Furnishing Your Holiday Let in Portugal
When it comes to furnishing a holiday let in Portugal, understanding the latest trends that clients actually want is crucial to ensuring your property stands out and attracts bookings. Guests today are looking for more than just basic amenities; they want unique, stylish and comfortable spaces that reflect the local culture while offering modern conveniences.
Here's a breakdown of the top trends that clients are looking for when booking a holiday let in Portugal.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Furnishings
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword. Guests are becoming more environmentally conscious and are looking for properties that reflect their values. From eco-friendly furniture made from sustainable materials to energy-efficient appliances, clients want to know that their stay is helping to reduce their carbon footprint.
Incorporating elements like natural wooden furniture, recycled materials and energy-saving devices such as smart thermostats, LED lighting and water-saving showerheads can make your property stand out as eco-friendly.
Stylish Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor living is a trend that continues to grow, especially in Portugal where the weather is mild for much of the year. Clients are increasingly seeking properties with beautiful, functional outdoor spaces where they can enjoy the sun, entertain guests and experience the beauty of Portugal’s natural surroundings.
Consider adding outdoor lounges, a BBQ area, dining spaces, or even a hot tub or pool to your property. Comfortable seating, cosy throws and ambient lighting (such as string lights or lanterns) make outdoor spaces inviting and perfect for evening relaxation. If your property is near the beach or has scenic views, create an outdoor oasis that enhances your guests' experience.
The Art of Minimalism and Clean Interiors
Gone are the days of overly cluttered or excessively decorated interiors. Today's guests prefer minimalist designs with clean lines, neutral tones and functional layouts that maximise space. Simple, elegant furniture that doesn’t overcrowd a room allows for a more peaceful and relaxing environment.
The minimalist trend also extends to decor. According to Statista's 2025 report, the Home Décor market in Portugal is projected to generate revenue of €71.69 million, with expectations to reach €99.53 million by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.55%. This growth is driven by a shift in customer preferences towards modern and minimalist designs. Consumers are increasingly seeking sleek, contemporary furniture and décor items that enhance the aesthetic appeal of their homes. Additionally, the average revenue per user (ARPU) is anticipated to be €62.78, with user penetration expected to rise from 13.3% in 2025 to 14.3% by 2029.
Think of subtle decorative pieces like quality textiles, statement art pieces and functional yet stylish lighting. Neutral palettes with pops of colour or textures (such as natural stone, wood, or soft fabrics) offer a calm, soothing environment that encourages relaxation.
Smart Homes with Tech Features
As technology continues to evolve, guests are expecting more tech-savvy homes. The Enso Connect suggests that the focus in the short-term rental market in 2025 will be on using technology to create unforgettable guest experiences and increase profitability.
Clients appreciate high-speed Wi-Fi, especially if they plan to work remotely or stream media during their stay. Other desirable tech features include smart TVs with streaming services, multi-room sound systems and temperature control systems that guests can manage from their phones. Providing these amenities makes the experience seamless and adds a luxurious touch.
Local and Authentic Touches
Guests are looking for an experience that’s rooted in the local culture and incorporating Portuguese-inspired elements into your furnishing choices can make your property more memorable. Think locally-sourced art, handmade pottery, traditional tiles (azulejos), or textiles from Portuguese artisans.
You might also want to offer a guidebook of your favourite local restaurants, markets, or hidden gems, further adding to the authentic vibe.
Open Plan Living
Open-plan living is a popular choice in many modern homes and it’s a trend that works well for holiday lets, too. Guests appreciate spacious, airy living areas where they can cook, dine and relax in a shared space. This layout also maximises the use of natural light and offers a more expansive feel, which is especially desirable in smaller properties.
Incorporating an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area encourages socialising and group activities, which is ideal for families or groups of friends. If your property has a garden or terrace, make sure there’s a seamless flow from the indoor living space to the outdoor area.
Luxury and Comfort
Guests want to feel pampered during their stay and offering luxury touches can elevate the experience. Things like high-thread-count sheets, premium toiletries and refreshed towels. Consider adding a high-end coffee machine or a selection of teas for those early mornings.
For properties in higher-end locations, such as the Porto de Mós, guests are often willing to pay more for an experience that feels indulgent. A private pool, a hot tub with a view, or a stylish, fully-equipped kitchen are just a few ways to make your property feel like a true luxury escape.
Work-Friendly Spaces
With remote working becoming increasingly common, many guests are combining their holidays with work. To cater to this trend, it's essential to offer dedicated workspaces in your holiday let. A well-lit desk with a comfortable chair, reliable Wi-Fi and a quiet environment are must-haves for guests who need to work during their stay.
Having a work-friendly space that’s separate from the living and sleeping areas ensures that guests can focus during working hours while still enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of your property once the workday is over.
Conclusion
Furnishing your holiday let in Portugal with the latest trends doesn’t mean you have to follow every passing fad. Focus on what guests actually want: comfort and convenience. By incorporating elements like subtle comforting elements and welcoming outdoor spaces (if possible), you can create a space that appeals to most travellers.
The key is to strike the right balance between trendiness and practicality, ensuring that your holiday rental not only meets but exceeds the expectations of your guests.
