How to Furnish Your Airbnb on a Budget (Without Looking Cheap)

You want your Airbnb to feel like a stylish, welcoming home—not like someone’s leftover basement furniture. But furnishing an entire short-term rental can easily blow past $5,000… unless you know where to save and where to splurge. The good news? With the right strategy, you can fully furnish your Airbnb in a way that impresses guests without draining your bank account. Here’s how to do it step by step.

1. Start With a Budget and a Floor Plan
Before you buy a single thing, map out:

• What rooms need furnishing (bedroom, living, kitchen, etc.)
• How much you're willing to spend per room
• The “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves”
  Example: You might budget $1,200 for a bedroom, $800 for a living room, and $500 for kitchen/dining. A simple spreadsheet can keep you from overspending fast.

2. Prioritize Guest Experience, Not Just Aesthetics
Yes, it should look nice—but more importantly, it should feel good.
What guests actually care about:

• Comfortable mattress and pillows
• Smart TV with Netflix or streaming
• Blackout curtains for sleep
• Full-length mirror
• Easy self-check-in
  Skip the wall art until you have the basics down.

3. Know Where to Splurge
Some items are worth investing in:

• Mattress: Guests will mention it in reviews. Don’t go cheap.
• Sofa: Needs to be comfortable and durable, especially if it's a pull-out
• Dining table and chairs: Wobbly furniture = bad impressions
  Spending a little more here gives you better reviews and fewer replacements later.

4. Know Where to Save
Other items don’t need to be top-shelf:

• Nightstands, lamps, wall art
• Kitchen utensils, cutting boards, dish racks
• Laundry baskets, bathroom organizers
  Find budget options from:
• IKEA
• Facebook Marketplace
• Wayfair’s “Open Box” section
• Amazon Basics
  It’s about finding things that look good and last a year or more.

5. Use Matching Colors to Create a Cohesive Look
Even cheap furniture looks expensive when it all matches.
Stick to a neutral base (white, gray, beige) and add color with pillows, art, or throws.
Avoid wild patterns or overly trendy items—they can look dated fast.

6. Get Multipurpose Furniture
Maximize function in small spaces:

• Storage ottomans
• Bed frames with drawers
• Drop-leaf tables for dining or workspace
• Sofa beds or futons for extra sleeping space
  This helps you host more guests without crowding the space.

7. Don’t Forget the Essentials
Hosts often forget:

• Extra sets of sheets and towels
• Plunger, broom, mop, and vacuum
• Iron and ironing board
• Surge protectors and bedside phone chargers
  These little things reduce guest complaints and support longer stays.

8. Add Small Touches to Elevate the Space
A few budget-friendly upgrades go a long way:

• Scent diffuser or candles
• Local guidebook
• Basket with snacks, tea, or bottled water
• Welcome note
  Guests remember how you made them feel—these details matter.

A Well-Furnished Airbnb Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive—Just Intentional
Focus on comfort, cohesion, and guest needs—not designer looks. With the right planning and sourcing, you can launch a 5-star listing that looks great, functions even better, and pays itself off in just a few bookings.

Need help furnishing your Airbnb, sourcing deals, or setting up the full guest experience? BookedHosts offers full-service and virtual co-hosting to help you go from empty unit to fully booked. Email info@bookedhosts.com or scroll down to submit your property today.

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