Let’s face it: balancing affordability with quality in short-term rental furniture can feel like walking a tightrope. You want your rental to look like a million bucks... without actually spending it. We get it.
So, whether you’re a seasoned host or just setting up your first space, these six tricks will show you how to elevate your rental’s interior with high-quality furnishings that don’t break the bank. Let’s get into the details.
1. Leverage White Labeling for Brand Savings
Ever heard of “white labeling”? Here’s an industry insider tip: Many furniture manufacturers sell identical pieces to multiple retailers. Each retailer slaps on a different brand and, in many cases, a much higher price. A little digging can reveal designer furniture at a fraction of the cost.
- Spoken.io: This site pulls together prices of white-labeled items across retailers, so you can compare the same product under different brand names. Ideal for budget-conscious hosts who want to save without skimping on quality.
- Reverse Image Search on Google: Screenshot your dream furniture, upload it to Google’s reverse image search (click the camera icon in the Google search bar), and boom—Google will show similar items from a range of retailers. It’s a shortcut to achieve luxe looks minus the luxe price.
Pro Tip: Always check for hidden costs like shipping or return policies, especially with lesser-known retailers. Prioritize customer reviews and material quality to ensure you’re not sacrificing durability for price.
2. Customize Basic IKEA Furniture for a High-End Look
IKEA prices are attractive, but let’s be honest—their style can sometimes feel a bit “mass-produced.” Luckily, if you know where to look, you can elevate basic IKEA products to something unique, without the custom furniture price.
- Norse Interiors: Transform IKEA furniture like dressers, media consoles, and nightstands with Norse’s custom panels. Designed to fit over IKEA frames, Norse helps you create bespoke furniture at IKEA prices.
- Bemz: Say hello to machine-washable, stylish slipcovers for IKEA sofas. You get endless color and pattern choices, extending your couch’s life and making it look a whole lot fancier. (“Machine-washable” is music to every host’s ears!)
- SemiHandmade: Handmade cabinet doors and appliance panels that fit IKEA cabinets. Get a custom, artisanal vibe without the artisanal price.
3. Optimize Lighting for a Designer Effect
Lighting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve your rental’s aesthetic. A well-lit room elevates the space instantly, making even budget furniture look high-end.
- Use warm, ambient lighting through table lamps, task lamps, LED strips, or accent lighting.
- Add dimmers to give your lighting extra flexibility, which allows guests to control the mood of the room.
4. Join Host GPO
For those who haven’t tapped into this resource, Host GPO (Group Purchasing Organization) is a membership-based buying group for short term rental hosts, offering discounts on essentials from furniture to smart home devices. It's like Costco for Airbnb hosts. For a membership fee, you get discounts on big-name brands like West Elm and more.
Pro Tip: The membership fee might seem steep, but the savings often pay for themselves, especially if you’re furnishing multiple properties (or just splurging on a big upgrade)
5. Join Wayfair Professional for Bulk Discounts and Member Perks
Wayfair Professional offers perks like bulk discounts and better customer service, and the best part? It’s totally free to join. Members can get 5-15% off on furniture and décor, and you can even request additional discounts on large orders. Score!
6. Repurpose Furniture for a Fresh Look
Sometimes, older furniture just needs a facelift. Here’s where a bit of DIY magic comes into play.
- Reupholster: Reinvent vintage or thrifted chairs and sofas by reupholstering them in fresh, sturdy fabric. This can give older furniture a second life without breaking the bank.
- Paint: A coat of paint can transform dated pieces (think old consoles or tables) into something fresh and modern. Swap out hardware for a final touch.
That’s it! With these tips in your toolkit, you’ll have guests swearing they’re stepping into a designer space—while you chuckle quietly, knowing you paid half the price.
