How to Furnish an Airbnb:  What You Need on Your Airbnb Shopping List

By Jenny Javitch, Airbnb Superhost | Founder & Travel Planner at Global Game Plan

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.

This article is part of a series on Airbnb hosting tips.  Having been an Airbnb Superhost for over 4 years, I am excited to share my expertise in order to help you become a successful Airbnb Host.  Click here to see all of the articles in the series.

 

Furnishing and decorating your Airbnb well, and providing amenities considered to be Airbnb essentials, are significant components of creating a welcoming Airbnb.  This is most importantly, for the comfort and positive experience of your current guests. However, it also showcases your Airbnb to future guests online through your Airbnb listing.  Since Airbnb photos in your listing are one of, if not the main thing that potential Airbnb guests look at, this will be the first impression that potential guests have of your space when deciding whether to book your Airbnb and before they arrive. 

How to Make Your Airbnb Listing Stand Out

 

The best way to make your Airbnb listing stand out is to have quality Airbnb furniture and décor, and professional Airbnb photos to visually showcase what you offer to guests.  Also be sure that your Airbnb description shares what you want to highlight about your Airbnb essentials and amenities. This will be helpful later when you start marketing and promoting your Airbnb.

Some things you would use to furnish your Airbnb are standard for any home or vacation rental, and some items could relate to an Airbnb theme that you would like to implement.  It isn’t required to have a theme, but if you would like to, some easy Airbnb theme ideas include:

  • General travel and exploration

  • Location of your Airbnb (city, state, or region)

  • Style of your Airbnb (lake home, cozy cabin, farmhouse, retro, etc.)

If you’re going with a theme Airbnb, keep in mind that you will need to find décor that matches the theme. Your theme should match, or at least complement the style of your home.  For example, you can do this with your Airbnb furniture, such as buying a log kitchen table and chairs if your Airbnb is a cabin, or you can use high-top red stools if you have a fun dining area with a retro theme. 

As an alternative, an easy way to incorporate a theme is by being intentional with your Airbnb decorating.  As my Airbnb apartments are located in Stillwater, Minnesota, one of them has a Minnesota theme including the following items: a mirror in the shape of Minnesota, two sets of state- themed drinking glasses, an artsy wooden moose head and decorative canoe oars on the wall, a “St Croix River” pillow on the bed, and a framed piece of wood art picturing the local lift bridge. A great way to find these items is to shop locally–  a win-win for everyone! 

Keep in mind that the Airbnb theme décor should enhance the look and feel of your space, not detract from it or alienate potential guests with off-putting décor.  If you use a theme like Star Wars, for example, you should be prepared to go all the way and base everything in your Airbnb on that theme.

Where to Buy Airbnb Furniture

 

Wondering where to buy Airbnb furniture? Between shopping in person and online, there are many options for how to furnish an Airbnb. To help you out, I’ve listed the actual stores where I shopped and purchased our best Airbnb furniture. Whether you shop online or in-person, be sure to include any transportation, shipping or delivery costs in your budget.

Note that choosing Airbnb furniture will likely take longer than you think, and you will also want to consider building in some extra time for delivery and possible inventory delays. 

Remember, if your property has any outdoor space, buy Airbnb furniture specifically designed for outdoor use, not the same furniture you would have in your living room. 

 

Airbnb Décor & Accessories

 

When you’re ready for Airbnb decorating, accessories are the items that go on a list of Airbnb essentials.  Showcase them in little nooks and crannies, bookshelves, desks, and tables to help spice up your Airbnb rental space.  Don’t go overboard with clutter, but also look for cute Airbnb accessories to add some color or interior design to your space.  Examples include:  light fixtures, plants, fake fruit, books, figurines, framed pictures, board games, baskets, lamps, throw blankets, and decorative pillows. These are the stores where I purchased my Airbnb décor and accessories.

Airbnb Must-Haves:  Appliances & Electronics

 

If your Airbnb property is anything other than a glamping site or a space that obviously wouldn’t include a kitchen, guests will expect to have access to Airbnb kitchen essentials and other appliances – so put them on your Airbnb Host checklist. Here are some tips for these Airbnb must-haves: 

  • Purchase large appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, oven/stovetop) at Lowes or Home Depot. If you think it would be helpful, apply for a store credit card before your big purchases.  Think about using their delivery services as well. 

  • Small appliances such as a microwave, coffee maker and toaster for your Airbnb kitchen can also be purchased at Lowes, Home Depot, or Costco. 

  • Decide whether you will have a washer and dryer on-site and available to guests.  Even though this is for a short-term rental, keep in mind that you and your cleaning team will need access to them in order to do the laundry in between guests. 

  • Be sure to purchase a smart TV so guests can log into their streaming services.  Decide in advance if you would like the TV to be placed on some type of Airbnb furniture or to be hung up on the wall. 

  • Consider purchasing an air purifier – a popular Airbnb amenity for guests during the covid pandemic. The Coway Airmega product is great and you can buy the best air purifier for your space at Bed, Bath & Beyond.

