In the short-term rental industry, design matters. When someone is scrolling through listings, it’s the homes with eye-catching photos and aesthetics that draw them in. You don’t have to drop a ton of money on this either. This blog post will cover some easy Airbnb decorating ideas that you can start implementing in your listing today.

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Why is good Airbnb decor important?

As we mentioned, how a property looks online is one of the first things a guest will notice. It is often the make-or-break part of the booking process. The “vibe” of your interior design goes a long way in a guest deciding if they will feel comfortable at your home.

• A well-designed home makes an impression. Guests will remember a nice design (and may even post it on their social media accounts!)
• When your home looks beautiful, it markets better. Better photos mean more eyes on your home. Plain and simple.
• If your home is well-designed, it can validate your choice to charge premium prices.
• Good, quality furniture that you’d have in a well-designed home typically lasts longer and will save you replacement fees.

Easy Airbnb decorating ideas

Let’s explore!

Highlight natural light

Natural light is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to elevate your space.

• Choose light-colored curtains or sheer panels that allow sunlight to pour in.
• Strategically use mirrors to reflect light and give the illusion of a larger space.
• Avoid placing furniture near windows that blocks natural light flow.

Incorporate local art

Highlighting local artists is a great way to make your interior design truly unique. This is one-of-a-kind art designs that truly can’t replicated anywhere else. Plus, it’s a great way to make the property feel more intertwined with the local community – which guests love!

Invest in good-quality furniture

Skip the discount furniture stores. Invest in high-quality pieces that will last. These nicer products tend to incorporate an elevated design that both looks great and is durable.

Pro Tip: Opt for stain-resistant fabrics for sofas and chairs to keep them looking fresh and reduce maintenance work between guests.

Use table lamps for ambiance

Ambient lighting can make or break the vibe. Too much harsh lighting can feel sterile, while soft lighting creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Consider placing table lamps throughout your space for functional lighting that doubles as decor.

Add them in strategic places like the guest bedroom, living room, or reading nooks to create a cozy atmosphere. Lamps with adjustable brightness are a great choice, allowing guests to tailor light levels to their preferences. This gives the guest an option for lighting rather than just the “overhead” light.

Add thoughtful touches to the guest bedroom

You want the bedroom to feel and look like a retreat. Rememer to have high-thread count sheets and fluffy pillows. Have a storage plan in place like a dresser, luggage rack, etc. A fun touch is a little reading nook if space allows. To make it extra special, leave a small welcome card or gift, like a local treat or coffee, for your guests on the bedside table. It’s these thoughtful touches that earn rave reviews!

Create a functional and stylish common area

The living room is where your guests will spend most of their awake time. Take the following into consideration.

• Seating: Have a few options. A comfy couch, a cozy chair, throw blankets, pillows, etc.
• Entertainment: Have a smart TV, books to read, a fire place, etc.
• Think about rug placement: The rug can make or break a room. Think critically about the design and where exactly you’re placing it in the space.

Go green with indoor plants

Indoor plants are an easy but fun way to make your space more Instagram-worthy. Whether they’re fake or real, they add layers to the space you wouldn’t otherwise have. If you are doing live plants, be sure to include a watering schedule into your day-to-day turnover or cleaning routine.

Consider neutral tones with pops of color

White, beige, or grey are great options to serve as a blank slate. From here, you can add fun pops of color with throw blankets, pillows, art, couches, etc. Plus, neutral tones give you the chance to rearrange and try different color options within the space itself.

Remember function

Great interior design will draw guests in. However, what keep them happy is quality. Remember a few basic things to make comfort match aesthetic:

• Declutter
• Use scratch-resistant surfaces and rugs that can be regularly washed.
• Be sure to stock your home with both the essentials and even some luxury amenities and items.

Final thoughts

Use these easy Airbnb deocr tips to help you get started. These little details go a long way in elevating your space and attracting scrolling fingers. With some natural night, good quality-furniture, and an attention to detail, you’ll be selling out your space in no time.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!