This blog post presents 12 Airbnb decor ideas that will transform your short term rental into an unforgettable destination all its own for your guests.
On my trip to Austin, Texas last year, I stayed in what can only be described as the ideal vacation rental. The owner had turned their backyard secondary unit into a well appointed, beautifully designed small studio apartment. Not only did the unit have every amenity I could need as a traveller, it also had several thoughtful aesthetic touches such as art and furniture that truly made the experience of staying there feel special and 5 star. If you want to book this Airbnb in Austin yourself, you can do so here!
I realized from my stay in that Airbnb that by paying attention to details, short term rental hosts can create a standout, 5 star experience that is comfortable yet exciting with a unique local flair. Copy these 12 Airbnb decor ideas from my 5 star Austin stay to make your own rental stand out!
The 12 best Airbnb decor ideas to make your rental 5 star:
1. Art in every room
Well chosen art pieces can make otherwise plain rooms sparkle with visual interest. The living room, bedroom and bathroom are 3 key places where adding artwork can make a huge difference.
A large scale canvas piece can make your living room feel like a special destination all its own. You can tilt a large art piece against a wall without even hanging it to create an organic, edgy look. Alternatively, you could hang a collection of smaller art pieces to create a mosaic like gallery wall that will have your guests admiring the variety of details.
The bedroom is an ideal place to hang an artwork that is reminiscent or characteristic of the place your short term rental is located in. You can highlight work from a local artist, or choose a medium that is unique to your locale, such as batik tapestry artwork for Bali for example. You could also choose a piece depicting a landmark of the location, or a map of the place. When your guests drift off to sleep or wake up, they’ll be reminded of the exciting location they’re vacationing in!
In the bathroom, I like adding softer, more muted pieces (mediums like pastel or graphite work well here) with sensual imagery such as the human figure or flowers. This can help create a spa like ambience in your bathroom.
To shop for bespoke art work, check out these websites:
For a more affordable alternative, you can buy prints from marketplaces such as Etsy or direct from artist websites themselves. You can also learn more about different art styles and choosing art for your rental from blog posts in Room Salad’s art category.
2. Well curated bookshelf
You can leave a personal mark on your guests by curating your favorite books and magazines on a bookshelf for them to peruse during downtime. Some travel inspired classics I love include the novel Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain, and Monocle, the global, multicultural travel and lifestyle magazine.
3. Bluetooth Speaker
I don’t know about you, but whenever I can easily connect to a bluetooth speaker in a new location and jam out to my travel playlist, I feel extra well-taken care of and special. Help your guests feel like the ✨main character✨ of their life’s film by providing an easy to use bluetooth speaker.
There are many affordable options now available on the market:
4. Luggage Rack
A luggage rack is one of those key details that your standard hotel always provides, but short term rentals often miss. If you want to instantly up your short term rental’s caliber, just add an affordable luggage rack. Trust me, your seasoned traveller, especially those traveling for business, will notice and appreciate the professionalism.
Credit: @lynn from Room Salad
Here are a few luggage racks I like:
- Purebambo bamboo luggage rack
- Winsome Remy luggage rack in ‘Cappuccino’
- Casual Home luggage rack in ‘Walnut’ (solid wood)
5. Luxurious Bed Duvet
I’ve got to admit – hotel rooms often have the BEST, most luxurious, plush bedding. I get the best sleep in fluffy hotel beds that feel like a warm cloud. However, it is not that difficult to replicate at home or in your short term rental.
Follow the instructions here to create that ultra luxe hotel bed feeling for your Airbnb guests!
6. Well appointed Bathroom
A few key elements can make any bathroom feel luxurious and almost spa like, including:
- High quality towels
- A hamper for dirty clothes
- Robes
- High quality soap and shampoo (I really like Malin + Goetz for fancy bath and body essentials that feel hotel quality!)
7. Desk where you can actually work
In the era of work from home (WFH) and digital nomads, a workspace that is actually functional will make a HUGE difference to many travellers who are mixing business and pleasure.
You can go the extra mile by providing a standing desk, a fancy office chair and even a monitor, but I find a simple desk, a comfortable chair, and a desk lamp (that works!) are often more than enough.
8. Kitchen utensils and essentials
As a wine aficionado, I truly appreciate it when my hotel rooms and vacation rentals provide a wine bottle opener and glasses. Other beverage essentials include a coffee maker (or even an Nespresso machine if you want to be fancy!) and a hot water kettle for tea.
If your vacation rental has a kitchen area, you can provide basic cookware and some cutlery, bowls and plates too to truly give your guests the feeling of a home away from home.
When I am booking hotels or vacation rentals, I am willing to pay a premium for a fully equipped kitchen so I don’t have to eat out for every meal! Health or budget conscious consumers will appreciate the utility of your fully functional kitchen or kitchenette.
9. Lounge chair in the living room
A lounge chair that looks comfortable and inviting can make an otherwise basic living room stand out by providing a central feature your guests will look forward to using. The Eames chair is a luxurious and coveted classic, but many stylish alternatives can work just as well.
This plush leather recliner in my Austin Airbnb was modern and elegant yet comfortable!
Here are a few lounge chairs I like:
10. Entertainment
Your guests will probably need to spend some downtime at the Airbnb hanging out. Provide them with R&R supplies like board games, playing cards, and a smart TV equipped with Netflix and other streaming services. Not every Airbnb needs a fancy hot tub, pingpong table or foosball table to be a recreational haven. These small, practical amenities will make an outsized impact on helping your guests feel like they’re in a home away from home.
11. Exercise equipment
If your short term rental doesn’t have access to a gym, providing a simple yoga mat and some dumb bells can go so far. Your guests won’t have to sacrifice their wellness routine while on the go. You could even add a yoga or pilates book to the bookshelf mentioned above to help them learn a new exercise trick or two while on vacation!
12. Plants and flowers
Did you know that plants can improve indoor air quality and even remove indoor organic pollutants? Not only are plants sure to enhance the aesthetic appeal of any room, they can also make a room more “breathable” and livable. Being surrounded by plants has also been shown to have psychological benefits for humans, such as reducing stress, induces positive emotions, and improving productivity.
Credit: @lynn from Room Salad
I love cacti, monsteras, snake plants, aloe vera plants and ponytail palms for how easy they are to maintain! Plants are one of the most essential Airbnb decor ideas that truly enhance any space.
Credit: @lynn from Room Salad
I hope these 12 Airbnb decor ideas inspire you to elevate your short term rental to a true 5 star experience that will stand out above the crowd!
