Airbnb Decor Ideas & Tips: How to Decorate a Vacation Rental

Decorating your Airbnb is more than just making it look nice—it’s about creating an unforgettable guest experience. The right decor can transform your rental into a space that guests rave about, driving more bookings and 5-star reviews. 

Whether you're aiming for a cozy retreat or a sleek, modern look, a well-designed space can make all the difference.

This guide will provide the tips, tricks, and inspiration you need to step up your Airbnb decor game and make sure your vacation rental shines.

Why Airbnb Decor Matters

Your Airbnb decor plays a huge role in guest satisfaction and can have a direct impact on the success of your rental. From the moment guests step inside, the ambiance you create with decor sets the stage for their entire experience. 

In a competitive market, thoughtful Airbnb home decor can make your listing more appealing. 

A well-designed space is more likely to:

• Attract potential guests
• Receive positive reviews
• Show up higher in Airbnb search results
• Earn repeat bookings from guests who enjoyed their stay
• Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied guests

5 Airbnb Decor Tips to Design a Beautiful Space

Creating a well-designed Airbnb doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few key design principles, you can transform your rental into a beautiful and memorable space that delights your guests. Here are five essential decor tips to help you get started:

1. Pick a Theme

Choosing a theme for your Airbnb sets the tone and helps guide your decor decisions. Whether it’s a modern minimalist aesthetic, a cozy farmhouse look, or a beachy escape, a well-chosen theme can create a cohesive atmosphere that makes your space stand out. 

Having a clear theme also makes it easier to pick furniture, artwork, and accessories that complement each other and avoid a disjointed look. Just be careful not to overdo it—going overboard may make your space feel kitschy, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

2. Be Consistent with Color

Color plays a huge role in the feel of a space. When designing your Airbnb, choose a color palette that aligns with your theme and stick to it throughout. 

Whether you opt for calming neutrals, bold jewel tones, or soft pastels, consistency is key. A well-thought-out color scheme helps create flow from room to room, making the space feel connected and thoughtfully designed.

3. Add Texture

Texture adds depth and interest to any space.

Introduce different textures through materials like:

• Wood
• Linen
• Velvet
• Metal
• Greenery and plants

Incorporating throw blankets, rugs, and cushions made from various fabrics gives your Airbnb a cozy, layered feel. Don’t be afraid to mix soft, hard, smooth, and rough textures to create a more dynamic and inviting environment.

4. Don’t Overlook Lighting

Lighting can make or break the mood of your Airbnb. Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

Soft, warm lighting in living areas and bedrooms helps guests relax, while bright, functional lighting in bathrooms and kitchens ensures practicality. 

Don’t forget to include stylish light fixtures that fit with your overall theme—they can be both functional and a design statement.

5. Incorporate Local Art & Decor

Showcasing local art and decor adds a personal touch to your Airbnb, making it feel more connected to its location. Whether it’s a handmade piece of pottery from a local artisan or a photograph of a nearby landmark, incorporating elements from the area gives your space a unique flavor. 

Guests will appreciate the thoughtful nod to the local community, and it can make your rental stand out from others in the area.

Create a free Showroom to make your rental shoppable!

How Much Should You Spend on Airbnb Decor?

Furnishing and decorating a rental property requires a significant investment. The best way to maximize that investment is to splurge on the most important pieces and look to save on less-important ones.

So how do you know which pieces are worth the splurge?

Splurge on Items that fall in the sit, sleep, eat categories. In other words, if guests will be eating, sleeping, or sitting on it, that piece is probably worth a heftier investment.

It’s also worth splurging on items that are central to a room or serve as a focal piece — like the bed in your bedroom or the sofa in your living room.

We call it the Minoan Matrix:

• Spend more on items with high aesthetic and functional value.
• Spend less on items that don’t require high aesthetic and/or functional value.

Items worth investing more in include:

• Bed frames and mattresses
• Sofas and armchairs
• Dining tables and chairs

Items that could be worth a splurge for aesthetic value:

• Artwork
• Mirrors
• Rugs
• Lamps

Items that might not be worth a splurge:

• Flatware
• Storage pieces, like credenzas
• Any items that get stored in closets, cabinets, or drawers

Best Airbnb Decor Ideas for Different Rooms

Your Airbnb decor needs to be cohesive throughout your property, meaning each room complements the next in terms of aesthetic and “vibe.” 

