Furnishing vacation rental properties is an important aspect of creating the perfect atmosphere for guests. Part of the reason people prefer Airbnbs over hotels is because it feels more like home. Choosing the right furnishings will help you improve guests’ experience, increase bookings, and earn more money. Of course, you also need to be considerate of how furnishing your vacation rental will affect the total cost of running your business. Here’s how to furnish and decorate your short-term rental without breaking the bank.
Choosing the Right Furniture
When selecting furniture for your rental property, consider what activities your guests may be doing while there. If they plan on spending time outdoors, outdoor furniture such as patio sets would be ideal. For indoor spaces, look for pieces with plenty of seating options that can accommodate larger groups, like recliners and sleeper sofas. Also, consider adding extra amenities such as an ottoman or a coffee table to give guests more places to put drinks or snacks while relaxing in the living area.
The quality of your furnishings should match up with your rental pricing strategy. Look for items made from high-quality materials like leather or microfiber, which are both easy to clean and long-lasting. Opt for cushions filled with down feathers instead of foam since these will provide better support over time without flattening out quickly due to wear and tear from frequent use by multiple people throughout their lifetime in your rental property.
Measure all areas before purchasing new items to know exactly what size pieces will work best in each room. Avoid buying oversized items. If it doesn’t fit properly into the room, it won’t look aesthetically pleasing.
Try mixing different styles (such as modern chairs paired with vintage end tables) to create visual interest within each space. This way, even though everything might not match perfectly, it still looks cohesive overall when seen together from afar.
How to Furnish the Bedrooms
Furnishing the bedrooms of a vacation rental property can be a key factor in attracting guests and ensuring they have a comfortable stay.
The quality of the mattress and bedding can make or break a guest’s sleep experience. Invest in high-quality mattresses and bedding that are comfortable and durable. Guests may also have different preferences when it comes to pillows and blankets, so make sure to provide plenty of options to accommodate different needs.
tick to neutral decor for the bedrooms, such as white or beige walls and simple furnishings. This will create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere for guests. Guests will appreciate having plenty of storage space for their belongings. Consider adding a dresser or closet with hangers to each bedroom.
While neutral decor is recommended, adding a few personal touches can help make the space feel more welcoming. Consider adding artwork or decorative pillows that reflect the local area or culture.
If you’re looking to maximize occupancy, consider adding bunk beds to each bedroom. Bunk beds are typically associated with kids’ rooms but not in the vacation rental industry. King-over-king beds can help sleep more guests without sacrificing comfort.
How to Prepare the Kitchen For Guests
Every successful vacation rental owner knows the importance of a well-stocked kitchen. Every Airbnb kitchen should have basic necessities like plates, cups, utensils, and cookware. You’ll also need to add pantry staples like salt, pepper, oil, and sugar so guests can cook with ease. Don’t forget about appliances such as a coffee maker, toaster, and microwave.
Providing some cleaning supplies, such as dish soap and sponges, is also a good idea to help guests keep the kitchen clean. Finally, consider adding some local touches, such as providing local coffee or tea and a small welcome basket with snacks.
Decorating with Accessories
Accessories can be a great way to add color and texture to any room. Rugs bring warmth and comfort into the space while also adding a splash of color or pattern. Pillows are another great option for adding texture and personality to your decor. Choose pillows in different sizes, shapes, colors, and textures for a unique look that will draw the eye.
Hang artwork on walls to create visual interest in any room. Artwork can range from abstract pieces with bright colors or muted tones, depending on your preference.
Using mirrors is an excellent way of making small spaces look larger than they are. Mirrors reflect light, which helps open up the space visually, giving it more depth and dimensionality. Place them strategically around the room so they don’t overpower other elements but still provide enough reflection to make the area feel bigger.
Lighting for Ambiance & Functionality
Lighting is an important part of any space for ambiance and functionality. Utilize natural light whenever possible by opening curtains or blinds during the day. Natural light helps create a warm atmosphere while also helping to save on energy costs.
Install dimmer switches for mood lighting in the evening. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the brightness of your lights depending on your needs, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing after a long day.
Add task lighting and table lamps for practicality in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or on a bedside table where extra illumination is needed when preparing meals or getting ready in the morning. Task lighting should be bright enough to provide adequate visibility without being too harsh. For added convenience and style, consider adding under-cabinet lights, wall sconces, and pendant lights.
Finally, make sure all bulbs are replaced regularly so they don’t become too dim over time. Investing in quality fixtures with LED bulbs will ensure longer-lasting performance than traditional incandescent bulbs, saving you money down the line as well as reducing the environmental impact of wasted electricity usage.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Success
Quality furniture and accessories are essential for a successful vacation property. Quality items will last longer with regular use from guests, so it’s important to choose durable materials that can withstand wear and tear.
Investing in pieces made of wood or metal are great option since they are more resistant to damage than other materials like fabric or plastic. Additionally, look for pieces that have easy-to-clean surfaces, such as leather or faux leather upholstery.
Clean regularly to keep everything looking newer for longer. Dust furniture, vacuum carpets, mop floors, and wipe down countertops often to maintain the cleanliness of your rental property. It’s also important to deep clean the space by scrubbing bathrooms and kitchens thoroughly with disinfectant cleaners and paying special attention to areas like doorknobs that guests may touch frequently.
Replace worn or damaged items quickly to avoid creating an eyesore or safety hazard for future visitors. Furniture that has been scratched, stained, torn, broken, etc., should be replaced immediately before it becomes too much of an issue for future renters. This will help ensure your rental remains attractive and comfortable for all guests who stay there over time.
Furnish Your Rental With The Comforts of Home
Use these interior design ideas to dazzle your guests and keep them coming back again and again. With proper maintenance of your furnishings, you can ensure that your vacation rental home looks great for years to come. By taking some simple steps now, you can make sure that your property is always ready to impress potential guests.