Your complete guide to buying and maintaining Airbnb furniture

Setting up your Airbnb goes beyond just buying nice-looking furniture. The right pieces not only make your property look great in photos but also help you get better reviews, attract more bookings, and save money in the long run.

This guide will help you make smart choices on Airbnb furniture that impress guests and protect your investment. Let's look at what you need in each room, what to spend more on, and where you can save.

How to best furnish an Airbnb?

Create a five-star bedroom

The bedroom can make or break a guest's stay. Think about your own travel experiences - a bad night's sleep often leads to a less-than-stellar review.

Where to invest:

• 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.
• 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.
• Storage: Wall-mounted or floating bedside tables save space and are easier to clean under. For wardrobes, simple timber designs tend to last longer than flatpack options.

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

‍Hometime tip: 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.

Our guide on Airbnb furniture for bedrooms will ensure you'll have all bedroom essentials like good linen and more.

Living room essentials

Your living room needs to look good in photos and handle daily use. Focus on Airbnb furniture that are durable, but don't sacrifice style.

Smart investments:

• 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.

‍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

‍Hometime tip: Place furniture slightly away from walls - it's easier to clean behind and reduces marks on your walls.

‍Kitchen setups that make sense

Even if guests don't cook much, a well-organised kitchen shows you care about the details.

Essential organisation:

• Clear zones for preparation, cooking and cleaning
• Logical storage with basic items at eye level
• Space in the fridge for groceries
• Designated spots for rubbish and recycling

What to provide:

• One set of cookware that nests together
• Matching sets of crockery and cutlery
• Basic appliances: kettle, toaster, microwave
• Sharp knives and a knife block

Guest frustrations to avoid:

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

‍Hometime tip: Create a kitchen starter pack with tea, coffee, oil, salt and pepper - it's a small cost that gets great feedback.

‍Dining rooms that work for everyone

A great dining space helps your property stand out - most guests appreciate having somewhere proper to eat, even if they're not cooking full meals.

What really matters:

• Table size: Allow 60cm width per person for comfortable seating
• Chair stability: Avoid light plastic chairs - they often break and feel cheap
• Surface durability: Look for tables with scratch-resistant surfaces
• Cleaning ease: Glass tables show everything and need constant cleaning

‍Guest-friendly features:

• Placemats and coasters to protect surfaces
• Extra chairs stored nearby for additional seating
• Good overhead lighting with a dimmer switch
• Easy-clean chair materials (avoid fabric seats)

Common issues 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

‍Hometime tip: Include basic cleaning supplies in a nearby cupboard so guests can quickly wipe up spills.

Create a kitchen that will stand out and get great reviews with our vacation rental kitchen checklist, which also includes a section on tableware and Airbnb furniture for the kitchen and the dining room.

‍Bathrooms that impress

The bathroom might not seem important at first, but we find they often feature in reviews, so getting it right matters.

Must-have elements:

• Strong shower pressure
• Plenty of towel hanging space
• Good lighting for grooming
• Storage space for toiletries
• High-quality shower curtain or screen that doesn't leak

Smart storage solutions:

• Over-toilet shelving for extra supplies
• Pull-out drawers under the sink
• Corner shelves in the shower
• Hooks on the back of doors

Thoughtful extras that get mentioned in reviews:

• Commonly used toiletries
• Hair dryer
• Well-lit mirror
• Air freshener
• Step stool for children

‍Hometime tip: Keep a bathroom maintenance schedule - replace shower heads yearly, deep clean grout quarterly, and check seals monthly.

‍Make the most of outdoor spaces

Whether it's a small balcony or large garden, outdoor spaces need careful planning.

Smart selections:

• Weather-resistant furniture that can handle sun and rain
• Lightweight pieces that guests can move easily
• Storage solutions for cushions
• Low-maintenance plants

Practical considerations:

• Clear rules about noise after certain hours
• Easy-to-use lighting
• Simple shade options
• Safe BBQ setup if provided

‍Hometime tip: A basic outdoor cleaning kit helps guests keep the space tidy during their stay.

‍Creating a well-stocked laundry

Often overlooked, a practical laundry setup helps your guests and your cleaners:

• Install a pull-out drying rack
• Stock cleaning basics
• Provide clear instructions for appliances
• Include an iron and small ironing board
• Keep a basic repair kit handy

‍Hometime tip: Put together a cleaning kit for small spills - it helps guests handle minor accidents and protects your furniture.

‍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

Remember, you're creating both a beautiful space and a practical one. Focus on durability, comfort and ease of maintenance, and you'll save time and money while keeping your guests happy.

‍Looking after your investment

Protect your furniture and keep replacement costs down:

• 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.

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. 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.