"Setting up an Airbnb isn't about buying furniture. It's about designing an experience that photographs well and survives durability tests."
01The Kitchen
Guests expect a fully functional kitchen. Unlike a hotel, your STR needs to facilitate actual cooking.
Dual Coffee Maker
Keurig + Drip combo. Crucial for both types of drinkers.
Chef's Knife
One high-quality 8-inch knife is better than a dull block.
Non-Stick Cookware
1 Fry pan, 1 Sauce pan, 1 Stock pot. Replace annually.
Essentials Kit
Can opener, corkscrew, scissors, measuring cups.
02The Bedroom
The number one complaint in reviews is uncomfortable beds. Spend your budget here.
- Mattress: Memory foam hybrids offer the best durability/comfort ratio. 12-inch minimum thickness.
- Pillows: Provide 2 soft and 2 firm pillows per Queen/King bed.
- Blackout Curtains: Essential. Guests act like vampires regarding morning light.
- Linens: White only. They look crisp and can be bleached.
03The Bathroom
Pro Tip
Install bulk aesthetic toiletry dispensers. They look premium, reduce plastic waste, and save you money over tiny bottles.
- Towels: 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels, 2 washcloths per guest capacity.
- Hair Dryer: A decent 1875W dryer is standard expectation.
- Makeup Cloths: Black towels specifically for makeup removal save your white towels.
04The Living Room
Furniture needs to stand up to suitcases and spills.
- Sofa: Performance fabric or leather. Avoid light-colored linen.
- TV: Smart TV (Roku/Fire TV) with Guest Mode enabled.
- WiFi: Display the password clearly in a frame.
Investment Tiers
Entry
$3k - $4k
IKEA basics, thrift finds, Amazon essentials. Good for student rentals.
Standard
$5k - $8k
Wayfair, Target, durable mid-range. The sweet spot for most hosts.
Luxe
$12k+
West Elm, Crate & Barrel, high-end electronics. For premium markets.
FAQ
How much does it cost to furnish an Airbnb?
For a standard 2-bedroom apartment, expect to spend between $5,000 and $8,000 for new, durable furniture and supplies.
What is the most important item?
The mattress. A bad night's sleep guarantees a bad review, no matter how nice the decor is.