Want your vacation rental to stand out? Here’s how to furnish it for comfort, practicality, and style - keeping guests happy and your property low-maintenance.
- Durable, Easy-to-Clean Materials: Use performance fabrics like Sunbrella or Crypton and avoid delicate materials.
- Comfortable Seating: Opt for sectional sofas with washable covers and sturdy dining chairs.
- Space-Saving Furniture: Think storage ottomans, Murphy beds, and nesting tables to maximize space.
- Consistent Style: Match furniture materials, colors, and design to create a cohesive look.
- Quality Mattresses & Bedding: Invest in supportive mattresses and easy-care, white linens.
- Smart Storage: Use multi-functional furniture like storage benches and floating shelves.
- Flexible Sleeping Arrangements: Include sleeper sofas, bunk beds, or trundle beds for extra guests.
- Outdoor Spaces: Add weatherproof furniture, lounge areas, and dining sets for outdoor enjoyment.
- Entertainment Areas: Set up a smart TV, game zones, and media consoles with storage.
- Simple Decor: Add wall art, throw pillows, and small accents to make the space inviting.
Pro Tip: Focus on durable, multi-purpose furniture and cohesive design to boost guest satisfaction and reviews.
How to Choose Durable Long-lasting Furniture for Your AirBnb
1. Choose Strong, Easy-to-Clean Materials
When furnishing your vacation rental, focus on materials that are tough and simple to clean. Look for performance fabrics and stain-resistant options that can handle the wear and tear of frequent guest stays.
For fabrics, consider commercial-grade options like Sunbrella or Crypton, which are designed to resist stains, moisture, and general wear. These materials work well across various furniture types and ensure your space stays guest-ready.
Here are some practical material choices for different furniture:
- Seating: Performance velvet or easy-to-wipe vinyl
- Tables: Solid wood with a protective sealant or laminate surfaces
- Outdoor furniture: Powder-coated aluminum or marine-grade polymer
- Accent pieces: Glass, metal, or treated wood
For wood furniture, opt for finishes like polyurethane or marine-grade coatings. These finishes protect the surface and allow for deep cleaning without damaging the material.
Stay away from materials that are hard to care for or easily damaged, such as:
- Untreated natural fabrics prone to staining
- Raw wood that absorbs moisture
- Light-colored carpets or rugs
- Delicate materials needing special cleaning methods
2. Select Quality Seating Options
When choosing seating, focus on options that combine comfort, durability, and easy upkeep. Since guests will spend a lot of time in living and dining areas, it's important to prioritize seating that enhances their experience while keeping maintenance manageable.
In the living room, consider sectional sofas with removable, washable covers. Pair them with accent chairs featuring stain-resistant fabrics that can handle everyday wear without sacrificing style. For the dining area, look for chairs with sturdy frames and replaceable upholstery to keep them looking fresh and welcoming with minimal effort.
3. Use Space-Saving Furniture
Making the most of available space is key in vacation rentals. The right furniture can balance practicality and comfort without making rooms feel cramped. Here’s how you can achieve that with smart choices.
Think about ottomans with built-in storage - they double as seating, footrests, and a place to stash extra blankets or pillows. Nesting tables are another great option. They can be pulled out for drinks or snacks and tucked away neatly when not in use.
For dining areas, expandable tables are a game-changer. A table that seats 4-6 but can extend to accommodate 8-10 offers flexibility without taking up unnecessary space. Wall-mounted drop-leaf tables are ideal for small kitchens or breakfast nooks, giving you a dining surface that folds away when not needed.
In bedrooms, platform beds with drawers provide built-in storage, eliminating the need for extra furniture. Murphy beds (also known as wall beds) are a smart way to turn a home office or living area into a guest bedroom when required.
Here are some space-saving combinations to consider:
- Living room: Sleeper sofa paired with a lift-top coffee table that has storage
- Bedroom: Platform bed matched with wall-mounted nightstands
- Dining area: Extendable table combined with stackable chairs
4. Match Furniture Styles
Choosing furniture that works well together creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests and sets the right vibe. Tailor your design to the property’s location: beach houses might call for light woods and soft blues, while mountain cabins feel cozier with rustic, natural pieces.
