The Best Décor for Airbnb: Awesome Design Ideas for Hosts (2024) (2024)

With the rise in popularity of Airbnb, hosts are finding that it’s become even more important to provide the best décor for Airbnb in order to attract guests. Below, we’ve got some do’s and don’ts to make your short-term rental irresistible!

So, What is the Best Décor for Airbnb & Vacation Rentals that will Attract Even More Guests?

First, you’ll need to find your target audience so that you can tailor your décor to their desires and needs. Then, choose a theme that complements your Airbnb’s surroundings. Be consistent from room to room, and choose decorative and practical items of the same accent color. Lastly, consider how to include much-needed items for your target guest without diverting from your theme.

Why Does Airbnb Room Design Matter?

A few years ago, you might have been able to get away with your standard décor, but now, the best Airbnb interior design is one of the few things that will make your place stand out among all the competition (especially when your potential guests are scrolling through pictures while deciding where to stay).

By thoughtfully designing your Airbnb, you can cater specifically to guests, put your best foot forward in beautiful listing pictures, and make your property memorable in an endless sea of options. The more visually appealing your place looks, the more your guests will rave about it in their reviews. And the more guests talk about your place, the more new guests you’ll attain.

Decorating your home can be a daunting process. However, by working through these practical and simple tips you can become a design-forward Superhost in no time!

Add a Design Statement to Each Room

Especially as you are starting out, revamping an entire house can be overwhelming. A great way to begin your design process is to add one bold design statement to each room.

Whether you go with a brightly colored accent wall, a plush area rug, or a statement art piece, providing a unique fixture in each room can give your rental a pulled-together feel. Moreover, statement pieces look great in pictures and can help attract guests to your property.

Use Mirrors to Maximize Natural Light

Mirrors are great pieces of décor because they are both functional and fashionable. Guests will need at least one great mirror in the bathroom, but by including reflective décor throughout the rental, you can maximize natural light.

Moreover, mirrors are well known for creating the illusion of open space because of their reflective nature. This means that even the coziest rental can make rooms feel larger and less cluttered by including mirrors or mirror elements in their design strategy.

Use Local Favorites & Surrounding Scenery to Inspire Your Design Elements

Guests are traveling to your Airbnb because they want to visit the area. Help them truly immerse themselves in the experience by incorporating local inspiration and elements throughout your short-term rental.

Match your indoor theme to the natural world around you for a cohesive and timeless design. Incorporate centerpieces from local artisans to celebrate your hometown. Pay homage to local sports teams or landmarks with memorabilia or knickknacks.

Rental Recon Tip: Take your local inspiration a step further by including extras like locally-made soaps in the bathroom, locally-sourced coffee in the kitchen, or even a bottle of wine from a nearby vineyard.

Popular Beach-Themed Airbnb Décor Ideas

Neutral pale blues and tans would provide that peaceful, spa feel that is reminiscent of the beach. Paint the walls a soothing color, and consider complementing that wall color with simple, plain furniture options.

Pops of color (like red or orange) can bring vibrancy to the home without taking over. Use smaller, strategically-placed items to bring in these bright hues, like vases, photo frames, or even a chair or side table.

Long, flowing curtains. When I think of a beach house, I think of lots of natural light and a light ocean breeze. That’s why lace white, cream, or beige curtains would be a good call for your beach Airbnb. They’ll let in that natural light, making your place feel airy and… beachy!

Popular Airbnb Décor for Wooded Destinations

Inspire and comfort your guests with a rustic theme. Mimic the outdoors with wall colors that bring freshness and light to your Airbnb, like pale greens, yellows, or even white/cream.

Diversify textures! You could purchase some inexpensive shiplap for an accent wall. Decorative pieces that contain natural materials, like woven fabric or wood can bring an authentic feel to your Airbnb.

Consider hanging wall art that complements the surrounding nature, whether it be by topic (nature pictures of animals or scenery) or by color (greens, yellows, whites).

Popular Airbnb Décor for a Big City Feel

Help your guests relax and live large by going with a modern theme. Cities are bold, challenging, and bright, so your Airbnb should be too!

Draw the eye to an accent wall of bright red, orange, deep green, or indigo. Keep the rest of your walls white in order to contrast with the pops of color that you’ll include with decorative items. Again, vases, photo frames, wall art- these are all small ways to include color without assaulting the senses.

If you’ve got hardwood floors, choose accent rugs that bring together your accent wall, and the decorative color theme you’re going for. Modern means clean lines and minimal decorations.

Less is more. If you’re going for a modern, city feel, be sure to keep the clutter to a minimum.

Don’t Be Afraid of Color

While you should use plenty of neutrals that will stand the test of time, a complete lack of color can make your rental look boring and impersonal.

A bold color on an accent wall is perfect for hosts who want to elevate an area or give their guests a cool backdrop for pictures and social media posts. Remember, you can always replace or paint over elements that you end up not liking.

However, if you’d rather not have to invest time and money into periodically repainting, simply add pops of color with accent pieces. Incorporating a bright comforter, seasonal covers for throw pillows, or an intricate wall tapestry are great ways to make your rental stand out without the commitment.

Provide Thoughtful Touches and Creature Comforts

Make your guests feel extra welcome by incorporating thoughtful design pieces. There are so many small ways to do this.

For example, you can get a cute chalkboard and welcome them to your home with a handwritten note in your entryway, or provide plenty of extra plush blankets and brightly colored throw pillows for an attractive and comfortable living area.

