Outfitting a new Airbnb, does quality matter?

According to a consumer survey commissioned by Airbnb, most travelers best rank Airbnb units with the essential amenities. However, the big question is whether the quality matters when selecting your unit’s furnishings. Yes, it does. This will impress potential guests, but it will also make your home feel more like a welcoming sanctuary.

The success of your Airbnb hosting service business relies on you being a good host. Being successful and garnering positive reviews with every hosting go beyond formulating a sharp Airbnb listing or buying a new bedspread. The furniture you use has a major impact on the success of this hosting service business. If you want to turn your rental into a moneymaker, you can’t go in having high expectations and break the bank with remodeling only to rent it out at a low nightly rate.

The importance of first impressions

You aim to attract many Airbnb guests and make a great first impression in the long run. One way to do this is by outfitting. However, furnishing a home for short-term rentals is a challenging endeavor.

While with a long-term rental, style takes precedence, with a short-term rental, the factors to consider a numerous. The main reason is that the needs of a weekend visitor differ from long-term renters. Also, you will host many people with different tastes and preferences. Your choice should be unique such that it attracts as many guests as possible.

The living room is the most important area to furnish when outfitting your Airbnb. Here is where your guests will spend most of their time during the day, so make sure the décor and functioning are perfect. Whether your room is modern or classic, boho or rustic, the furniture and decor should feel new and in good shape to make your visitors feel at ease. Successful Airbnb Plus hosts go for high-quality, long-lasting alternatives that look fantastic.

A few things to consider:

• If you have a big space that can accommodate a few pieces of furniture, go for it. But if you have a smaller room, try to limit yourself to one or two pieces. This will give the impression that your space is more curated and well-organized.
• Choose pieces that are classic and timeless. This means things like an old armchair or a couch with comfortable cushions. You don’t need to go overboard with expensive items, but make sure that everything in your home looks high quality and well-maintained.
• Keep clutter to a minimum. If there are any large pieces of furniture in your room, try to arrange them so that they’re visible but not overwhelming. And be sure to keep any bulky items like ottomans or armchairs far away from the walls, so they don’t take up too much space.

Consider quality for high-use elements

The best way to stand out among the many Airbnb hosts in your area is by using quality materials to make a difference. Hosts should invest in good couches, comfortable mattresses, and sheets.

Solid wood has a lot of styles that improve as it ages, while ceramic tile and concrete give bathrooms and kitchens an eerie atmosphere. When creating a usable space for cooking, ensure you fill your kitchen with high-quality tools, pans, and gadgets. 

The best way to stand out among the many Airbnb hosts in your area is by using quality materials to make a difference. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing pieces for high-use areas like living rooms and bedrooms:

1. Look for furniture that is easy to clean. Ensure all surfaces are easily accessible for cleaning, especially if you plan to host guests frequently.
2. Consider the age and condition of the piece you’re considering. Older furniture may need some TLC (like a good polish) to look its best, but it will last longer and be more comfortable.
3. Compare prices and quality before making a purchase. While there are some nice pieces available at affordable prices.

Invest in quality

When selecting furniture for your Airbnb rental, choose that which looks comfy and inviting while still serving a functional purpose for your guests.

Stainless steel, hardwood, stone, ceramic, and glasses are excellent furniture and decor materials because they can survive wear and tear with adequate care. If at all possible, select things that are well-made. Look for solid wood and other high-quality materials and fabrics in your furniture. Hardwood furniture, such as walnut and oak, is denser and more ding-resistant, whereas softwood furniture, such as pine, is less expensive. Make sure the furniture is well-crafted. Look for pieces that have been carefully crafted with attention to detail. This includes well-fitted joints, durable finishes, and fine details like carving or painting.

Upholstery that is built to last, especially for stools, couches, and chairs, decreases the need to replace and repair them. Well-made objects can also improve the appearance of a room.

As you prepare your space for hosting, think about quality and durability as you select pieces for each room. Better furniture can improve guests’ experiences and make a lasting impression.

