Have you just started decorating your first Airbnb, or do you already have a furnished vacation rental that still feels like it’s missing something? Let’s explore the most common decorating mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure your guests feel at home, even when they’re far from their own. Avoiding these mistakes can help you create a cozy, welcoming space that your guests will love and reward with 5-star reviews.
Too Much Furniture or Clutter
It’s scientifically proven that clutter and crowded spaces overwhelm the brain. Clutter can increase cortisol levels, which are linked to stress and anxiety. This is definitely something you don’t want your guests to feel during their stay. Instead, aim for a functional and minimalist layout that benefits both your guests and you as the host.
Ensure that each area of your property has a clear purpose. A cozy reading nook, a practical dining area, or a serene relaxation spot can significantly enhance the guest experience. Minimalism not only promotes tranquility and relaxation but also makes cleaning and maintenance much easier for you.
Pro tip: Avoid overloading small decor items like trinkets, candles, or decorative objects. These can add clutter and make cleaning harder.
Focus on the most necessary items in each area. In the living room, for example, opt for a comfortable sofa, a coffee table, enough sitting options and a TV stand. To enhance that cozy factor, use throw blankets, cushions and plants instead of adding more furniture. On the other hand, make sure to provide enough storage space, such as closet, drawer, or clothes rail space. It will enable guests to unpack and feel completely at home, while also helping them stay organized and clutter-free during their stay.
Keeping Personal Items in the Rental
Family photos, religious symbols, personal collections, or overcrowded bookshelves in a vacation rental can feel intrusive and uncomfortable to guests. Your property should feel welcoming and neutral—a space that invites guests to relax, not an extension of your personal storage. When travelers are searching for a second home far from their own, they want to picture themselves living there. If the space is too cluttered with personal items, guests may feel like they’re intruding on someone else’s private life rather than enjoying a relaxing getaway.
Neutral, universally appealing decor is best for creating an inviting atmosphere. Consider replacing family photos with artwork or prints that complement your rental’s theme. Instead of displaying personal collections, choose simple decorative touches like vases or candles. Remember the principle of “less is more” here too. A small selection of thoughtfully chosen books or magazines—such as travel guides, novels, or coffee table books—can enhance that homey feeling without being overwhelming.
Not Enough Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood and functionality of your vacation rental. Poor lighting can make a space feel dark and unwelcoming, while thoughtful lighting allows guests to adjust the ambiance to their comfort.
For a balanced atmosphere, aim to combine cozy and functional lighting. Warm, soft lighting in bedrooms and living areas creates a relaxing environment. Brighter, focused lighting in kitchens and bathrooms ensures functionality and safety.
To create a bright, versatile space:
- Use adjustable task lighting in reading nooks or work areas for added practicality.
- Opt for pendant lights in kitchens and dining areas to provide focused light while also adding a decorative touch.
- Choose chandeliers for living rooms to create a statement piece.
- Install wall sconces in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms for soft, space-saving lightening and also for safety feature.
- Add table lamps in bedrooms or living areas for a touch of warmth and convenience.
- Consider under-cabinet lighting in kitchens to make cooking and prep work easier.
For extra warmth and style, floor lamps make a fantastic addition to your rental property. They give a warm, welcoming feel to the space without overcrowding it. This makes floor lamps one of my favorite choices for design projects.
Buying Furniture Sets
While matching furniture sets may seem like an easy solution, they can make your space feel staged and overly uniform. Instead, aim to create a unique, tasteful environment with character and its own story. This approach transforms your Airbnb into more than just a place to stay—it becomes an experience.
Add visual interest by mixing textures, tones, and silhouettes. Avoid purchasing everything from a single store. Instead, combine statement pieces or secondhand finds to create an intriguing, layered look. For example, when furnishing the living room in our apartment, I chose a light rattan armchair to complement the floral sofa, rather than buying the matching lounge chair in the same pattern.
Take this opportunity to draw inspiration from Pinterest or explore local thrift shops for one-of-a-kind finds. Blend these treasures with items from different brands to give your Airbnb a personal touch that guests will remember.
Pro Tip: When mixing furniture pieces, stick to a cohesive color palette or a unifying material (like wood or metal) to maintain a sense of harmony throughout the space.
Keeping Fragile/Expensive/High-Maintenance Items
Don’t make the mistake of leaving valuable or fragile items in your Airbnb. I once received a call from a desperate host after a guest accidentally broke a shell that held great sentimental value. Items like this have no place in a short-term rental. Accidents happen, so it’s best to avoid using anything easily damaged, such as precious antiques or expensive art.
Keep things simple, functional, and low-maintenance. Avoid:
- Slipcover furniture, which needs constant re-tucking.
- White or light-colored sofas, chairs, or rugs, which demand extra effort to keep clean.
- Shaggy rugs or intricate tassels, which are nearly impossible to vacuum properly.
- Luxurious materials like velvet and silk, which look stunning but are prone to stains and wear, making them impractical for a rental.
Opt for easy-to-maintain materials and darker colors or patterns for upholstery. Choose durable, machine-washable textiles and bedding. Fabric dining chairs, for example, are another item to avoid—they stain easily and are almost impossible to clean between guest stays.
Pro Tip: Decorating your vacation rental with plants is a great idea, but don’t expect your guests to take care of them. I learned this the hard way when our beautiful evergreen on the apartment balcony didn’t survive after just one week with our second set of guests. Instead, choose hardy, low-maintenance plants or high-quality artificial alternatives that require no special care.
For the best possible experience for your guests—and also for yourself—simplicity, functionality, and a touch of personality are key when designing and decorating your Airbnb. Thoughtful choices and avoiding common mistakes can truly transform your vacation rental from ordinary to exceptional. Your Airbnb doesn’t need to feel as sterile as a hotel room, but it also shouldn’t feel like your personal home. It’s something in between. Remember, your short-term rental isn’t just a property; it’s an experience you’re curating for your guests. Start small, be intentional, and watch as your rental transforms into a retreat, step by step.
What do you think about the tips I’ve shared? Do you have any suggestions or things you’ve learned that would add value to this list? Let me know in the comments!
Curious about the essential items every vacation rental must have? Keep reading to discover the top amenities your guests will absolutely love!
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