Ultimate Airbnb Furniture Checklist

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.

Airbnb Furniture Checklist

Bedroom

• 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.

Check out our guide on Airbnb bedroom essentials for more info on how you can make a 5-star guest bedroom.

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

Keep spare linen sets in vacuum storage bags with a dryer sheet - they'll stay fresh between uses and won't take up much space.

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.
• Office desk and chair: spaces for remote working are a big draw for business travellers.

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
• Rubber feet on furniture to protect floors
• Cable management solutions to keep things tidy
• USB charging points near seating areas

Seasonal considerations:

• Light throws for summer
• Warmer blankets for winter
• Fan or portable heater options
• Heavy curtains to manage temperature and light

Kitchen

• One set of cookware that nests together
• Matching sets of crockery and cutlery
• Basic appliances: kettle, toaster, microwave, a coffee maker
• Sharp knives and a knife block
• Daily essentials: tea, coffee, oil, salt, pepper

Check out our Airbnb kitchen essentials checklist for more ideas.

Common guest complaints to avoid:

• Blunt knives
• Missing essential tools (bottle opener, can opener)
• Complicated coffee machines
• Limited bench space

Dining Rooms

• 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

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

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

What's the best way to furnish an Airbnb?

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. Need more specific advice about setting up your property? Contact Hometime for personalised guidance. We can help you create a space that works for both you and your guests.

Our full-service short term rental management solutions are designed to maximise your earnings and guest satisfaction with these dedicated services:

• 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 property styling and photography
• Dynamic pricing strategy:
  Optimise your revenue while increasing occupancy at the same time.
  
• Airbnb cleaning services:
  Hometime will connect you with the best cleaners in your area to look after your home —for regular cleans, deep cleans ready for peak season, or even restocking essentials. We use the built-in cleaning fee from the booking, so there’ll be no need to pay for it out of pocket.
  
• 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.