We all dream of standing out from the growing competition of vacation rentals, attracting more bookings, and earning glowing reviews. While some things—like your rental’s location or room size—are out of your control, there’s one area where you have plenty of power: Airbnb design and decor ideas. Believe it or not, your unique Airnbnb style could be the very thing that catches a guest’s eye and becomes the reason they choose your place over another.
But what if you don’t have the time or budget for a complete makeover? No worries. Even small updates can have a huge impact on the look and feel of your space! In this post, I’ll share four budget-friendly Airbnb upgrades and easy Airbnb decor tips you can implement today to create a more welcoming and stylish guest experience. Whether you’re preparing for a last-minute booking or just want to give your space a little refresh, these tips will help you wow your guests and make your vacation rental unforgettable.
1. Upgrade Your Lighting
I can’t emphasize enough how important lighting is in setting the tone for your space. It plays a crucial role in how to create a cozy Airbnb and set a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Make the Most of Natural Light
First, maximaze natural light in your Airbnb wherever possible. Remove heavy, bulky curtains and opt for sheer ones that beautifully diffuse sunlight. Use light-colored walls and strategically placed mirrors to reflect and enhance natural light. Don’t forget to keep the windows sparkling clean to let the sunshine pour in!
Create a Cozy Atmosphere with Artificial Lighting
When it comes to Airbnb lighting ideas, adding a few extra light sources can make a huge difference. Consider a stunning floor lamp, a statement table lamp, or even an additional wall sconce to layer your lighting. Another important factor is light temperature. Harsh, bright, cold lights can feel stark and uninviting—you definitely don’t want your guests to feel like they’ve stepped into a hospital waiting room! Instead, opt for warm white bulbs (around 2700K) to create a cozy, welcoming Airbnb vibe.
Add Versatility with Dimmable Lamps
Dimmable lamps are also a great addition to your lighting collection. For instance, I absolutely love IKEA’s TÄRNABY table lamps in our Airbnb bedroom design. Not only do they blend beautifully with the room’s design, but they also offer soft, mood-enhancing lighting—and the built-in dimmer lets guests adjust the brightness to their liking.
Pro tip: Don’t forget about outdoor lighting! A few solar-powered garden lights or string lights on a balcony or patio can add instant charm and make your rental feel magical at night.
2. Refresh Soft Furnishings
When it comes to easy and affordable Airbnb decor ideas, textiles are your best friends. Throw pillows, blankets, and rugs are simple and stylish way to add texture, comfort, and personality to your space—all without breaking the bank. Plus, swapping them out seasonally is a great way to keep your Airbnb design modern and inviting.
Upgrade Your Cushions
Start with the cushions: swap old covers for ones in trendy decor styles with interesting textures like velvet, linen, or knits. You can even use seasonal patterns for a fun, time-of-year update. Layer multiple cushions in various textures for added depth and style.
Add Cozy Throw Blankets
Next, add cozy throw blankets. Place one or two at the foot of the bed or draped over the sofa. Choose the material and weight based on the season—light cotton or linen for summer, and chunky knits or faux fur for winter.
Define Your Space with Rugs
Finally, consider adding affordable and easy-to-clean rugs to each area of your Airbnb vacation rental. Rugs are a great way to complete the homey, inviting ambiance you’re going for. While tiles might be practical in the summer, a jute rug, for example, can soften the look and make the space feel more comfortable—all at an affordable price.
Pro tip: Stick to neutral tones or your Airbnb’s color palette to keep the look cohesive. Want to learn more about how to use neutral colors in your design? Click for my blog post about The Power of Neutral.
3. Decorate with Greenery
Adding greenery—whether real or high-quality artificial plants—is a fantastic way to breathe life into your short-term rental decor. Bringing a touch of nature indoors is a simple yet effective way to create a calming, soothing atmosphere for your guests.
In our vacation rental, I personally opted for artificial plants. When you invest in good-quality options, they look almost as authentic as the real thing and come with the benefit of zero maintenance. Plus, you don’t have to worry about guests with plant allergies, making them a safe choice.
To enhance your space, consider placing a beautiful vase arrangement on the dining table, a few faux herb pots on the kitchen shelves, or a striking statement plant next to the sofa to create a cozy focal point. Greenery, whether real or artificial, can instantly elevate your Airbnb interior design and charm.
4. Declutter and Organize
When on holiday, we all long for a calm and inviting space that makes it easier to relax and unwind from daily stress. An organized vacation rental with a neutral, minimalist design—enhanced with cozy, homey touches—meets the needs of most guests.
- Start by removing unnecessary decor items that make your Airbnb feel crowded. Focus on keeping only the pieces that truly contribute to your unique Airbnb design style.
- Group similar objects, such as books or decor items, on coffee tables or chests of drawers for a more intentional, polished look. If you’re unsure where to start, Pinterest is an endless source of inspiration.
- Next, think about your guests’ practical needs by providing thoughtful storage solutions to help them keep the space tidy during their stay. If your rental lacks wardrobes, consider adding practical clothing racks. Include a luggage rack in the bedroom, a shoe rack, and a stylish coat stand near the entrance.
These small, intentional touches will make it easy for guests to unpack, stay organized, and feel completely at home.
See? With these simple Airbnb decor tips, you can elevate your space with budget-friendly rental upgrades that guests will love. Small touches like better lighting, refreshed textiles, a few plants and thoughtful organization can transform your rental into a cozy retreat and highlight how to create a welcoming Airbnb guests will rave about.
I’d love to hear from you! Share your ideas, feedback, or any questions in the comments below.
If you’re interested in exploring more Airbnb decor ideas, check out my post, 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Decorating Your Airbnb! I’d love to see you there!
