Furnishing Tips to Increase Bookings on Airbnb & Booking.com
When it comes to Airbnb or Booking.com, presentation is everything. A well-furnished home doesn’t just look nice—it directly affects your bookings, ratings, and repeat guests. Guests often scroll through dozens of listings, and the one with inviting furniture and a polished look always stands out.
Whether you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, investing in the right short-term rental design can significantly improve your listing’s appeal. This guide offers practical tips to upgrade your space in a way that attracts more bookings, delivers better guest experiences, and even increases your income.
Why Furnishing Matters in Short-Term Rentals
✨ First Impressions Are Lasting
Guests judge your property the moment they see your listing photos. Clean lines, modern touches, and cozy corners all create a vibe that says: “This place feels like home.”
A professionally furnished rental makes your space look premium—even if it’s budget-friendly. Good design also builds trust. When guests see a well-maintained and stylish apartment, they assume everything else (cleanliness, service, comfort) will also be top-notch.
💼 Impact on Booking Decisions
Well-designed interiors help your listing perform better in search results and lead to more bookings. Platforms like Airbnb often prioritize listings with higher-quality images, better reviews, and aesthetically pleasing setups. That’s where smart furnishing comes in—short-term rental design isn’t just for looks, it’s a strategic move for higher ROI.
Understanding Guest Preferences
👨👩👧👦 What Modern Travelers Want
Today’s travelers—especially those booking through Airbnb or Booking.com—are looking for more than just a bed. They want an experience. That experience starts with the comfort and functionality of your space.
People want spaces that are:
- Comfortable (soft beds, cozy seating)
- Functional (clear layout, accessible storage)
- Clean and inviting
- Styled with a modern touch
Whether it’s a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, your space should be adaptable to all.
🪑 Guest-Friendly Furniture is Key
Guest-friendly furniture means durable, easy-to-clean, and comfortable items. For example:
- Stain-resistant sofas
- Foldable dining sets
- Beds with quality mattresses
- Smart storage solutions
Furnishing smartly helps create a hassle-free stay—and that’s exactly what guests remember (and review).
Top Airbnb Interior Ideas That Work
🎨 Go with Popular Color Palettes
Neutral tones like beige, grey, off-white, and soft blues give a sense of calm and cleanliness. They’re also easier to style with colorful accents or décor.
🧵 Choose a Theme That Fits
Some themes work better than others in short-term rentals:
- Minimalist – Clean, simple, and clutter-free
- Boho – Trendy with colorful and artistic elements
- Luxury – Gold accents, velvet textures, statement lighting
Stick to one theme throughout to keep your space cohesive and attractive. These themes don’t just improve your design—they form the backbone of top-performing Airbnb interior ideas.
Essential Furniture Every Airbnb Should Have
Let’s break down must-have furniture for each area:
🛋️ Living Room
- Comfortable sofa (preferably a sofa bed)
- Coffee table
- Smart TV or entertainment center
- Lighting options (floor lamp or side lamp)
🛏️ Bedroom
- Queen or king-size bed with quality mattress
- Side tables and reading lamps
- Wardrobe or hanging rack
- Full-length mirror
🍽️ Dining Area
- 2–6 seater table (depending on space)
- Chairs with cushioned seats
🌿 Balcony (if available)
- Small outdoor set (2 chairs + table)
- Decorative plants
🧩 Space-Saving & Multi-Functional Tips
- Use beds with storage drawers
- Wall-mounted desks or foldable tables
- Nesting tables in small living areas
These elements make the space practical and appealing, ticking both design and utility checkboxes.
Tips to Make Interiors Guest-Friendly
The best interiors are not just stylish—they’re built for real-life use.
💪 Use Durable Materials
Avoid delicate finishes or high-maintenance fabrics. Go for hardwood, metal legs, or washable cushions that last longer with guest traffic.
🧼 Easy-to-Clean Fabrics
Choose leather or microfiber for sofas, machine-washable curtains, and water-resistant rugs.
👶 Family-Friendly Touches
- Rounded corners on furniture
- A few toys or books for kids
- High chair or crib on request (optional, but nice touch)
These additions improve reviews and make your rental feel more thoughtful and welcoming.
Lighting & Décor to Boost Ambiance
Lighting can change the entire mood of a space.
💡 Warm vs White Light
- Warm light (yellow tones) feels cozy and relaxing-ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.
- Cool white light works best in bathrooms and kitchens.
🎨 Decorative Elements That Matter
- Art: Local or themed wall art to add character
- Mirrors: Open up space, especially in small units
- Rugs & Curtains: Add softness and color
- Greenery: Indoor plants for a natural touch
Good décor supports the short-term rental design by making your unit feel personal and styled—without clutter.
Before & After:
Let’s say you had a basic 1-bedroom apartment with dull walls, mismatched furniture, and no cohesive theme. After a design revamp with neutral paint, minimal décor, a quality bed, and cozy lighting—the same unit can look like a boutique stay.
Result? Bookings increased by 40%, guests stayed longer, and reviews mentioned the “beautiful design” and “homey feel.”
Adding even basic furnishing upgrades can significantly improve performance on Airbnb and Booking.com
Bonus Tips for Airbnb Hosts
Airbnb users often expect a more hotel-like experience, so consider adding:
- Extra pillows & blankets
- Towels with a hotel-style fold
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Complimentary toiletries
This touch of luxury can earn you higher scores in categories like cleanliness and comfort—translating to better visibility and conversion on the platform.
Common Furnishing Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good intentions, hosts can make design errors:
❌ Overcrowding the Space
Too much furniture makes rooms feel cramped. Use only what’s essential and scale it to the size of the room
❌ Ignoring Guest Feedback
Reviews are gold. If guests say the sofa is uncomfortable or the bed is too firm—fix it.
❌ Going Too Cheap or Too Fancy
Cheap furniture breaks quickly. Overly fancy items may not suit a rental. Aim for a balance of durability, comfort, and style.
Conclusion
A well-furnished Airbnb isn’t just beautiful—it’s bookable. From choosing the right theme to investing in guest-friendly furniture, every decision you make shapes your guest experience and increases your earning potential.
If you’re a host in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah and need help with furnishing services, custom furniture, or complete apartment furnishing packages, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Contact Silk Valley Holiday Homes for expert furnishing solutions designed to increase your bookings and upgrade your guest experience.