Here’s what to keep in mind when picking furniture:
- Color palette: Stick to 2-3 colors that work well together, like warm wood tones paired with neutral upholstery.
- Material consistency: Use similar hardware finishes, and mix materials thoughtfully - for example, pairing metal with wood or rattan with fabric.
- Design era: Opt for furniture from styles that complement each other to avoid clashing looks.
This approach helps create a smooth flow between rooms. In open layouts, make sure furniture ties the space together. For example, a mid-century sectional can pair with dining chairs in the same style, and the look can extend to bedroom furnishings.
Focus on these areas:
- Living/Dining: Match finishes on coffee tables and dining tables.
- Primary/Guest Bedrooms: Choose bed frames in the same style but different sizes.
- Indoor/Outdoor: Pick patio furniture that aligns with your interior design.
The goal is harmony, not identical pieces. Start by updating key items, like a seating arrangement, and then add complementary accent tables or ottomans to pull the look together.
5. Buy Good Mattresses and Bedding
Investing in quality mattresses and bedding is key to keeping guests comfortable and ensuring long-lasting use.
Mattress Selection
Pick a mattress that offers solid support and can stand up to regular use. Look for options with moisture-wicking covers and layers like memory foam or latex for added comfort. A good mattress works hand-in-hand with the right bedding to create a relaxing sleep experience for guests.
Bedding Essentials
When it comes to bedding, durability and ease of care are a must. Here's how to make smart choices:
- Use waterproof mattress protectors to shield against spills and extend mattress life.
- Go for cotton percale sheets - they’re breathable and hold up well over time.
- Choose pillows with washable covers for easy maintenance.
- Stick with white duvet covers, which can be easily cleaned with bleach.
- Keep extra neutral linens on hand to simplify turnovers and ensure a smooth operation.
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6. Add Smart Storage Options
Smart storage can make your vacation rental feel more organized and spacious. It helps guests keep their belongings tidy while making the most of the available space.
Built-in Solutions
Incorporate built-in furniture to store and organize items efficiently. For example, install floating shelves in bathrooms and bedrooms for easy access to essentials. Use under-bed storage drawers for extra linens or guest luggage. Closet organizers with adjustable shelves and hanging rods can also handle various storage needs. Pair these fixed options with versatile furniture for a cohesive look.
Multi-functional Furniture
Pick furniture that doubles as storage to save space:
- Ottoman storage benches: Perfect for entryways or living rooms
- Coffee tables with drawers: Great for storing remotes and games
- Bedside tables with cabinets: Ideal for extra pillows and blankets
- Window seats with storage: Utilize space under windows effectively
These pieces work well alongside other storage ideas in your rental.
Practical Storage Areas
Create designated storage zones to complement built-in and multi-functional furniture. Some ideas include:
- Hooks and coat racks near entrances for jackets and bags
- A shoe storage bench by the door to keep floors clean
- Charging stations with cable management in bedrooms
- A luggage rack in each bedroom to protect furniture
Kitchen Organization
Keep the kitchen functional and clutter-free with these tips:
- Use magnetic knife strips to free up counter space
- Add pull-out pantry shelves to organize food and supplies
- Install drawer organizers for utensils and cooking tools
- Provide labeled containers for guest pantry items
These storage solutions help create a tidy, welcoming space for your guests.
7. Plan Guest Sleeping Areas
Create sleeping areas that ensure your guests feel comfortable while making the most of the available space.
Primary Bedrooms
Set up primary bedrooms with a queen or king bed to serve as a cozy and inviting centerpiece.
Secondary Rooms
For secondary rooms, pick furniture that can serve multiple purposes. Twin XL beds that combine into a larger bed or platform beds with built-in storage are great for saving space while staying practical.
Smart Space-Saving Options
In smaller rooms, go for murphy beds, trundle beds, bunk beds, or daybeds that also work as seating. These options add extra sleeping spots without taking up too much room.
Living Room Transformations
Turn common areas into temporary sleeping spaces when needed. Convertible furniture like sleeper sofas, ottoman beds, or fold-out chairs can provide a comfortable place to sleep. Adding simple room dividers can also offer a bit of privacy. These ideas tie in with earlier furniture suggestions, helping you create a smooth and welcoming experience for your guests.
