How to Furnish Your Short-Term Rental Property for Maximum Appeal


In the competitive world of short-term rentals, first impressions matter. Potential guests are drawn to properties that are well-furnished and inviting, so it’s important to put careful thought into the furnishings you choose. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to refresh your existing rental, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to furnish your property for maximum appeal.

1. Create a Coherent Design Theme

The first step in furnishing your short-term rental property is to create a coherent design theme. This will help to unify the look and feel of your space and make it more appealing to potential guests. When choosing a design theme, consider the following factors:

  • The target audience: Who are you trying to attract? Families with young children? Business travelers? Couples on a romantic getaway?
  • The location of your property: A beach house will have a different design theme than a mountain cabin.
  • Your personal style: Don’t be afraid to infuse your own personality into the design.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start to narrow down your design theme. Some popular themes for short-term rentals include:

  • Coastal: This theme is perfect for beach houses and other properties located near the water. Use light, airy colors and natural materials like wood and rattan.
  • Rustic: This theme is ideal for mountain cabins and other properties with a cozy, cabin-like feel. Use warm colors and natural materials like wood and stone.
  • Modern: This theme is perfect for urban apartments and other properties with a sleek, contemporary look. Use bold colors and clean lines.
  • Bohemian: This theme is perfect for properties with a laid-back, eclectic vibe. Use bright colors and patterns and mix and match different styles of furniture.

2. Choose Comfortable and Functional Furniture

When choosing furniture for your short-term rental property, comfort and functionality should be your top priorities. Potential guests want to feel relaxed and comfortable in your space, so make sure to choose furniture that is both stylish and comfortable. You should also choose furniture that is easy to clean and maintain. After all, you’ll be turning over guests on a regular basis, so you need furniture that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Some specific tips for choosing comfortable and functional furniture:

  • Choose a comfortable bed. The bed is the most important piece of furniture in any bedroom, so make sure to choose one that is comfortable and supportive. A good mattress is essential, and you should also choose a bed frame that is sturdy and well-made.
  • Provide plenty of seating. Guests will want to have plenty of places to sit and relax, so make sure to provide a variety of seating options. This could include a couch, armchairs, and a dining table with chairs.
  • Choose furniture that is easy to clean. You’ll be turning over guests on a regular basis, so you need furniture that is easy to clean and maintain. Avoid furniture with delicate fabrics or finishes that are difficult to clean.
  • Choose furniture that is durable. Your furniture will get a lot of wear and tear, so make sure to choose pieces that are durable and well-made. This will help to extend the life of your furniture and save you money in the long run.

3. Add Personal Touches

While you want your short-term rental property to be comfortable and functional, you also want it to feel personal and inviting. One of the best ways to do this is to add personal touches. This could include things like:

  • Artwork: Hang artwork that reflects the design theme of your property and your own personal style.
  • Plants: Add some plants to your space to bring the outdoors in and create a more inviting atmosphere.
  • Pillows and throws: Add some pillows and throws to your couch and bed to make them more comfortable and inviting.
  • Welcome basket: Put together a welcome basket for your guests with snacks, drinks, and other essentials.

4. Take Professional Photos

Once you’ve furnished your short-term rental property, it’s time to take some professional photos. Good photos will help you to showcase your property in its best light and attract more potential guests. When taking photos, be sure to:

  • Use high-quality equipment. A good camera and lens will make a big difference in the quality of your photos.
  • Choose the right time of day. The best time to take photos is during the day when there is plenty of natural light.
  • Stage your property. Make sure your property is clean and tidy before you take photos. You should also arrange the furniture and other items in a way that is visually appealing.
  • Hire a professional photographer. If you don’t have the time or expertise to take professional photos yourself, you can hire a professional photographer to do it for you.

5. List Your Property on Short-Term Rental Sites

Once you’ve furnished your short-term rental property and taken some professional photos, it’s time to list your property on short-term rental sites. There are a number of different short-term rental sites available, so be sure to do your research and choose the sites that are most popular with your target audience.

When listing your property, be sure to include the following information:

  • A detailed description of your property. Be sure to include information about the design theme, the amenities, and the location.
  • High-quality photos. Your photos will be the first thing that potential guests see, so make sure they’re high-quality and showcase your property in its best light.
  • Competitive rates. Be sure to set your rates competitively so that you can attract more guests.
  • A clear cancellation policy. Make sure your cancellation policy is clear and easy to understand.

Conclusion

Furnishing your short-term rental property for maximum appeal is essential for attracting more guests and increasing your revenue. By following the tips in this guide, you can create a space that is comfortable, functional, and inviting. With a little effort, you can create a short-term rental property that guests will love.

A cozy living room with a couch, armchair, and coffee table.

Ready to start furnishing your short-term rental property? Get started today by choosing a design theme and selecting comfortable and functional furniture. Don’t forget to add personal touches and take professional photos of your property. Once you’re done, list your property on short-term rental sites and start attracting guests!

Ready to take your short-term rental property to the next level? Get our free guide to learn more tips on how to furnish and decorate your property for maximum appeal.