Create a stylish and guest-ready STR with our Airbnb furniture checklist, featuring exclusive discounts on Airbnb furniture packages for Hometime homeowners.
When styling your short-term rental, it's important to have all the essentials to ensure that guests enjoy their stay. However, note that you should focus on these three things: durability, comfort, and ease of maintenance. You should also be mindful of your budget; furniture that's too expensive may not give you the return on investment you're looking for.
Consider partnering with an Airbnb management company for an all-in-one solution for your property. This includes not only styling, but also photography, revenue optimisation, day-to-day management by a local host, and even discounts to furniture providers.
Having the right furniture for your Airbnb is essential — not only do they make your property look great, they also help you get better reviews, leading to more bookings and more money in the long run. But buying good furniture for your STR can get expensive, especially if you're just starting out or if you own multiple homes.
This Airbnb furniture checklist will help you choose quality pieces that guests will love and give tips on how to protect if from guest damage. Let's look at what you need in each room, what to spend more on, and where you can save.
Airbnb furniture tips
Before you start buying furniture for your property, it's important to remember to focus on these three things: durability, comfort and ease of maintenance. Furniture for your STR property should balance practicality with guest happiness. This way, you'll save time and money while keeping your guests happy.
It's also important to protect your furniture and keep replacement costs down. Some tips for this include:
Take photos of your setup for insurance
Keep receipts for major purchases
Have spare parts for common fixes
Set up relationships with local repair services
Create clear guest guidelines for furniture use
Regular Airbnb maintenance is also a must — it's best to catch issues as soon as they appear.
Need help styling your STR property? Partner with Hometime for your Airbnb and get exclusive discounts to Airbnb furniture suppliers like Koala and Globe West.
Bed frame: Choose a solid timber or metal frame with a headboard. Avoid bed bases with fabric headboards - they mark easily and are hard to clean.
Mattress: Look for a high-density memory foam option. They're more comfortable than basic spring mattresses, handle spills better, and usually last 2-3 years longer.
Pillows: Offer at least two per guest, with soft and firm options
Storage: Wall-mounted or floating bedside tables save space and are easier to clean. For wardrobes, simple timber designs tend to last longer than flatpack options.
Spare linen sets: Keep these in vacuum storage bags with a dryer sheet - they'll stay fresh between uses and won't take up much space.
Money-saving tips:
Buy white bed linen in bulk - it's cheaper and you'll always have fresh sets ready
Choose washable mattress and pillow protectors to extend the life of your bedding
Keep decor minimal - a single large piece of artwork above the bed often works better than lots of small pieces
Common guest complaints to avoid:
Squeaky bed frames: Check and tighten fittings monthly
Flat pillows: Replace them every 6-8 months
Limited hanging space: Provide at least one metre of rail space per guest
Poor lighting: A bright overhead light and softer bedside lamps give guests options
Living room
Couch: Look for commercial-grade fabric or leather - they handle spills and wear better than standard materials. Dark grey or navy colours hide marks while still looking stylish.
Coffee table: Glass tops show every mark and can be dangerous. Choose solid timber or composite materials with rounded corners.
TV unit: Wall-mounting your TV saves space and reduces the risk of damage. Choose a simple floating shelf underneath for devices.
Tip: Place furniture slightly away from walls - it's easier to clean behind and reduces marks on your walls.
Practical additions:
A washable throw for the sofa - easier to clean than the whole couch
Basic appliances: kettle, toaster, microwave, a coffee maker
Sharp knives and a knife block
Daily essentials: tea, coffee, oil, salt, pepper
Common guest complaints to avoid:
Blunt knives
Missing essential tools (bottle opener, can opener)
Complicated coffee machines
Limited bench space
Dining room
Table: Look for tables with scratch-resistant surfaces that allow 60cm width per person for comfortable seating; avoid glass, which shows everything and needs constant cleaning
Chairs: Avoid light plastic chairs - they often break and feel cheap. Fabric seats
Placemats and coasters to protect surfaces
Extra chairs stored nearby for additional seating
Good overhead lighting with a dimmer switch
Basic cleaning supplies in a nearby cupboard so guests can quickly wipe up spills
Common guest complaints to avoid:
Wobbly tables: Use adjustable feet for uneven floors
Chairs that mark floors: Add quality felt pads
Poor lighting: People need to see what they're eating
Limited space around the table: Leave at least 80cm for chair movement
Bathroom
Shower with heater: Make sure you have strong shower pressure
Commonly used toiletries: soap, shampoo, lotion
Hair dryer
A well-lit mirror for grooming
Air freshener
High-quality shower curtain or screen that doesn't leak
Hooks on the back of doors for towels and clothes
Storage space: over-toilet shelving for extra supplies, pull-out drawers under the sink, and corner shelves in the shower
Step stool for children
Tip: Keep a bathroom maintenance schedule - replace shower heads yearly, deep clean grout quarterly, and check seals monthly.
Outdoor
Weather-resistant furniture that can handle sun and rain
Lightweight pieces that guests can move easily
Storage solutions for cushions
Low-maintenance plants
Easy-to-use lighting
Simple shade options
Safe BBQ setup if provided
Outdoor cleaning kit to help guests keep the space tidy during their stay
Tip: Make sure you have clear rules about noise after certain hours to avoid complaints from your neighbours.
Laundry
Pull-out drying rack
Cleaning basics like detergent and a kit for small spills
Iron and small ironing board
Basic repair kit
Clear instructions for appliances
Final touches
Small details can lift your property from good to great:
Welcome guide with furniture care instructions
Local area info displayed nicely
Emergency contact details
Basic tool kit for simple fixes
Spare batteries for remotes
Office desk and chair: Short-term rental trends show that spaces for remote working are a big draw for business travellers.
What's the best way to furnish a vacation rental?
Remember, you can start with the basics and add pieces over time. Focus first on items that directly impact guest comfort and safety, then build from there and start to get furniture that stands out. For more tips on interior design for your short-term rental, contact Hometime for guidance in creating a space that works for both you and your guests:
Property onboarding: Set up your short-term rental quickly so you can start getting bookings ASAP.
Listing optimisation: We work on constantly improving your listing to make it stand out — we highlight your property's best through great content, along with Airbnb styling and photography
Dynamic pricing strategy: Optimise your revenue while increasing occupancy at the same time.
Airbnb cleaning services: We’ll find the best cleaners in your area for regular cleans and restocking between stays, paid for using the built-in cleaning fee from the booking. No need to pay out of pocket between guest stays.
Guest communication and management: Airbnb managers ensure that your guests enjoy every part of their stay. This includes taking care of maintenance issues quickly, providing alternatives for late-night arrivals, and even meeting them in person when needed!
Property maintenance: Hometime’s local Airbnb managers will sort out all your maintenance needs to make both you and your guests happy, including getting the best rates for services in the area due to our close relationships with local businesses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to furnish an Airbnb house?
This depends on various factors such as property size, property type, and whether or not the property is already furnished.
A conservative estimate would be around $3,000-5,000 for a one-bedroom apartment that's already furnished. If you have a larger property or a luxury property, expect the cost to go up.
How do I furnish my Airbnb on a budget?
We recommend talking to a professional property stylist for an initial assessment — depending on the current state of your property, you may need only minor tweaks as opposed to a complete overhaul.
Airbnb management companies may also provide you discounts for Airbnb furniture packages and supplies. For example, Hometime homeowners get discounts to Koala, Globe West, and more.
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