8. Set Up Outdoor Living Areas
A well-thought-out outdoor space can make your vacation rental more inviting. Focus on creating cozy, weatherproof areas that guests can enjoy no matter the season. Aim to extend the comfort and style of your interiors to the outdoors for a seamless experience.
Sturdy Seating Options
Choose outdoor furniture built to last. Materials like powder-coated aluminum, teak wood, or HDPE are excellent for low-maintenance, long-lasting seating.
Must-Have Outdoor Features
To create a welcoming outdoor area, consider adding:
- Dining area: A table with 4-6 chairs for outdoor meals
- Lounge space: Comfortable seating with cushions designed to resist water
- Shade solutions: Use umbrellas or pergolas to shield guests from sun or light rain
- Side tables: Handy surfaces for placing drinks or snacks
These additions help blend your rental’s interior and exterior spaces, offering a more enjoyable stay for guests.
Weatherproofing Tips
Protect your outdoor furniture with covers or store cushions in a weatherproof storage box when the weather turns bad.
Adding Extra Comfort
Boost the appeal with outdoor cushions, water-resistant throw pillows, area-defining outdoor rugs, and ambient lighting like string lights or solar lanterns.
Keep the outdoor design in sync with your interior style while ensuring it can handle the elements. Outdoor spaces often become the heart of a vacation rental, so investing in quality pieces is well worth it.
9. Include Entertainment Areas
Creating entertainment areas is key to ensuring your guests feel both relaxed and entertained during their stay. Here's how you can set up different spaces to maximize enjoyment in your rental.
Living Room Setup
Craft a welcoming living room focused on entertainment by including:
- A wall-mounted smart TV (at least 55 inches) positioned for easy viewing
- Seating arranged in a U-shape for the best viewing experience
- Side tables placed within arm’s reach of all seats
- Adjustable lighting to match different activities
If space allows, consider adding a separate area dedicated to games and activities.
Game and Activity Zone
Design a fun and practical game zone with:
- A multipurpose table that includes bench storage for puzzles and board games
- Shelves or cabinets to organize games and other entertainment items
- Task lighting to support activities that require focus
Media Console Essentials
Choose a media console that combines functionality and style. Look for features like:
- Cable management to keep wires hidden
- Ventilated sections to prevent electronics from overheating
- Storage compartments for remotes and gaming gear
- Sturdy construction to support the TV
- Extra width on each side for a balanced look
Flexible Furniture Arrangements
Make the space adaptable with furniture that serves multiple purposes:
- Lightweight ottomans that can double as extra seating
- Nesting tables for added surface area when needed
- Modular seating that can be rearranged easily
- Pieces with casters for effortless movement
Acoustic Considerations
Keep noise levels in check and maintain a peaceful environment by:
- Adding area rugs to absorb sound
- Using upholstered furniture to minimize echo
- Strategically placing soft furnishings to manage sound and create separation from sleeping areas
10. Add Simple Decor Elements
Give your rental a cozy and stylish touch with a few carefully chosen decor pieces.
Start with wall art to bring character to your space. For example, mandala art can add a calming vibe to a meditation area or reading nook. Blululi offers hand-drawn mandala designs that can serve as eye-catching and relaxing focal points.
You can also use items like throw pillows to add both comfort and a pop of color. Just pick one or two accents to keep the space inviting without feeling overcrowded.
Conclusion
The right furniture can elevate guest satisfaction and boost your property's success. Focus on durable, easy-to-maintain pieces that can handle frequent use while still creating a welcoming, comfortable environment.
Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes, enhances comfort, and makes the most of your space. High-quality mattresses and bedding are essential for guest comfort, which often translates into glowing reviews and repeat bookings.
Strike a balance between style and practicality. Create distinct areas for different activities - like outdoor relaxation spots or indoor entertainment zones - so guests can fully enjoy their stay. Look for furniture that combines commercial-grade durability with a warm, inviting look.
A well-furnished, functional space encourages positive experiences, leading to better reviews and more repeat guests. Use these tips and revisit your layout occasionally to keep your property appealing and profitable.
