Guests scroll past dozens of listings before they book, and most of them decide in a few seconds based on one thumbnail photo. That’s why knowing how to decorate an Airbnb is not just about making it pretty. It’s about designing a space that photographs beautifully, sleeps guests comfortably, and gives them something to mention in a five-star review.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to decorate and furnish an Airbnb the way a designer would: planning for capacity first, then going room by room, with a budget plan, a furnishing checklist, and the mistakes I see hosts make most often.
How to decorate an Airbnb in five moves: plan sleeping and seating for your full guest count, invest in beds, bedding, and blackout curtains, choose washable, guest-proof materials, create one memorable “photo moment,” and keep decor clean and neutral with a few local touches. Spend on what guests sleep and sit on; save on accessories.
In This Guide
- Best for extra sleepingCurved Convertible Sleeper Sofa
- Best guest-proof sofaWimberly Slipcovered Sofa
- Best beddingStripe Stitch Quilt Set with Shams
- Best blackout curtainsAlicea Velvet Blackout Curtain
- Best bedside lampsNavreet Lamp Set with USB Ports
- Best towelsDarcelle Turkish Cotton Set
- Best entry hooksGarfinkel 5-Hook Coat Rack
- Best photo-moment wallpaperHeroad Botanical Peel & Stick
The Photo-Stay-Review Method
When I think about how to decorate an Airbnb, I design for three moments in the guest’s journey, in this order.
Photo
Design rooms that look bright, clear, and inviting in listing photos, because that is where the booking starts.
Stay
Make every room comfortable and easy to use: good beds, enough seating, outlets, and storage.
Review
Add the thoughtful details guests remember and write about, like a photo-worthy wall or plush towels.
Why this order works: A beautiful room with an uncomfortable bed gets bookings but poor reviews. A comfortable room that photographs badly never gets booked. Designing for all three is what keeps a listing busy.
Plan for Capacity First
Before you buy a single pillow, decide how many guests your space will host. Every sleeping spot needs matching seating, dining space, towels, and storage. Hosts who skip this step end up with a listing that sleeps six but only seats four.
- Sleeping: a sleeper sofa, daybed, or bunk beds can add sleeping spots without adding a bedroom.
- Seating: plan at least one seat in the living area for every guest. Armless accent chairs add seats without crowding a small room.
- Dining: allow about 24″ of table width per person, and one chair or stool for every guest.
- Walkways: keep 30–36″ clear paths, especially between beds and the bathroom, so guests can move at night.
Your local short-term rental rules, building rules, and fire codes set the legal maximum number of guests. Check them before you plan extra beds.
Curved Convertible Sleeper Sofa
Every extra sleeping spot can widen the group sizes your listing can host. A convertible sleeper gives you a stylish sofa by day and a bed at night, without giving up a room to a second bed.
Will it fit? Measure the room with the sofa opened flat, and leave a clear path to the door and bathroom.
Skip it if… it will be a guest’s only bed for long stays. Sleepers suit occasional use; a real mattress is better for main beds.
See Dimensions & Price on Amazon →
Wade Logan Wimberly 80.5″ Slipcovered Sofa
Spills happen in every rental. A slipcovered sofa means a coffee stain is a laundry job, not a replacement, and the relaxed look photographs warm and inviting in listing photos.
Will it fit? At 80.5″ wide it suits walls about 10–12 ft long. Leave 30–36″ walkways so luggage can get through.
Skip it if… you need it to sleep guests. This is a sofa, not a sleeper, so pair it with a daybed or pick the convertible option.
See Dimensions & Price on Wayfair →How to Decorate an Airbnb, Room by Room
Each room has a different job in a short-term rental. Here’s what matters most in each one.
Living Room
The living room is usually the hero photo of your listing, so it needs a clear focal point. Center the seating around the TV or a statement wall, use durable, washable fabrics, and keep surfaces mostly clear so the room photographs open and bright.
- Add art that is about two-thirds the width of the sofa.
- Include a side table and lamp at each seat, so guests always have somewhere to set a drink.
