The Business Blog: Furnishing Your Vacation Rental

The Business Blog: Furnishing Your Vacation Rental

Congratulations! You’ve just purchased your rental property, and we imagine you can’t wait to see those bookings roll in. But wait: before you can market your property, it’ll need to be fully furnished. Some owners leap at the idea of a blank slate to decorate, while others may dread the task. That’s completely understandable! Furnishing your vacation rental can seem overwhelming, as interior design is a key factor in ensuring your property stands out among the rest. To make the process a little easier, we’ve compiled a few tips to guide you along the way.

Determine a Budget

From the get-go, you probably have a rough idea of what it will cost to furnish your apartment. Some things will be a little costlier, like couches and mattresses, while others won’t run as high a price point. It’s best to have some room in your budget for the special items that will give your property a special touch, like a unique piece of artwork that really ties the place together.

Define Your Style

A good-looking, well-decorated property will certainly make potential guests stop and look at your listing when they’re deciding where to stay. That being said, it’s important to appeal to a wide range of guests. Neutral color schemes perform better than over-the-top ones. That isn’t to say that if you own a beachfront vacation rental in Florida, you can’t do a bright accent wall and a coastal theme. You absolutely can! Just remember that potential guests will likely hop off your listing if you’re advertising neon orange walls in each room.

Invest in Good Quality Furniture

Properties with a high volume of repeat guests will see more foot traffic, and therefore more wear and tear than a regular home. While some items are easier to protect than others, larger pieces such as living room furniture are more at risk of accidental damage. This is where it becomes necessary to invest in practical, durable furniture that holds up against a high stream of guests.

Don’t Overdo It

When furnishing your vacation rental, it’s important not to fill each room with odds and ends. A property that’s full of trinkets can look cluttered instead of kitschy. While your personal style may be to place every knickknack you find in your home, it can make your guests feel overwhelmed. Opt for more minimalist looks to make your space feel clean. A few things here and there is fine, but be sure not to overdo it! Spacing out mirrors, tables, and paintings allow your guests to enjoy your vacation home to the fullest extent.

The most important part about furnishing your vacation rental is to be creative! Let your personality shine through as you decorate. For inspiration, look at interior decorating sites or even competitors. You never know what could jump out at you!


When you partner with Southern, we’re with you every step of the way – that even includes helping you furnish your property! For more information about our property management services, visit here.