Rental Recon Tip: Is this a seasonal booking? If so, consider decorating! A small Christmas tree, jack o’ lanterns, or even stars and stripes can help guests feel more at home for the holidays.

Determine Your Target Audience

In other words, what kind of guest do you think is most likely to rent your place? Business travelers? Families with small children? Couples on a romantic getaway? Singles? All of the above?

you are looking to attract traveling business professionals, you probably won’t want to design your home around a Disney theme. By the same token, if you are looking to attract families or theme-park enthusiasts, a minimalist design is not likely to be popular.

By determining the type of guests you are interested in booking and the type of guests that typically visit your area, you can more easily decide on the best décor for your Airbnb.

Rental Recon Tip: Don’t know how to figure out your target audience? Take a look at your previous reviews! Use those reviews to determine which type of guest seems to be the overwhelming majority on your page. Now, tailor you’re the appeal and functionality of your décor toward that targeted guest!

Develop and Maximize Outdoor Areas to Their Fullest

Many Airbnb guests choose rentals that provide experiences that they aren’t able to have at home. For many, this includes scenery, an enjoyable outdoor area, or even a firepit or grilling opportunity.

If your Airbnb has an outdoor space, make sure it is clean and usable for guests. Design it with comfortable seating areas, outdoor-safe blankets, and whimsical string lighting. For colder climates, a firepit, grill, or space heater can make guests more comfortable, whereas warmer climates might want to include an umbrella or awning to protect guests from the sun.

For additional ideas on how to decorate your outdoor space, check out our article on the Best Outdoor Furniture for Airbnb.

Small Airbnb Decoration Ideas for Hosts

The best tip for all Airbnbs (but especially smaller properties) is to reduce clutter. You can have a beautiful and intentional design strategy without filling every spare space in the home with décor.

By simplifying and using minimal but striking focus pieces, you can create a beautiful look without making the property claustrophobic. Smaller rooms should use lighter neutrals and lighter pops of color rather than dark bold colors to keep the space feeling as open as possible

How to Decorate an Airbnb on a Budget

You don’t need to break the bank while decorating your Airbnb.

First, take a good look around for furniture or decor pieces that can be given new life. You might be able to repurpose existing pieces with just a little extra effort. Furniture can be repainted, reupholstered, or rearranged to create a new and interesting look.

Second, look for budget-friendly alternatives to shopping at big-name stores or outlets. Your local thrift shop or consignment stores are a great way to score big-price stage items at a much smaller cost. You are also more likely to find unique, antique, or vintage items with character and authenticity at secondhand stores.

Go online and peruse Facebook Marketplace or Offer Up for local gently used items. You can search for specific items or simply look through your local and long-distance options for great finds at even better prices.

If you prefer to purchase new furniture, go with large-scale providers like Ikea and Amazon, which have wares to suit any budget.

Finding Airbnb Décor Inspiration

Now that you’ve got a target audience in mind, you might be wondering how to find inspiration. You may have two left feet when it comes to decorating your Airbnb, but you can get inspired by looking through magazines, home décor websites, or even Pinterest. Anything and everything is on Pinterest! Even our Rental Recon blog!

Plants & Flowers in Airbnb

If you are a live-in style host who rents one or two spaces in your house, you could easily provide real plants, as you will be there to periodically water the plants. If you are hosting a stand-alone rental, faux plants are the way to go. There is no daily upkeep required, and they will always look perfect. Make sure to have them dusted during the cleaning process.

Similarly, if you are a hands-on or live-in style host, providing fresh flowers is an awesome way to fill your house with wonderful aromas and add an extra spark to your space. On the other hand, if you are looking to automate your Airbnb with minimal work, faux or fake flowers will be a host’s best friend.

More Helpful Airbnb Décor Tips

Now that you’ve chosen your theme, here are some helpful décor tips that will take your place to the next level.

Think Like Your Guest, Not Like Yourself:

It might be tempting to choose items that you would like, but remember to keep your tastes out of your decision-making process. Once you’ve chosen your theme, stay consistent.

Keep Your Theme Consistent but not Identical:

• Living room- Vases and photo frames should have the same accent color as other rooms.
• Kitchen/dining- Include accent color in dinnerware and matching accessories.
• Bedrooms- Choose bedding or accent blankets that match your theme.
• Bathrooms- Choose towels and bathroom accessories that align with your theme.

Remember Your Target Audience

If you’re trying to appeal to travelers on business, provide a relaxing area where they can work. If you’re appealing to families, choose décor that is inexpensive so that you don’t have to worry about children breaking things. Also, provide games/activities that are “out of sight, out of mind” like inside a chest or a drawer/closet in the living room.

What to Avoid:

• Clutter – Simple is best. Plus, it’s fewer items to clean and fewer items to break.
• Personal items – Put away the family photos and odds and ends that the guest either won’t understand or shouldn’t use.
• Religious/Political Items – You will likely have guests of varied beliefs and values. Remove items that could make them feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.
• Sentimental/Expensive Items – There’s always a possibility that your things could get broken. To avoid heartache, remove all sentimental or pricey items.

Need an Airbnb Theme idea? Check out our Airbnb Theme Ideas article…>>

Final Thoughts

While decorating your Airbnb can feel like an insurmountable task, it can also be an incredibly fun process. Let your creativity and personality shine through and apply some of these simple and easy-to-use tips to help guide you in selecting the absolute best décor for Airbnb.

Your guests will notice the time and effort you’ve put into making the space a comfortable and beautiful place to stay, increasing your bookings, reviews, and repeat guests.