- Leave the TV remote, Wi-Fi details, and house guide in one obvious place.
Signleader Geometric Abstract Framed Canvas
Bare walls make a listing look unfinished. Neutral abstract art works with almost any guest’s taste and gives the room a focal point in photos.
Will it fit? Above a sofa, aim for about two-thirds of the sofa width, hung 8–10″ above the back.
Skip it if… your space has a strong theme. Choose art that matches the local character instead.
See Dimensions & Price on Wayfair →
BINCUE Neutral Geometric Abstract Wall Art
Soft geometric prints add personality without dividing opinion. They work well above beds and in hallways where you want something calm.
Will it fit? Leave 2–3″ between frames if you hang more than one.
Skip it if… you want one large statement piece.
See Dimensions & Price on Amazon →Bedrooms
Guests forgive a small kitchen. They rarely forgive a bad night’s sleep. Bedrooms are where your budget should go first.
- Bedding: white sheets you can bleach, plus a washable quilt or coverlet for color and texture.
- Blackout curtains: hung high and wide in every bedroom.
- Two nightstands and two lamps with built-in charging ports, so each guest has light and power on their side.
- Storage: a luggage rack or bench and a few empty hangers and drawers.
Notice the leopard throws in this bedroom. Repeating one signature accent in a few rooms, like the leopard wallpaper in the entry below, makes the whole property feel designed instead of furnished.
Becky Cameron Stripe Stitch Quilt Set with Shams
A lightweight quilt layered over white sheets is the hotel look guests love. It comes with matching shams, so every bed looks finished and consistent in photos, and it works year-round.
Will it fit? Choose one size up from your mattress if you want the quilt to drape fully over the sides.
Skip it if… you only want all-white bedding. This adds subtle texture and color.
See Dimensions & Price on Wayfair →
EVERGRACEHOME Pre-Washed Bedspread
Pre-washed fabric has a soft, lived-in feel from the first stay, and the neutral parchment tone suits almost any decor style. It is easy to wash between turnovers.
Will it fit? Check the drop length against your mattress depth so it covers the box spring.
Skip it if… you want crisp, structured bedding. Pre-washed fabric looks relaxed by design.
See Dimensions & Price on Amazon →
Mercer41 Alicea Velvet Blackout Thermal Curtain
Sleep quality is one of the things guests mention most in reviews. Blackout velvet blocks streetlights and early sun, and the rich fabric makes a bedroom feel upscale in photos.
Will it fit? Hang the rod close to the ceiling and 6–12″ past each side of the window so the panels make the window look bigger.
Skip it if… the room is already dark and small. Velvet is heavy, so a lighter blackout panel may suit better.
See Dimensions & Price on Wayfair →
MIULEE Blackout Curtains
An affordable way to put blackout curtains in every bedroom. When you are furnishing several rooms at once, savings like this add up quickly.
Will it fit? Measure from the rod to just above the floor. Curtains that puddle collect dust between cleanings.
Skip it if… you want a heavy, luxe drape. These are a lighter-weight option.
See Dimensions & Price on Amazon →
Mercer41 Navreet Table Lamp Set with USB-C & USB-A
Nothing frustrates a guest like hunting for an outlet at bedtime. This dimmable pair has USB-C and USB-A ports built in, and the bulbs are included, so it is ready the day you set up.
Will it fit? The lamp base should fit your nightstand with room left for a phone and glass of water.
Skip it if… your nightstands are very small. Check the base width first.
See Dimensions & Price on Wayfair →
Innqoo Dimmable Bedside Lamp Set
Two matching lamps make a bed look symmetrical and polished in photos. This dimmable set with charging ports is an easy way to light both sides of every bed affordably.
Will it fit? Aim for the bottom of the shade to sit around shoulder height when guests sit up in bed.
Skip it if… you want a statement lamp. These are simple, practical designs.
See Dimensions & Price on Amazon →Setting up an Airbnb from scratch?
Get a designer’s eye on your layout, furniture list, and listing photos before you spend. Book a design consult with The Decorholic.