  • If you are offering self check-in for your guests, purchasing a smart lock and other related Wi-Fi supported electronics will help you, whether or not you decide to manage your Airbnb remotely.

Related: Marketing & Promoting Your Airbnb

Airbnb Amenities

 

Not sure how to decide what Airbnb amenities to offer?  Read through these suggestions to get started on your Airbnb shopping list. 

  • Safety features such as a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit are essential to providing a safe experience for guests.

  • Everything that a guest could reasonably expect to find in a hotel (your competition), you should offer as an Airbnb amenity.  Examples include:  hairdryer, shampoo/conditioner/soap and Kleenex.

  • In today’s vacation rental market, where remote workers have become a popular guest target market, ensuring you have strong Wi-Fi is an Airbnb must-have.  If you need some extra Wi-Fi support, give these eero Wi-Fi extenders a try!

  • Include a desk in your space if you have the room for it.  If not, see if there is a way to position your kitchen table or dining room table as a workspace – and share how this could work in your Airbnb photos.

  • A coffee maker is a priority, and providing coffee is only a minor expense for you that guests have come to expect as part of their Airbnb stay.  As not everyone drinks caffeine, if you can provide decaf coffee or tea, and some creamer and sugar packets, that will sweeten the pot. Although not eco-friendly, the Keurig machine is a great Airbnb amenity, and you can buy a variety K-cups types that will meet the needs of almost every guest. 

  • Keep in mind seasonal changes, perhaps you would like to offer a fan in the summertime or extra blankets in the winter. 

  • Providing makeup remover pads or a makeup washcloth will benefit the guests as well, but will also help Hosts avoid having to launder makeup stains from your towels.

  • If you’re interested in adding more Airbnb amenities to your space, click on the “amenities” section of your listing to see the full list of options from Airbnb and choose some from there.  This will allow you to “check more boxes” on your listing and increase the possibility that guests will choose your vacation rental because of your Airbnb amenities.

Airbnb Furnishing Tips  

 

As you are purchasing your Airbnb essentials, keep the following in mind. These tips will help you with Airbnb decorating when you are setting up your Airbnb and in the long run when you are marketing and promoting your Airbnb.

  • Although it’s a popular neutral color, try to avoid buying the color white in furniture, Airbnb décor, towels and bedding – these items will get stained and you will have to replace them. Consider sheets as the only exception to this rule. For everything else, try using a grey color instead!   

  • Wrinkle-free products for the bedroom (bed linens, duvet cover and pillow shams) is the way to go.

  • Assume that your Airbnb furniture and accessories will endure some wear and tear. This is normal and expected but keep an eye on everything to know when it’s time to fix or replace things.

  • Creating a comfortable environment for your guests is of the utmost importance.  Choose comfort over “cuteness” every time.  Your mattress, sleeper sofa, toilet paper and all furniture should be geared towards comfort.  If you have windows in your sleeping space, don’t forget to buy blackout shades! 

  • Be sure there is enough space for guests to store their clothing – whether it’s luggage racks or built-in closet space, it’s a good idea to have a place to hang clothes (remember to include hangers) and also have some shelves. The Container Store is a great resource for high quality closet organization or storage options.

  • If you have more than one bedroom and bathroom in your Airbnb, be sure to buy interchangeable linens, towels and Airbnb supplies such as hand soap.  This will help with your laundry rotation, reduce the need to replace items and increase your ability to buy in bulk. 

  • Look around your own home and see what little things you have and want to include on your list of Airbnb must-haves.

Money-Saving Tips for your Airbnb Shopping List

 

 Shopping for all of the Airbnb essentials can get expensive, but I have used these money-saving tips to reduce expenses: 

  • Invest in quality furniture, appliances and linens when starting your Airbnb.  Although these can be pricey up-front expenses, it will reduce the need to repair or replace many of these items as time goes on. 

  • Find discounts for your Airbnb. Costco is a great way to save all year round for a minimal membership fee, compared to how much you can save. Bed Bath and Beyond offers an inexpensive BEYOND + membership where you automatically save 20% on every purchase in person and on-line.

  • Buy in bulk. Airbnb supplies like coffee, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, shampoo and conditioner are all items you can buy in bulk or at stores such as Costco, Target, Walmart or Menards to save money.

  • Purchase refillable soap and shampoo/conditioner bottles.  These eco-friendly Airbnb supplies come in large bottles that you can keep in stock and refill the smaller containers when necessary.

  • Consider using a smart thermostat so you can control the temperature (e.g. reduce your heating/AC bill!) when guests are not staying at your Airbnb.    

  • As you are starting an Airbnb business, use a business credit card to purchase your Airbnb essentials. Not only will it help you organize your expenses, but you can earn points to redeem for statement credit or receive other benefits.

Your Next Steps

Implementing all the ideas above for Airbnb furniture, décor and essential amenities, and following all of the tips included throughout this post will help you to be a wonderful Host and create a positive guest experience. Keep the ball rolling and check out these additional resources for Airbnb Hosts!

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