Furnishing a home for short-term rentals requires organization, creativity, and attention to detail.
With these requirements (and the tips we'll provide in this article), you'll surely be able to create an inviting and functional atmosphere. Discover with us the smartest solutions and the mistakes to avoid to make your space irresistible.
The importance of a welcoming atmosphere in a holiday home
Creating a welcoming environment is essential to making your guests feel better than at home.
Carefully crafted furnishings will help you receive rave reviews and sincere compliments , building an impeccable reputation.
This not only justifies a higher price , but also guarantees loyal guests who are happy to return .
Common mistakes when furnishing short-term rental homes
Among the most common mistakes we find the lack of attention to detail .
Many owners consider short-term rentals to be just a source of income, neglecting the functional and emotional aspects of the interior.
It's not us who says it, but the negative reviews that guests most frequently leave on the most popular platforms where short-term rental listings are listed.
Among the 10 most common reasons for a bad review are these two important aspects related to the quality of the furniture.
-
Uncomfortable or low-quality furniture
Uncomfortable beds, under-padded sofas, and low-quality furnishings compromise guests' comfort. Quality furniture is essential for a pleasant stay.
-
General conditions of the property
Poorly maintained properties, showing signs of neglect and damaged furnishings, leave a negative impression.
-
Cost not proportionate
Guests often complain that the cost is not proportionate to the quality of the accommodation and services offered.
Not only that.
Many homeowners focus only on the main furnishings, forgetting the importance of the furnishing accessories .
These elements are essential for a 100% satisfying experience.
Ensure essential amenities such as reading lamps, coat hangers, shelves, and mirrors are present. Taking care of these details will significantly improve your guests' experience .
How to furnish and accessorize the kitchen of a short-term rental apartment
The kitchen is the heart of every home and must be equipped with modern and functional appliances, good-quality cookware, and a complete range of utensils.
Provide enough tableware for the maximum number of guests and add a few small appliances such as a toaster, kettle, and coffee maker.
Don't forget useful accessories like toilet paper holders , fruit bowls , or basic products like salt, oil, and spices for an extra touch of hospitality.
Choose a kitchen that's easy to clean and made with durable materials. Organize your space carefully, especially if yours is small .
Add colorful and practical shelves to display jars and utensils.
How to furnish the living room of a short-term rental home
The living room of your holiday home can only be a haven of comfort and style.
What can't be missing?
- A cozy and comfortable sofa , preferably one that can be converted into a bed, is essential.
- A colorful table , to be used as a practical support for remote controls and aperitifs to be enjoyed on the sofa.
- A solid TV stand , with storage space both for hiding cables, decoders and routers, and for placing useful objects.
- A TV with access to streaming platforms and a fast Wi-Fi connection.
Decorative pillows and throws add a touch of warmth, while good lighting, with reading lamps and strategically placed light fixtures, will create the perfect atmosphere.
Want to learn more? Read also How to Furnish a Modern Living Room .
How to make the bedroom of a holiday home welcoming?
To transform your bedroom into a true relaxation and wellness area , you need:
- a bed with a quality mattress, soft pillows and fresh sheets;
- sturdy (damage-resistant) bedside tables complete with reading lamps ;
- the wardrobe, with a capacity proportionate to the average length of stay you offer;
- the inevitable coat stand , better if complete with shelf;
- a full-length mirror;
- paintings and wall decorations that can really add personality and value to the room (for example, if you have to put one up randomly just to fill an empty wall, it's better to put nothing at all);
- include, here or in the living room, a small home office area where you can use a laptop or tablet;
- think, if there is space, also about a small reading corner with an armchair .
Bathroom in a short-term rental: take care of the accessories and you're a winner.
The bathroom must be perfect. Guests pay a lot of attention to this room of the house.
Bathroom accessories are those details that make the difference.
- Provide soft, scented towels .
- Make sure there are practical and aesthetically pleasing towel holders wherever they are needed.
These accessories , if chosen in a fresh and unexpected color and with a modern design, can bring contemporaneity even to a bathroom with coverings that are not particularly beautiful or modern . - Create space to store your guest's belongings. If you're short on space, you can make the most of the vertical space by opting for a practical tall, narrow shelf .
- A large mirror and good lighting are essential.
- Outfit your shower with a shower caddy to keep lotions, shampoo, and body wash within reach.
- Practical robe hooks and shelves are a must. A soft rug and a green plant will add a touch of freshness.
Terrace of a short-term rental: flower boxes and a mini dining set are a must.
If your short-term rental home has a terrace or balcony , make the most of this space and make it scenic and welcoming.
Add colorful planters with green plants to create a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Find out how to furnish a terrace: three golden rules for the perfect project .
Complete the decor with a mini dining set consisting of a coffee table and stools, perfect for outdoor breakfasts or evening aperitifs. 
In general, before handing over your furnished or renovated home to your first guest, put yourself in their shoes.
5 questions to ask yourself (as a host) to evaluate the hospitality of a vacation rental
-
How would I react if I entered this house for the first time, knowing I was going to spend a few days on vacation here?
Imagine you're a guest arriving after a long journey. Is the initial impression welcoming and inviting? Does the home exude comfort and well-being?
-
How many functions does this room have? Are all the comforts present for each one?
Analyze each room to determine if it fulfills all its functions. If the bedroom doubles as a study, is there an adequate table lamp to illuminate the desk? Is the workstation ergonomic? Is the living room reading nook comfortable and well-equipped?
Move around the room, sit down and do the actions you would put into practice
the guest.
-
What decorative elements are superfluous? What can I add to make everything more cohesive?
Examine the existing decorative elements. Some items may be superfluous or cluttered. What decorations could be added or removed to create a more harmonious and cohesive environment?
-
Are rugs, curtains, and decorative pillows the right size and positioned correctly? Are they functional? Do they add aesthetic value or detract from it?
Make sure rugs, curtains, and cushions are appropriate for the size of the rooms and are positioned appropriately. Are they functional and contribute to the overall aesthetic, or do they create a sense of clutter?
-
Is the furniture functional and inviting? Is the color palette consistent and harmonious? Are the materials carefully chosen, or do they clash? Do you sense quality and care?
Furniture should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Is the color scheme harmonious? Are the materials chosen high-quality and well-coordinated? Does the overall effect convey a sense of care and attention to detail?
The essentials: how to furnish a home for short-term rentals?
Here's a quick recap of the tips we've collected in this article.
Importance of a welcoming environment: it improves reviews and justifies higher prices.
Common mistakes : uncomfortable furniture, poorly maintained properties, excessive costs, lack of furnishings.
Kitchen : modern appliances, sufficient dishes, useful accessories, durable materials.
Living room : convertible sofa, coffee table, TV cabinet with storage, TV with streaming, Wi-Fi, decorative pillows, good lighting.
Bedroom : quality bed, bedside tables with lamps, spacious wardrobe, coat rack, mirror, reading corner, home office area.
Bathroom : soft towels, practical towel racks, storage space for personal items, large mirror, good lighting, shower caddy, shelves, bath mat, green plant.
Terrace : colorful flowerpots, mini lunch set.
Evaluation : put yourself in the guest's shoes, evaluate functionality and decorations, ensure quality furnishings.
