Furnishing an Airbnb Rental to Attract Guests and Increase Profit

If you’re just starting out on Airbnb or looking to refresh your property to improve booking rates and profitability, focusing on your interior design and furnishings can make a huge difference to the quantity and quality of enquiries you receive. With many Airbnb users seeking out unique and aesthetically pleasing places to stay in when they visit Auckland, to make your property stand-out, it’s important to put your listing’s look at the top of your to-do list. Putting in the effort to fit-out each room with functional and appealing furnishings will attract a diverse range of people, working to improve your Airbnb efforts overall.

How you choose to furnish your house or apartment will depend on the type of guest you are seeking to attract. While a homely look may secure certain guests, niche appeal also has its audience. Before you begin looking into your interior design, you should have a good idea about who your ideal traveller is and how to best capture their interest on Airbnb.

Furniture plays a crucial role in the overall experience of your property and will directly impact the reviews you receive as a host. From the very basics through to the finishing touches, it’s important to stay thematic, to focus on detail and to accentuate the points that make your listing stand out.

Getting the Essentials Right

For each room in the home, there are certain items that are required at all times. These features are non-negotiable and will work to ensure the best possible reviews from guests. Your home’s essentials should be the primary focus when starting out on Airbnb and throughout your hosting journey.

Living Rooms

Rental properties that feel like a home are always more likely to get booked than those that are just fitted with the very basics. For this reason, your living room is an important point of focus. As it is likely the first thing your guest will see when they walk into the property, it is an area that needs special attention. Living rooms or lounges should be furnished with:

• Comfortable couches - choose netural tones that go well with any theme and one that doesn’t entirely swallow the room. In some cases, you may want to consider a pull-out couch as these can increase the number of people that you are able to accommodate for (which can be a drawcard for families).
• Coffee tables - tasteful side or coffee tables are an essential touch for guests. Fit this feature with interesting books or information about your area for that extra thoughtful hosting element.
• Television - many guests, especially those with children, will appreciate a home entertainment system.
• Rugs - rugs can really complete the look of any space as well as protect the lifespan of carpet.

Living rooms are a really important space in any home, so it’s crucial to get this area furnished right. There is also a huge amount of inspiration available online if you’re unsure of what to go with. Try browsing Pinterest for Airbnb lounge ideas.

Bedrooms

The bedroom is often the selling-point for many Airbnb rentals as in many cases, it’s where a guest will spend the majority of their time. Bedrooms should be equipped with all the comforts guest will expect from a short-term rental. A comfortable bed, a nightstand, a closet, side-tables and other decor should always be present.

Listings will often be judged on the quality of their bed as sleeping is a priority for almost everybody, so if you’re after that Superhost rating, you should pay special attention to this piece of furniture.

Kitchens

One of Airbnb’s biggest drawcards is that guests are able to experience the feeling of being at home even when they’re not. Kitchens play a huge role in this as they are one of the biggest points of difference between short-term rental properties and traditional hotels. Attractive kitchens have dining areas, full-sized fridges and ovens, great lighting, all the necessary utensils, and cooking equipment. In between guests this is a space that needs meticulous cleaning in addition to stylish design.

Adding that Extra ‘Wow’ Factor

Once you have the basics taken care of, it’s time to consider how you can really impress your guests with your Airbnb furnishings. This part of hosting is limited only by your imagination and can allow you to inject some personality into your property. While you always want to think about the guest experience, they will often be drawn to locations that have a special and tasteful style which gives hosts the freedom to explore interior design in their space.

Aspects such as indoor plants, statement artwork, mood lighting and contemporary design pieces make a powerful impact on your guests’ stay. Once again, taking the time to explore sites like Pinterest and even Airbnb itself can inspire you to craft a stylish and comfortable space for your guests to enjoy.

Check out this blog post from Airbnb Design for tips on adding personality to your house or apartment.

Showing Off Your Assets

Once your hard-work of curating attractive furniture and decor is complete, you want to ensure you’re showcasing it on your profile. It’s here that people will be drawn in to book your place for a stay, so it’s a good idea to think about how you’ll display the overall look and feel of your property.
Taking effective photos for your profile and conveying the listing’s vibe with clickable titles and interesting content will engage potential guests and convince them to stay with you. Take your time to think about the kind of guests you’re looking to appeal to, snap some great shots and optimise your listing with your new style.