Furnishing a Home for Short-Term Rentals: Practical Solutions and Mistakes to Avoid

Furnishing a home for short-term rentals requires organization, creativity and attention to detail.
With these requirements (and with the suggestions we will give you in this article) you will certainly be able to create an inviting and functional atmosphere. Discover with us the smartest solutions and the mistakes to avoid to make your space irresistible.

The importance of a welcoming environment in a holiday home

Creating a welcoming environment is essential to making your guests feel better than at home.

A well-kept interior design allows you to receive rave reviews and sincere compliments , building an impeccable reputation.

This not only justifies a higher price , but also guarantees loyal guests who are happy to return .

Common Mistakes When Furnishing Short-Term Rental Homes

Among the most common mistakes we find the lack of attention to details .

Many owners consider the house to rent for short periods only as a source of income, neglecting the functional and emotional part of the interior.

We are not the ones saying it, but the negative reviews that guests leave most frequently on the most popular platforms where there are advertisements for houses for short-term rentals.

Among the 10 most common reasons for a bad review are these two important aspects related to the quality of the furniture.

1. Uncomfortable or low-quality furniture
   Uncomfortable beds, under-padded sofas and low-quality furnishings compromise the comfort of guests. The quality of the furniture is essential for a pleasant stay.
   
   
2. General conditions of the property
   Poorly maintained properties, with signs of neglect and damaged furnishings, leave a negative impression.
   
   
3. Cost not proportionate
   Guests often complain that the cost is not proportionate to the quality of the accommodation and services offered.

Not only that.

Many homeowners focus only on the main furnishings, forgetting the importance of the furnishing accessories .

These elements are essential for a 100% satisfying experience.

Provide essential amenities such as reading lamps, coat racks, shelves, and mirrors. Taking care of these details will greatly enhance your guests' experience .

How to furnish and accessorize the kitchen of a short-term rental apartment

The kitchen is the heart of every home and must be equipped with modern and functional appliances, good quality cookware and a complete range of utensils.

Provide enough tableware for the maximum number of guests and add a few small appliances such as a toaster, kettle and coffee maker.

Don't forget useful accessories such as roll holders , fruit bowls or basic products such as salt, oil and spices for an extra touch of hospitality.

Choose a kitchen that is easy to clean and made of resistant materials. Organize the spaces carefully, especially if your kitchen is small .
Add colorful, practical shelves to display jars and utensils.

How to furnish the living room of a short-term rental house

The living room of the holiday home can only be a refuge of comfort and style.

What can't be missing?

• A cozy and comfortable sofa , preferably convertible into a bed, is essential.
• A colorful table , to be used as a practical support for remote controls and aperitifs to be consumed on the sofa.
• A solid TV stand , with storage space both to hide cables, decoders and routers, and to place useful objects.
• A TV with access to streaming platforms and a fast Wi-Fi connection.

Decorative cushions and throws add a touch of warmth, while good lighting, with reading lamps and strategic light points, will create the perfect atmosphere.

Want to learn more? Read also How to furnish a modern living room .

How to make a holiday home bedroom welcoming?

To transform the bedroom into a real relaxation and wellness area , you need:

• a bed with a quality mattress, soft pillows and fresh sheets;
• sturdy (and damage-proof) bedside tables complete with reading lamps ;
• the wardrobe, with a capacity proportionate to the average length of stay you propose;
• the inevitable coat stand , better if complete with shelf;
• a full-length mirror;
• paintings and wall decorations that can really add personality and value to the room (that is, if you have to put one up randomly just to fill an empty wall, it's better not to put anything up);
• include, here or in the living room, a small home office area where you can use a laptop or tablet;
• think, if there is space, also of a small reading corner with an armchair .

Bathroom in a Short-Term Rental Home: Take Care of the Accessories and You're a Winner

The bathroom must be perfect. Guests pay a lot of attention to this room of the house.
Bathroom accessories are those details that make the difference.

• Provide soft, scented towels .
• Make sure there are practical and aesthetically pleasing towel holders wherever they are needed.
  These accessories , if chosen in a fresh and unexpected color and with a modern design, can bring contemporaneity even to a bathroom with coverings that are not particularly beautiful or modern .
• Create space to store your guest's belongings. If you have limited space, you can take advantage of the vertical space by opting for a practical tall and narrow shelf .
• A large mirror and good lighting are essential.
• Outfit your shower with a shower caddy to keep lotions, shampoo, and body wash handy.
• Practical robe hooks and shelves are a must. A soft rug and a green plant will add a touch of freshness.

Terrace of a house for short-term rentals: flower boxes and mini lunch sets are a must

If your short-term rental home has a terrace or balcony , make the most of this space and make it scenic and welcoming.
Insert colorful planters with green plants to create a lively and welcoming environment.

Find out how to furnish a terrace: three golden rules for the perfect project .

Complete the decor with a mini dining set consisting of a coffee table and stools, perfect for outdoor breakfasts or evening aperitifs.

In general, before handing over your furnished or renovated home to your first guest, put yourself in their shoes.

The 5 questions to ask yourself (as a host) to evaluate the hospitality of a holiday home

1. What would be my reaction if I entered this house for the first time, knowing that I would have to spend some vacation days there?
   Imagine you are a guest arriving after a long journey. Is the initial impression welcoming and inviting? Does the home convey comfort and well-being?
   
   
2. How many functions does this room have? Are all the comforts present for each one?
   Analyze each room to see if it fulfills all its functions. If the bedroom also serves as a study, is there an adequate table lamp to illuminate the desk? Is the workstation ergonomic? In the living room, is the reading corner comfortable and well-equipped?
   Move around the room, sit down and do the actions you would do.
   the guest.
   
   
3. What decorative elements are too many? What can I add to make it more coherent?
   Examine the decorative elements present. Some objects may be superfluous or cluttered. What decorations could be added or removed to create a more harmonious and coherent environment?
   
   
4. Are rugs, curtains and decorative pillows the right size and positioned correctly? Are they functional? Do they add aesthetic value or detract?
   Make sure that rugs, curtains and cushions are appropriate for the size of the rooms and are positioned correctly. Are they also functional and contribute to the overall aesthetic or do they create a sense of clutter?
   
   
5. Is the furniture functional and inviting? Is the color palette coherent and harmonious? Are the materials carefully chosen or do they clash? Do you feel quality and care?
   The furniture should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Is the color scheme harmonious? Are the materials chosen of quality and well-coordinated? Does the whole convey a sense of care and attention to detail?

The must-haves: how to furnish a house for short-term rentals?

Here is a quick recap of the tips we’ve collected in this article.

Importance of a welcoming environment: improves reviews and justifies higher prices.

Common mistakes : uncomfortable furniture, poorly maintained properties, disproportionate cost, lack of furnishing accessories.

Kitchen : modern appliances, sufficient dishes, useful accessories, resistant materials.

Living room : convertible sofa, coffee table, TV cabinet with storage, TV with streaming, Wi-Fi, decorative cushions, good lighting.

Bedroom : quality bed, bedside tables with lamps, spacious wardrobe, coat rack, mirror, reading corner, home office area.

Bathroom : soft towels, practical towel racks, space for personal effects, large mirror, good lighting, shower caddy, shelves, mat, green plant.

Terrace : colorful flowerpots, mini lunch set.

Evaluation : put yourself in the guest's shoes, evaluate functionality and decorations, ensure quality furnishings.