Dining Area
Your dining area should seat everyone your listing sleeps. In a small space, a round table with armless chairs or a bench seats more people in less room. For more help with sizing, see my guide to the best dining set for small spaces.
Kitchen
Guests judge a kitchen by how easy it is to use. Keep counters clear, add bright task lighting, and stock the basics so nobody has to go shopping for a pan.
- Plates, glasses, mugs, and cutlery for your full guest count, plus a few extra.
- A basic set of pots, pans, knives, and a cutting board.
- Coffee maker, kettle, toaster, and clearly labeled cabinets.
Bathroom
A clean, coordinated bathroom feels like a hotel. Use matching towels, add hooks so towels can dry, and include a small shelf or basket for guests’ toiletries. A bold peel-and-stick wallpaper turns even a small bathroom into a memorable photo.
Charlton Home Darcelle Turkish Cotton Towel Set (6 pc)
Soft, thick towels are a small detail guests notice right away. A matching six-piece set gives each guest a bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth that look coordinated when rolled or stacked.
Will it fit? Plan for at least one full set per guest, plus a spare set for each turnover.
Skip it if… you need very fast-drying towels. Thick cotton takes longer in the dryer.
See Dimensions & Price on Wayfair →
LANE LINEN Cotton Bath Towel Set
When you are stocking several bathrooms and backup sets, cost matters. This cotton set gives you the hotel look at a price that makes buying spares realistic.
Will it fit? Count bath sheets per guest at full capacity, then add one extra set per bathroom.
Skip it if… you want plush, heavyweight towels.
See Dimensions & Price on Amazon →Entryway
The entry is the first thing guests see when they arrive, so make it count. Give them hooks for coats and bags, a spot to drop luggage, a mirror, and somewhere to put keys. A bold wallpaper here sets the tone for the whole stay.
Mercury Row Garfinkel 5-Hook Coat Rack
Give guests a place for coats, bags, and keys the moment they walk in. Five hooks cover a family or group, and it keeps clutter off your furniture.
Will it fit? Mount the hooks around 60–66″ high so adults can reach easily.
Skip it if… you have a very narrow entry. A hidden-hook option takes less visual space.
See Dimensions & Price on Wayfair →
Kazai Wall-Mounted Hidden Hooks
Hooks that fold flat look like a clean design detail when not in use, which keeps a small entry looking tidy in listing photos.
Will it fit? Measure the wall width and keep a few inches between each hook so coats do not overlap.
Skip it if… guests will hang heavy bags. Check the weight rating first.
See Dimensions & Price on Amazon →Outdoor Space
Even a small balcony or patio can be a selling point. Two comfortable chairs, a small table, and string lights or a lantern create an evening spot guests will photograph. Choose weather-resistant materials and store cushions inside between stays.
Create One “Photo Moment”
The most-shared listings usually have one memorable spot: a bold wallpaper wall, a striking piece of art, or a styled reading nook. It gives your listing a signature image, and guests often post it on social media, which is free marketing.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is my favorite tool for this. It’s removable, wipes clean, and works especially well in small spaces like the bathroom and entry shown above.
Moberg Peel & Stick Geometric Wallpaper
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is the fastest way to create a photo moment, and vinyl wipes clean between guests. A geometric texture adds interest without overwhelming a small room.
Will it fit? Measure wall height and width and buy one extra roll to match the pattern.
Skip it if… the wall gets very humid, like inside a shower area. Use it on dry walls only.
See Dimensions & Price on Wayfair →
Heroad Botanical Peel & Stick Wallpaper
A botanical print turns a powder room or entry into the spot guests photograph and share. It is removable, which suits hosts who rent the property.
Will it fit? Start with one small wall. A bold print looks most intentional in a contained space.
Skip it if… you prefer quiet, neutral rooms.
See Dimensions & Price on Amazon →Guest-Proof Materials
An Airbnb gets more wear in a year than most homes get in several. Choose materials that look good after hundreds of check-ins.
