23 Airbnb Style Guidelines Every Host Needs To Know

Do you need Airbnb style tips for your listing? I have compiled a great list of decorating and style tips for every host. While the decorating is overwhelming for some, it’s the best impression you can make and the reason people book.

Having a well designed space is crucial to any listing success so ensure you have a plan and take these tips to heart.

This post is all about Airbnb style.

Best Airbnb Style Guidelines

1. Decorate for your guest avatar

Having a guest avatar dialed in will inform the rest of your process for designing the space. If you don’t know who your guest avatar is, start with understanding why people are traveling to your area and then how many people your listing will hold. This will tell you everything you need to know about how to set up your listing.

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2. Pick an Airbnb theme

Now that your know your guest avatar, picking an Airbnb theme next will simplify the rest of the design process. Themed properties do better, when set up and designed well, than other properties with no theme.

3. Keep decor simple

Simplifying and not overdoing the decor creates less to clean and maintain. It’s also the way most large hospitality chains set up their rooms.

Create visually appealing spaces but keep the decor to a minimum. The space will feel less full than if you were personally living there but this gives guests space to leave their stuff without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Add cozy touches

Adding cozy touches make a guest feel homey and comfortable. Easy to use fireplaces, blankets, throw pillows and books. You want your guests to feel comfort in the space during their stay.

5. Keep blank space

Blank space, or negative space, will allow for space for guests to put their own belongings. Most guests travel with lots of stuff so give them spaces to be able to put it.

Vertical surfaces where they can set their personal bags or empty closets for luggage storage. A dresser with nothing in it so guests can unpack their suitcases.

6. White bedding and towels

This is a hospitality secret. Guests will get the “ick” and subconsciously think the sheets or bedding is dirty. Same goes for towels as well. As a host, it helps your cleaners know when to replace the linens as well.

Plan for replacing these often. Sheets and towels are the most used items and guests need these items to be clean and well maintained.

7. Always think about guest count

When purchasing a dining table or setting up the living room, make sure to have enough seating for the number of guests your listing hosts.

8. Have a fully stocked kitchen

Think through what your guests are going to be using when they come stay. What meals will they cook and what will they need to cook. Stock olive oil, salt and pepper, coffee, sugar and some spices. Ensure there is enough plates, silverware and cups for the guest count.

9. Smart locks

Smart locks aren’t necessarily style but they give guests the confidence that you know what you’re doing as a host. These locks are fully integrated with the Airbnb app and give a seamless check in experience.

10. Incorporate a work space

A lot of guests can work remotely. This is great for hosts because it extends trips but listings with workspaces will book faster and for longer because guests know they can get some work done while on their trip.

11. Add amenities your guests want

Research your area and see what amenities the most popular listings have and then add from there. If every listing has a hot tub or firepit, add those amenities.

12. Use high quality furnishings

Your listing most likely won’t need luxury furniture, but having durable, high quality furniture will make your listing last longer and keep the furniture from showing wear and tear earlier.

Items like the couch, dining table, I always invest more in because they get such extensive wear and tear.

13. Utilize signs around the house

These are my favorite signs to hang around the house explaining things that I don’t want to get messages about. Guests want to be self sufficient when staying a property and this allows for that.

14. Faux plants

I started out with real plants in all my listings but this a big no-no for short term rentals. Guests like to keep blinds drawn or cleaners will forget to water at turnovers.

Greenery adds so much for the style of a space so faux plants are the way to go.

15. Somewhere to sit other than the bed

Bedrooms need to have a bench or a chair. It’s hard to put shoes on when sitting on a bed. The chair is nice to have to set additional items as well.

16. Fast WiFi

This is a must, it’s 2025!

17. Full length mirror

Having a full length mirror is a huge bonus. It makes getting ready so much easier and is frustrating when you don’t have a full length mirror to use when checking out an outfit on the way out.

18. Comfortable mattress

The Zinus memory foam mattress is the best mattress and I stock it in every listing. Guests tell me all the time how well they sleep at my listings and where I get this mattress. You have to use this mattress in all your listings!

19. Mirrors for decor

Mirrors enlarge spaces so hanging them on the wall in a small space will enlarge the space.

20. Storage for luggage and clothing

Make sure the closets or dressers are empty so guests have storage for their clothes and luggage.

21. Extra bed pillows

There should be 2 pillows for every guest that is staying. I even make sure one is firm and the other is soft to give the guests something to choose between.

22. Washable throw pillows and blankets

Guests love to cozy up with these items so making sure they can be easily washed between stays is crucial.

23. Add great mood lighting

Having two sources of light for every room one that is bright and the other that is mood lighting sets a great ambiance for the space. Bright and low lighting options is the way to go.

What other Airbnb style ideas do you like? Let me know in the comments below!

This post was all about Airbnb style.