There’s something about walking into a luxury hotel that immediately makes you feel at ease.
The crisp bedding, the calming atmosphere, and the little details that make everything feel polished and intentional all add to the experience. But you don’t need to book an expensive getaway to enjoy that same sense of luxury. With a few simple upgrades and styling tricks, you can bring that five-star hotel feeling into your home (in a sense — it’ll never be entirely the same) without spending a fortune. Here’s how to do it.
1. Upgrade your bedding for a hotel-worthy sleep
One of the key things that makes a hotel feel luxurious is the bedding. Those crisp sheets, fluffy pillows, and perfectly made beds aren’t just for looks; they create an inviting and cosy space that instantly makes you feel more relaxed.
To recreate this at home, choose high-thread-count cotton sheets or soft bamboo bedding for a breathable and hotel-like feel. Stick to white or neutral tones for that classic five-star aesthetic, and add an extra pillow or two to make your bed look and feel more plush. A neatly folded throw or bed runner at the end of the bed can also add a touch of elegance. Amazon has some great options for pretty cheap, and shops like Dunelm and even George also offer some quality bedding at decent prices.
2. Layer your lighting for a softer glow.
Luxury hotels never rely on harsh overhead lighting alone. Instead, they use layered lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making the space feel more refined and relaxing.
Swap out bright ceiling lights for softer options like bedside lamps, floor lamps, or wall sconces. If you want to go a step further, invest in dimmable bulbs so you can control the mood depending on the time of day. Adding candles or battery-operated LED candles to different areas of your home will also help create that soft, intimate glow that hotels do so well. Go for lights that have a soft yellow glow rather than the harsh, bright whites that can make the place feel sterile and uncomfortable.
3. Keep your space clutter-free and intentional.
One of the biggest reasons hotels feel so calming is that they are completely free from clutter. There are no unnecessary piles of paperwork, random knick-knacks, or overflowing laundry baskets — everything has its place.
Start by decluttering surfaces like coffee tables, kitchen worktops, and bedside cabinet. Keep everyday essentials stored neatly in decorative baskets or trays, and limit the number of decorative items to a few carefully chosen pieces. The more open and intentional your space feels, the more high-end it will look.
4. Introduce a signature scent.
Luxury hotels often have their own signature scents that immediately create a sense of calm and sophistication. You can easily do the same at home by introducing a consistent fragrance throughout your space.
Use reed diffusers, scented candles, or an essential oil diffuser with scents like lavender, vanilla, cedarwood, or sandalwood to create a relaxing environment. Even lightly misting your pillows and sheets with a linen spray can add to that fresh, high-end hotel feel.
5. Invest in plush towels and robes.
Nothing says luxury like stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a thick, soft towel or robe. Hotels pay attention to these details because they instantly make guests feel pampered.
Look for towels made from Egyptian or Turkish cotton, which are extra absorbent and long-lasting. Keep them rolled up or neatly folded in your bathroom for a spa-like effect. And if you really want to take it to the next level, warm your towel on a radiator or towel warmer before using it; it’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
6. Style your bathroom like a spa.
Luxury hotels make bathrooms feel like mini-retreats by keeping things simple, clean, and beautifully styled. You can do the same at home by making a few small changes.
Swap out plastic soap bottles for stylish refillable dispensers, roll or neatly stack your hand towels, and add a small tray with a candle, a plant, or a few premium toiletries. Keep surfaces as clear as possible and use matching storage containers for a clean, put-together look.
7. Create a beautifully styled coffee or tea station.
Many luxury hotels provide an elegant coffee and tea setup in each room, and you can bring that same experience into your kitchen. Having a designated area for your morning coffee or tea not only looks stylish but also makes your daily routine feel more special.
Set up a small tray with your favourite teas, a sleek coffee machine or cafetière, and a few stylish mugs. Keep everything organised in one spot so it’s both practical and visually appealing. Adding a small dish for sugar cubes or a jar for biscuits can elevate the setup even further.
8. Upgrade your curtains for a hotel-style finish.
One thing luxury hotels do well is creating an elegant and well-framed view with floor-to-ceiling curtains. Swapping lightweight or short curtains for long, heavy ones can instantly make your bedroom or living space feel more polished and high-end.
If new curtains aren’t in the budget, try hanging your existing ones higher — closer to the ceiling rather than just above the window — to create the illusion of height. Layering sheer curtains with blackout drapes can also help you control the light while adding an extra touch of elegance.
9. Use decorative trays to organise and elevate decor.
Hotels use trays to make everyday items look more intentional and stylish, and it’s an easy trick to apply at home. Whether it’s on a coffee table, a bathroom counter, or a bedside cabinet, a tray helps pull everything together neatly.
Use trays to group decorative items like candles, perfumes, books, or small vases of flowers. A well-placed tray in your bedroom or living room instantly adds a sense of organisation and refinement without requiring any major changes.
10. Add fresh flowers or greenery for a finishing touch.
Luxury hotels always have fresh flowers or greenery in the lobby, rooms, and dining areas because they add life and vibrancy to any space. Adding even a small floral arrangement to your home can create a similar effect.
If fresh flowers aren’t practical, opt for low-maintenance houseplants like ferns, peace lilies, or succulents. A well-placed plant or bouquet can instantly brighten up a space and make it feel more curated and welcoming.
