Design Tips: How to Furnish and Decorate Your Short-Term Vacation Rental Like a Pro
When it comes to short-term rentals, design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about guest experience and comfort. As an interior designer and host, I’ve learned that smart furnishing choices lead to higher bookings, better reviews, and the crown jewel: repeat guests year after year.
Whether you’re setting up your first Airbnb or revamping an older listing, these design tips will help you create a space guests love, rave about, and want to come back to again and again.
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Start with a Statement Bed (and Good Sleep)
The bed is the crown jewel of your rental. Think clean lines, neutral tones, and layers of texture. This is, after all, the reason they are booking your STR – they need a place to sleep for the night!
Design Tip: Upholstered beds feel luxurious and photograph beautifully.
Top Pick:
There are so many options! Keep your eye out for and avoid frames that could easily facilitate a stubbed toe in the night. My personal opinion is that a headboard is a must, and consider if an upholstered version is a good fit for your STR. Some models have built-in USBs, like the one I have in my Airbnb: Queen Size Bed Frame Industrial Platform Bed with Charging Station. And as a bonus, it does not require a box spring!
Other options are storage drawers (which can be great, until a guest accidentally leaves something behind in it…), and lighting.
My recommendation is to look for frames that are sturdy and rated to hold 500 – 600 pounds. The last thing you want your guest to experience is a broken bed! And of course, you don’t want to have to replace it. I originally had a beautiful wood tone frame from Ikea that fit our decor perfectly…and it only became more and more flimsy over time due to the screws wearing down. Assume your guests will really test the durability of the bed…they are on vacation, after all ;o)
Add This:
Beckham Hotel Collection Pillows – Fluffy, hypoallergenic, and highly rated. They are more expensive to start, but will stay nice longer. Be sure to also purchase pillow covers that can be washed at least quarterly.
Hypoallergenic All-season Duvet Insert – Soft and affordable. This is the exact insert I use in both my Airbnb and all my beds at home.
Choose a Sofa That Balances Form + Function
Guests love a cozy spot to unwind, especially if you’re catering to families or long-weekenders.
Design Tip: Opt for a mid-size sleeper or modular sofa with performance fabric for durability.
Top Pick:
Convertible Sectional Sofa Couch – Compact, modern, and budget-friendly with great reviews.
Design a Coffee Table That Does Double Duty
Storage and style? Yes, please.
Design Tip: A table with shelves or lift-top functionality adds hidden value.
Top Pick:
31.5”Round Coffee Table with Storage – Affordable, yet screams luxury. And multifunctional for small spaces! I personally love a round coffee table, especially in smaller spaces to promote a feeling of movement in the area. This table has hidden storage and comes in tons of colors and wood tones to fit a wide range of decor.
Add Mirrors to Make Spaces Feel Larger
Mirrors reflect light and make rooms feel open, especially in smaller rentals. As a bonus, mirrors offer additional spaces for people to get ready for the day. Ensure your STR has a full length mirror in every bedroom.
Design Tip: Hang a large round mirror above a console or entry bench.
Top Pick:
Frameless Round 24″ Mirror – Modern, minimal, and goes with any decor. I personally prefer a beveled mirror to a frame so I can change up my decor and keep the mirror. If you already have a running theme with black, silver, or gold, go for a matching frame if you like, and keep in mind it may go out of style and need replacing. Be sure to add a full length mirror in each bedroom! My favorite is this Frameless Wall Full Length Mirror w/Beveled Edge.
Create a Functional Dining Space
Even a small dining nook can go a long way. A MUST is that the number of seats = at least the number of people your short term rental sleeps over night. If you are sleeping 10+ people, I think it’s appropriate to consider kitchen island seating as dining space. Or, if space permits, consider a formal dining area plus a table in an eat-in kitchen.
Design Tip: Use a round table in tighter areas to create better flow. Depending on the number of people you need to seat, also consider an oval shaped dining table.
Top Picks:
Extendable Round Dining Table for 4-8 – Not only is this an excellent option for flexibility, it looks great, and is super affordable! There are hidden extension leaves stored out-of-the-way underneath. I prefer lighter woods myself, but this also comes in black and a medium walnut tone. To go with the walnut tone table, these Mid Century Modern Faux Leather Upholstered Dining Chairs are a good match, and in fact, I have them at my dining table in my personal home.