Factors to Consider when Outfitting an Airbnb

Although quality takes precedence among the considerations for maximizing your space and providing an effective, homey, and stylish Airbnb, it is not the sole factor to consider. There are other factors that translate to your living space attracting more bookings, generating higher income, and incurring fewer costs down the road.

Giving these suggestions just a little attention will improve the allure and profitability of your Airbnb in ways you never imagined.

Washability

Although washability is more for your benefit than your guests’, it is something to think about. Choose furniture that has a good washability rating. Purchasing high-end fabrics that are tough to maintain safely may result in a lot of expensive, unsightly furniture after only a few visitors. Remember that guests are likely to put more wear and tear on your furnishings than if you lived in the unit yourself.

To make your life easier and avoid dealing with unattractive furniture, choose textiles that are machine washable or easy to hand wash.

Durability

Many veteran Airbnb hosts will advise on quality furnishings, emphasizing the importance of purchasing furniture built to last. While buying furniture for Airbnb with a low-end price tag may make you feel frugal, you’ll certainly pay more in the long run when the furniture breaks down quicker. As an Airbnb host, you should avoid replacing furniture frequently. If you choose quality, you’ll have a low-maintenance living place.

Neutral vs. Unique

In an Airbnb, style is crucial. The delicate skill of harmonizing the degree of personal touch in an Airbnb is something many hosts struggle with. Your swan-shaped armchair may be appealing to you, but it may not be appealing to some of your guests. Also, avoid eliminating any sense of individuality or personality from your rental unit.

Hence many advocate finding a happy medium. Adhere to universally attractive, contemporary, and modern styles for large furniture items like sofas, coffee tables, and major wall art. However, you can accent the house with modest, unique details that reference the host’s personality without being overwhelming. A solid rule of thumb is that if you’re unsure if a piece of furniture is appropriate for your rental, choose something else.

Importance of an Impressive Photo Factor

What’s the first thing you do when you go to an Airbnb property listing? It is common for most people to click through images of the accommodation. As a potential guest and like most others, you are seeking a worthwhile first impression. Since the living room is where many people spend most of their time in the apartment, it should occupy most people’s minds.

As a result, it’s critical to select furniture that looks great in person and photographs well in your room. A photogenic listing is essential for attracting visitors. We encourage experimenting with different furniture layouts while taking shots. You may discover that something that feels good in person doesn’t convert well to a photograph. A fresh arrangement or the removal/swapping of a certain object in the living area might be a good idea.

Utility

Airbnb incorporates versatility. Today, your house will attract travelers, but the next guest might be business travelers. Hence, your space should serve everyone. As you choose the outfitting, consider their interests. While business traveler guests are looking for plenty of space, travel nurses may prefer a fully equipped kitchen or blackout drapes.

Safety and Dependability

You must look after your guest. So, as you shop for furnishings for your Airbnb space, invest in dependable furniture and ensure you partake in the proper installation process. You want to avoid a chair collapsing under a visitor.

Value

Does expensive furniture for an airbnb make a difference? It does, but it is not the only consideration. It is advisable that when shopping for furnishing for your home, avoid going overboard. Although you want high-quality furniture, you shouldn’t spend immensely on a designer couch.  

Lightweight

Choose furniture that is light and easy to transport. You might wish to alter the space from time to time to display photographs, or your visitor might need to relocate the coffee table to accommodate the pull-out sofa bed. For Airbnb furnishings, lightweight furniture can be a safe and practical solution.

Key Take-Away Points

Overall, the value of your living room or residence in enticing guests and impressing them once they arrive cannot be overstated. Keep the area clutter-free, use multi-purpose or movable furniture, and adhere to largely neutral and contemporary furniture choices while avoiding eccentric or personal elements.

Feeling intimidated by the prospect of furnishing your rental on your own? You may always engage a professional furnishing firm to take care of everything for you. An expert furnishing company will assess your specific space, intended visitors, and budget before beautifully decorating a vacation rental property to increase bookings and increase your list price.