That said, it can be helpful to break down decor needs by room, and choose decor that achieves that balance of form and function for each room.

Let’s take a look at the best Airbnb decor ideas by room:

Living Room Decor

The living room is often the first space guests see, so it should feel welcoming, stylish, and functional. Start with versatile furniture and layer in personalized accents that enhance comfort and reflect your Airbnb's theme.

Here are some ideas for Airbnb living room decor to get you started:

Item	Design Ideas
Seating	Choose a neutral-colored sofa and layer it with throw blankets and pillows that reflect your color palette and theme Complement your neutral sofa with more decorative accent chairs that add texture and color
Art and decor	Invest in a frame TV that looks like a piece of art to tastefully conceal your television screen Decorate with plenty of greenery and plants to create an inviting, organic space Set a decorative tray on your coffee table to add visual interest while doubling as a catch-all for things like remote controls and coasters
Rug	Choose a rug that compliments the rest of your decor — for example, if your furniture is brightly colored, tone down the room with a neutral rug, or vice versa Use a jute rug to add texture
Lighting	Add multiple kinds of lighting so that guests can light up the space to varying degrees and create the atmosphere they want. Add an arc or pendant floor lamp that hangs over the main seating area

Bedroom Decor

Guests expect the bedroom to be a restful and inviting space. Cozy bedding, thoughtful storage solutions, and soothing decor can transform the room into a retreat where guests feel pampered.

Here are some quick tips for Airbnb bedroom decor:

Item	Design Ideas
Bedding	Opt for white or neutral bedding Use decorative throw pillows in various textures and sizes to add interest to your neutral bedding Add texture in the form of a throw blanket
Storage	Add decorative wall hooks in a complementary finish to give guests a space to hang their items Choose a stylish luggage rack — they come in so many textures and colors!
Lighting	Instead of taking up space on nightstands with table lamps, add decorative sconces on each side of the bed If you have ceiling lights, swap out bright white bulbs for softer, warmer ones
Wall decor	Opt for a full-size decorative floor mirror that balances form and function Use local photography as wall art to add a personal touch

Bathroom Decor

In the bathroom, functionality and cleanliness should guide your decor choices. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t add a touch of style. Opt for clean, modern design elements that make the space feel polished.

Here are some practical yet stylish bathroom decor ideas:

Item	Design Ideas
Linens	White towels are ideal to give a hotel-like feel, and they go with any design theme! Add pops of color by choosing a bath mat and shower curtain that match your color palette and theme.
Storage solutions	Add floating shelves near the sink or vanity to give guests plenty of space to store their toiletries without adding bulky furniture Organize bathroom supplies in baskets that match your aesthetic — for example, wicker baskets in a farmhouse-style Airbnb, or metal wire baskets in a modern-industrial-style space.
Bathroom accessories	Consider opting for a stone or wood bath mat to add texture Purchase a bathroom set that includes a soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, and tissue box cover to ensure cohesiveness
Lighting	Stick LED light strips behind the mirror to provide ample lighting without making the whole room too bright Choose blinds or shades that filter light without totally eliminating it

How To Decorate an Airbnb on a Budget

Decorating your Airbnb doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of ways to create a stylish space without spending a fortune. 

Here are some tips for how to decorate an Airbnb on a budget:

1. Set Your Budget

Before diving into any shopping or decorating, set a realistic budget. 

Determine how much you're willing to spend on each room, and keep in mind that quality matters for items like mattresses and furniture that endure heavy use. 

By breaking down your budget by category—furniture, decor, linens—you can avoid overspending and still achieve the aesthetic you want.

2. Try Thrifting

Thrifting is an excellent way to stretch your budget and add some character to your Airbnb. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace often have gently used or even brand-new pieces at a fraction of the retail price. 

If you prefer sourcing brand-new furniture for your Airbnb, focus on thrifting smaller decor items that don’t need to withstand the same wear and tear as large furniture pieces. 

