earthy tones with soft background – less colour adds more value

Industry trends as well as designers predict palettes with more depth and a continuing shift toward earthy, organic mid-tones, including shades of brown, rose, and blue & olive tones against a soft neutral base. These colours photograph beautifully, appeal to a wide range of renters, and make rooms feel larger, which is crucial for online listings.

2. Curved furniture & soft lines – a 2026 design must-have

Soft, curved shapes are gradually replacing sharp lines and angular corners, bringing harmony and serenity to spaces. This trend is not only about aesthetics but also functionality: the sofa can be accessible from every angle, brings an inviting and safe appeal, and eliminates sharp edges to offer a more fluid yet comfortable design. Sofas and beds adopt these organic forms, with kitchen articles and bathrooms also following suit. The result is a rental space that promotes relaxation and tranquillity for tenants.

3. Modular and multi-functional furniture – maximising space

An ideal solution for UK rental property furnishing where space is a premium commodity. Modular components that can be customised to meet tenants’ needs are instrumental, especially for young professionals and students seeking flexibility.

4. Textural contrast – layered materials

A mix of wood, linen, and matte finishes offers graceful modern appeal and adds depth to the space without appearing cluttered. A clean look instantly attracts tenant attention, which is a win for overseas landlords.

5. Statement lighting – small change, big impact

Modern pendants or LED features enhance photography and create memorable viewing experiences without major renovation costs.

6. Luxury minimalism – why “less” looks premium

Clean, coordinated spaces photograph beautifully and appeal strongly to professional tenants. This approach reduces visual clutter, simplifies maintenance, and creates that sought-after “high-end” aesthetic without excessive investment.

7. Biophilic elements – bringing nature indoors

Home design is moving toward spaces that feel calm and grounding, less about showing off and more about creating a place where people can really live and recharge in an environment that incorporates elements of the natural world.

8. Smart home essentials – meeting modern expectations

Energy-efficient thermostats, smart locks, and LED systems aren’t luxuries anymore but expected. These offer a quiet, seamless integration of technology, unmatched comfort, and a sustainable environment.

9. Built-in storage solutions – the ultimate value-add

For small living spaces, storage is essential. For rental properties, this means more room to store things, which means longer leases.

10. Quality window dressings – the overlooked essential

Made-to-measure window treatments add style, texture, and depth. They provide privacy, create artful divisions, frame views beautifully, and photograph exceptionally well, making the difference in competitive markets.

Distance should not compromise the style or returns of your UK rental property. By partnering with our furnishing specialist, InStyle Direct, you benefit from curated, on-trend, durable, and cost-effective furnishing packages designed for maximum tenant appeal. This is perfectly complemented by Benhams’ comprehensive property management support, guaranteeing your property is always guest-ready, allowing you to concentrate on expanding your portfolio.

FAQs

Q: Are décor trends risky for rental properties?

Landlords need to stay up to date with design trends to attract modern tenants. When trends offer longevity and improve interiors, adopting them means higher ROI for landlords in other countries.

Q: How often should I update interiors?

Focus on quality initial furnishings using timeless, on-trend pieces, and refresh tired or outdated accessories within 3-5 years.

Q: Can I achieve these looks from Singapore?

With our design partner, we offer stylish, design-led furniture packages for overseas landlords: complete, ready-to-rent setups that follow current trends. And with Benhams’ Singapore team coordinating everything in your timezone, the whole process stays smooth, efficient, and focused on maximising your ROI.