Choose
- Washable slipcovers and performance fabrics
- White sheets that can be bleached
- Wipeable vinyl wallpaper and satin or semi-gloss paint
- Low-pile or washable rugs
- Solid wood or metal furniture
Avoid
- Delicate, dry-clean-only fabrics
- Glass coffee tables with sharp corners
- Flat paint in high-traffic areas
- High-pile shag rugs
- Fragile decor on low surfaces
How to Decorate an Airbnb on a Budget
You don’t need a big budget to decorate an Airbnb well. You need to know where guests notice quality and where they don’t.
| Item | Splurge or Save? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mattresses | Splurge | Sleep quality shows up directly in reviews. |
| Bedding & towels | Splurge | Guests touch them every day and notice cheap fabric. |
| Sofa | Middle | Choose durable or slipcovered over trendy. |
| Blackout curtains | Save | Affordable options block light just as well. |
| Lamps | Save | Function and charging ports matter more than brand. |
| Art & decor | Save | Easy to swap as your style or the seasons change. |
Airbnb Furnishing Checklist
Use this room-by-room checklist when you furnish an Airbnb, so nothing gets missed before your first guest arrives.
- ✦A seat for every guest
- ✦Side table + lamp per seat
- ✦TV and Wi-Fi info
- ✦Art and a focal wall
- ✦White sheets + spare set
- ✦Blackout curtains
- ✦Two lamps with ports
- ✦Luggage rack + hangers
- ✦Towel set per guest + spares
- ✦Towel hooks
- ✦Toiletry shelf or basket
- ✦Hair dryer
- ✦Dishes for full capacity
- ✦Pots, pans, knives
- ✦Coffee maker + kettle
- ✦Labeled cabinets
- ✦Hooks for coats + bags
- ✦Mirror
- ✦Key dish
- ✦Luggage drop spot
- ✦Two or more chairs
- ✦Small table
- ✦String lights or lantern
- ✦Weather-safe cushions
5 Decorating Mistakes Hosts Make
- 1Decorating for yourself, not your guests
Very personal or niche decor can divide opinion. Keep the base neutral and add personality through one photo moment and local touches.
- 2Too many beds, not enough seats
If the listing sleeps six, it needs six seats in the living area and at the table.
- 3No outlets near the bed
Lamps with built-in charging ports solve this in minutes.
- 4Dark rooms in listing photos
Open the curtains, turn on every lamp, and shoot during the day. Light, bright photos get more clicks.
- 5Chasing trends
Trendy pieces date your photos fast. Invest in classic shapes and update with pillows and art instead.
How to Decorate an Airbnb: FAQs
It depends on the property size, location, and what you already own. To stretch your budget, spend the most on mattresses, bedding, and seating, which guests use every night, and save on decor, art, and accessories, which are easy to update later.
Clean, warm, and photogenic styles tend to work best because they appeal to the widest range of guests. Add a few local touches, like art or textiles that reflect the area, so the listing feels memorable rather than generic.
White sheets are the safest choice because they look clean in photos and can be bleached between stays. Add color and texture with a quilt, coverlet, or throw that is easy to wash.
Prioritize the bed, blackout curtains, and good lighting first. Then use peel-and-stick wallpaper, affordable art, and matching towels to make the space look polished without major spending.
Check your listing photos and reviews each season. Replace anything worn, stained, or mentioned in reviews right away, and refresh accent pieces like pillows and art every year or two to keep photos current.
Your Airbnb, Booked and Reviewed
Learning how to decorate an Airbnb comes down to three things: design for the photo, furnish for the stay, and add details guests will write about. Plan your capacity first, invest in beds and bedding, choose guest-proof materials, and give your listing one memorable photo moment. Do that, and your space will stand out in a crowded search.
If you want the full formulas, spacing rules, and layout math from this guide (and every other room in your home) in one place, grab The Designer’s SECRET Cheat Sheet — it’s the shortcut version of everything a designer checks before calling a room finished.
Get the Cheat Sheet →And if you want more of this in your feed, come find us @thedecorholic on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest for more room-by-room styling breakdowns like this one.
Stephanie is a designer and writer at The Decorholic, helping renters, hosts, and small-space dwellers create rooms that look designer-finished without the designer budget.
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