For a light wood option, this Set of 4 Dining Kitchen Mid-Century Modern Chairs with Wood Legs is a good option and easy to wipe clean.
Lighting Sets the Mood (and the Reviews)
Poor lighting can kill a vibe. (Not all of us can stand “the big light.”) Layer your light sources!
Design Tip: Combine overhead lighting with warm floor or table lamps.
Top Pick:
Modern Shelf Floor Lamp with Lamp Shade and LED Bulb – My Airbnb has this lamp right by the front door. The light is soft enough it can serve as a sort of “night light,” and gives guests a natural spot to leave things like keys on the shelf without being able to accidentally lose them in a drawer.
Cordless LED Table Lamp – These are amazing for spaces that you don’t have an outlet or don’t want the cluttered look of cords, and they come in many colors/finishes. BONUS: they are super helpful in the case of a power outage. Quick tap to adjust the color/temperature, long press to adjust the brightness.
Set of 2 Ceramic Table Lamps – I personally love a white or neutral lamp with texture. Place these in the bedroom on side tables, or throughout the living area. If you’re looking for a little bit more personality, they come in several colors.
Don’t Skip on Storage + Extras
Guests appreciate thoughtful touches like extra towels, a place for shoes, or stylish laundry baskets.
Design Tip: Decorative bins or benches with hidden storage keep clutter out of sight. Store extra blankets and/or bedding for the pull-out-couch bed in there.
Top Pick:
Upholstered Tufted Linen Ottoman Bench, Padded Bench with Solid Wood – Storage + seating = win-win. I love a bench near the front door for aiding in putting shoes on and taking off. Bonus: this has built in shoe storage so they’re out of the way, but can’t be left behind. These are also great to add in bedrooms. There’s even a matching Large Square Linen Ottoman Coffee Table. Pair with a tray to help contain any potentials spills – I love this one: Rectangular Mother of Pearl Serving Tray Nacre Wood Lap Ottoman Tray, and this option is a little more neutral to fit a wide range of decor: Wood Serving Tray with Handles.
Decorate with Intent (Not Clutter)
Art brings personality, but less is more.
Design Tip: Stick with 2–3 large prints or canvases per space for cohesion.
Art is so subjective! And depending on the design/theme/colors you’ve chosen for your STR, the options seem endless. My rule of thumb is to stick with neutral tones like white, cream, gray, and/or the color you’ve chosen as inspiration, and embrace texture. This might seem boring, but will appeal to a wide variety of guests. In my other article, “How to Find Design Inspiration for Your Short-Term Rental (Without Overthinking It)“, I wrote about how I used a muted orange throughout my Airbnb, and this is the art I chose to coordinate:
In the bedroom I went more neutral and serene, and in fact there is no trace of the muted orange in that space:
Top Pick:
White Abstract Wall Art – Affordable, neutral, and visually calming. This will work beautifully if you are using gold in your design or theme.
Add Life with Faux Greenery
Guests love plants, and you don’t need to water them weekly.
Design Tip: Use faux plants in modern pots to bring freshness with no upkeep. Read more in my article “Should an STR Have Live Plants?“
Top Pick:
Succulent – Cute, easy, and surprisingly real-looking.
Olive tree – A statement!
Style a Welcome Shelf or Tray
It’s the perfect place for a guidebook, snacks, or local recommendations.
Design Tip: Use a decorative tray to contain the clutter and add a candle or small vase.
Top Pick:
Accessory Tray – Super affordable and endlessly useful. Place these in the entry area, bathrooms, and bedrooms on dressers or side tables.
Final Thoughts: Think Guest Comfort First
Furnishing your short-term rental is more than just putting furniture in a room. You’re creating a temporary home. A place where guests can relax, work, explore, and feel comfortable. And when they feel comfortable, they will want to come back again (plus refer to friends and family!)
If you focus on durability, comfort, and design simplicity, you’ll save money in the long run and earn more 5-star reviews.
Leave me a comment if you would like any decor guidance; I’d love to help!
– KP
