We’re diving into the real secrets. These aren’t your standard “put a bed in the bedroom” tips; they’re the clever, guest-centric moves that cater to comfort, functionality, and those unspoken needs your guests didn’t even know they had.
Ready to make your guests fall in love? Let’s get started.
Living Room Essentials for Airbnb Hosts
What to Have:
- Seating Capacity that Matches Sleeping Capacity
Guests appreciate when a space accommodates them all comfortably, especially in common areas. If your maximum guest occupancy is 6 people - then you should definitely have seating for six. - Invest in Durable Furniture
Cheap furniture costs more in the long run. Go for quality pieces that can handle heavy use and still look luxe. Durable pieces pay for themselves over time—and they keep guests happy with a space that doesn’t look like it’s on its last leg. - Faux Plants
High-quality fake plants bring life into a space with zero maintenance—perfect for Airbnbs. - Throw Pillows that Add Comfort and Style
Splurge a little here—cozy pillows are a quick way to transform “good” into “great.” Yes, they’re an expense, but they bring comfort and personality to the room. Worth every penny. - Live TV Streaming Service
Netflix is great, but add a live TV option like YouTube TV or Hulu Live TV. Some guests appreciate catching news, sports, or live events. - Label Light Switches
Avoid the light switch guessing game. Labels like “Entryway” or “Hallway” let guests settle in without the frustration. - Multifunctional Furniture for Tight Spaces
If you’re dealing with limited room, make every piece count. Think coffee tables that double as dining surfaces or workstations. Compact doesn’t mean cramped when it’s cleverly designed.
What to Avoid:
- High Pile Rugs
Cozy? Yes. Practical? Not so much. They’re dirt magnets and a nightmare to clean.some text- Alternative: Opt for low-pile —they’re comfy, durable, and easy to refresh.
- Sleeper Sofas & Air Mattresses
Sleeper sofas are clunky, heavy, and wear out fast. Air mattresses often deflate or lose comfort, especially overnight.some text- Alternative: A daybed with a pop-up trundle is more flexible and guest-friendly. Twin or king configurations mean it works for different setups, and an 8-inch mattress delivers comfort that’s likely to snag 5-star reviews.
- Excessive Clutter
Stick to essentials. It cuts down on cleaning time, furniture costs, and wear and tear on the space. - Furniture with Long Lead Times
Before you commit to an order, check delivery estimates. You don’t want your calendar empty while waiting for furniture that’s stuck in transit. - Puzzles and Games with Many Pieces
Fun in theory, but a headache when pieces go missing. Guests get frustrated, and cleaners have more to handle.some text- Alternative: Choose simple, low-maintenance games and store them in durable plastic containers instead of flimsy cardboard.
- Personal Belongings
Guests want privacy, not a tour of your family photos. Store personal items in a locked closet or offsite. Make your guests feel welcome, not like intruders.
Bedroom Design Tips for Enhanced Guest Experience
What to Have:
- King Beds (If Space Allows)
King beds are a luxury guests love.- Pro Tip: If you can, keep bed sizes consistent across rooms—it simplifies linen purchasing and makes cleaning more efficient. However, if you’re targeting families, consider two twin beds in one room to accommodate kids.
- Pillow Variety
Four pillows per bed, offering different firmness options to keep all guests happy. - Nightstands and Reading Lamps
Each side of the bed needs a nightstand, with a lamp for individual lighting. Guests expect that hotel-like experience, and this delivers. - Large Area Rugs
They make the room feel larger and cozier. Place it halfway under the bed, spanning from nightstand to nightstand for a well-put-together look. - Luggage Rack
Saves guests from dropping bags on the floor or on your other furniture.some text- Pro Tip: Stock Magic Erasers in the supply closet. They’re lifesavers for erasing scuffs.
- Double Rod Curtains
Blackout curtains for total darkness, while sheer layers allow daylight without compromising privacy. Bonus: Curtains help absorb sound. - Full-Length Mirrors
Essential for weddings, business trips, and anyone who likes to look sharp. It’s a small detail that guests notice (and rate highly). - Ceiling Fans
A lot of guests like them for air circulation and white noise, even if you don’t. - Heavy-Duty Hooks
Hooks for coats, bags, or towels keep things organized. - Extra Seating
A lounge chair or small bench at the end of the bed creates a more luxurious, hotel-like atmosphere.
What to Avoid:
- Overly Themed Bedrooms
Universal appeal wins out over heavy themes. Even if you’re family-focused, an overly kiddy theme can turn away adult guests. - Box Springs
Skip these in favor of platform beds for a sturdier, more modern look. - Colored Sheets
Stick to all-white linens for that fresh, upscale vibe.some text- Pro Tip: Neatly tucked sheets and decorative pillows add an inviting, polished look. White linens are the hotel standard for a reason.
Kitchen Must-Haves for Guest Friendly Rentals
What to Have:
- Fully Stocked Essentials
Aim for 200% of maximum guest occupancy for silverware (e.g., 6 guests = 12 forks) and 150% for plates and bowls. Guests shouldn’t feel pressured to wash dishes constantly.some text- Pro Tip: Track where you bought each item for easy replacements. When a coffee mug breaks, you want to replace it seamlessly without a shopping headache.
- Coffee and Coffee Supplies
Cover all bases with a Keurig and a drip coffee maker, plus essentials like pods, creamer, and sugar.some text- Pro Tip: Add a locally sourced coffee bag to impress guests with a personal touch. It’s an easy win for 5-star reviews.
- Labeled Cabinets
Guests don’t want a scavenger hunt. Labeling makes it easy for guests to find (and return) items. This cuts down on cleanup and keeps things organized. - Dark-Colored, Dishwasher-Safe Cutting Boards
Darker colors hide stains, and dishwasher-safe materials withstand heavy use without constant replacement. - Individually Wrapped Sponges
Replace the sponge after every guest. It’s a low-cost touch that shouts, “This place is clean.” - Transparent, Refillable Soap Dispensers
Clear dispensers let cleaners see when they’re low, and wide-mouth tops make them quick to refill. - Functional Decor on Display
Simple additions like a ceramic olive oil dispenser or mugs add warmth without crowding the counter. - Property-Specific Extras
Got a fire pit? Add s’mores skewers. Small details make a big difference.
What to Avoid:
- Low-Quality Kitchen Stools & Chairs
They’re uncomfortable and quick to break. Quality wins here. - Cold, Utilitarian Aesthetic
As hosts we tend to focus heavily on durability, utility, and budget limitations leading to choices that create a colder, more industrial aesthetic. Durability is great, but don’t let your kitchen feel like a factory. Add a few rustic touches (think wooden utensils, ceramic mugs or olive oil dispensers, or copper accents) for a cozy, welcoming vibe.
Bottom Line:
Turning your rental into a 5-star hotspot isn’t rocket science—it’s about nailing the details that make guests go, “Wow, they really thought of everything!” From durable furniture that can still look high-end after guest number 30 to labeled light switches that end the “which switch does what?” game, these are the pro moves that transform “pretty good” into “perfect.”
Add these finishing touches, and you’ll see the impact: happier guests, smoother upkeep, and reviews that make your listing irresistible.
Bottom line? The details matter, and now, you’ve got the playbook to nail them.
