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I have decorated and listed 8 properties and have learned so many Airbnb decorating tips along the way! I have compiled my top rules for putting any short term rental space together.
Decorating a short term rental is not like decorating your home. You definitely want to have a cohesive style and look but the principles are super different.
Let’s dive into my top Airbnb decorating tips for all short term rental hosts.
This post is all about Airbnb decorating tips.
Airbnb Decorating Tips
1. Remember this is not your personal residence
This is always my number 1 and best tip I give new hosts who are decorating a new space for Airbnb. This home is not your home! It needs to have personality and character but also appeal the to audience you are trying to attract.
Choosing a guest avatar is the best way to make your space look cohesive and achieve the target consumer you are attracting. There are plenty of directions you could take the design so let’s dive into some other tips that will help you narrow that down.
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2. Understand the location of your Airbnb
Understanding why guests are traveling to your area is the next step in developing your Airbnb decorating plan. This will give you a guide as to what guests want to experience when they’re staying at your listing.
For example, if you have a cabin by a national park, decorating the place with a mountain and classic cabin vibe is a great way to attract your ideal guest. Another example would be a beach house. You don’t have to go totally beach theme but bright and airy is a good idea to help guests feel relaxed.
3. Pick an Airbnb theme
I wrote an entire post on Airbnb themes and ideas for themes. Check it out below! Picking a theme is always helpful. It will guide your decor and every purchase you make.
The best Airbnb themes speak to the area of your Airbnb and attract your ideal guest avatar. Keep these things in mind when coming up with an Airbnb theme.
An example, Nashville is a hot spot for bachelorette parties. If you were to open an Airbnb in Nashville, picking an Airbnb theme that attracts bachelorette parties is a great idea and way to attract a popular guests traveling to the area.
Dive deeper into my tips on creating Airbnb themes by reading this article here!
4. Create a plan
Once you have an understanding of all the above, create a plan to stick to your budget. Save links to furniture, wallpaper, pick paint colors and bedding. This is the fun part and takes a lot of time to organize but is so worth it.
5. Make sure the look is cohesive
Now that you have a plan in place, go back through your links before purchasing to make sure the look is cohesive. Once you’re sure everything goes well together, make sure to get it all ordered.
6. Don’t be afraid of white space
Dead space in every room is crucial. You don’t need to fill every last space with decor. Not only will this help your guests feel like the place is cleaner because there’s not as much to clean but it will feel way less cluttered.
The white space also gives guests a natural space to put their stuff. Your guests are traveling so they will always have bags, pac n‘ plays, laptop bags, etc. that need a spot to be stored during their trip.
7. Buy nice but durable furniture
There’s a rule of thumb in the short term rental world and that is to spend between $12-15 a square foot on furnishings. This allows for nicer furniture but not super high end. You do not want to Facebook marketplace furniture but you should know that by this far into the article.
8. Always use white bedding and linens
My next Airbnb decorating tip is to always use white bedding and linens. This is tried and true in the hospitality industry to always have white bedding. You know why? Guests will automatically believe you are trying to hide something if you use anything other than white bedding, linens and towels.
9. Floor length mirrors
In all the main bedrooms having a floor length mirror will be so appreciated by your guests. It’s something that guests will notice if it’s not there but not really notice if it is. Try to incorporate it best you can into every room in the listing.
10. Chairs in the bedrooms
Having somewhere to sit other than the bed in every bedroom is crucial. Even if it’s a small bench at the end of the bed. I don’t do this in super small spaces but in larger spaces, this is crucial. It’s nice to have somewhere to set your stuff or sit to put your shoes on.
11. Seating for your guest count
In all the main spaces, have enough seating for your guest count. If you advertise for 6 but only having dining for 4, guests will notice and not book your space.
Same for the living room, make sure there’s enough seating for guests to comfortably sit and enjoy themselves while all gathered together.
What other Airbnb decorating tips do you have? Let me know in the comments below!
This post was all about Airbnb decorating tips.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclaimer for more info.