Additionally, with a little creativity, you can transform your thrift store finds into something fresh and modern by adding a coat of paint or updating the hardware. Flipping thrifted items can give your Airbnb a custom, high-end feel at a bargain price.

3. Consider Furniture Packages

Another way to save both time and money is by opting for furniture packages. 

Many brands offer bundled furniture collections at a discount, which can be especially helpful if you’re furnishing an entire space or multiple rooms. Not only will this save you the hassle of selecting individual pieces, but it also ensures that everything matches and creates a cohesive design. This can be an ideal solution for hosts who want to quickly furnish their Airbnb without sacrificing style.

4. Mix and Match

Creating a luxurious look on a budget is all about balance. You can invest in a few standout pieces—like a high-quality sofa or bed—while mixing in more affordable accessories to pull the room together. 

For example, invest in a high-end sofa but purchase budget-friendly throw pillows or an affordable area rug. Or, splurge on beautiful wall art while saving on other smaller decor items like side tables or lamps. 

By mixing high and low-priced items, you can achieve a designer look without overspending.

5 Quick Airbnb Decorating Hacks

Looking to refresh your Airbnb decor but short on time? Try these quick and easy Airbnb room decor hacks to breathe new life into your space without a full makeover:

1. Statement wall art: A few bold pieces of wall decor can transform an empty space into something special.
2. Rearrange furniture: Sometimes all it takes to refresh a room is a new layout. Play around with your furniture placement to open up space and create better flow.
3. Upgrade your linens: Swapping out old linens for fresh, high-quality options can instantly elevate the look and feel of your Airbnb.
4. Add greenery: Incorporating indoor plants—whether real or faux—adds a refreshing, natural vibe to any room. They’re also a cost-effective way to breathe life into your decor.
5. Use mirrors: Mirrors not only enhance natural light but also create the illusion of a larger space. Try placing a statement mirror in the living room or hallway to open up the area visually.

Airbnb Decor Themes to Try

Want to make your Airbnb feel cohesive but stand out? Try incorporating a distinct theme into your decor. Whether you’re going for modern minimalism, rustic charm, or beachy vibes, themed decor can give your space a cohesive and memorable look.

Modern Decor

For a sleek, contemporary feel, use clean lines, neutral colors, and minimalist furniture. Modern Airbnb decor is perfect for urban properties or those with a more minimalist aesthetic.

Beach Decor

If your Airbnb is near the coast, play up the beachy theme with soft blues, sandy neutrals, and natural textures like driftwood or seagrass.

African-Inspired Decor

Incorporating bold patterns, earth tones, and artisan-made decor pieces can create a warm and inviting space with an African decor Airbnb theme.

Mid-Century Modern

Characterized by retro aesthetics, bold colors, and geometric shapes, this style is all about simplicity and functionality. Incorporate furniture with tapered legs, wood accents, and pops of mustard, teal, and orange to channel that chic mid-century vibe.

Rustic Farmhouse Decor

Combining comfort and charm, rustic farmhouse decor features distressed wood, metal accents, and cozy textiles. This style is perfect for rural properties or hosts looking to create a homely, welcoming atmosphere.

Cozy Cabin Decor

For mountain or lakeside Airbnbs, cozy cabin decor works wonders. Think warm wooden elements, plush throws, and nature-inspired accents to create that snug, retreat-like feel. Incorporate rustic furniture and a neutral, earthy color palette to complete the look.

Seasonal & Holiday Decor Tips

Keep your Airbnb feeling fresh year-round by updating your decor to reflect the seasons. Simple, seasonal changes can keep your space feeling current and inviting for guests. 

Try adding decorative elements based around season and holidays:

• Winter: Add cozy elements like soft blankets, candles, and twinkling lights to create a warm atmosphere.
• Summer: Lighten up the space with bright colors, beach-themed accents, and fresh flowers.
• Autumn: Decorative gourds and leafy garlands in fall colors will add a festive feel without going over the top.
• Holidays: Subtle Airbnb Christmas decor, like a decorative wreath or festive throw pillows, can add holiday cheer without overwhelming the space.

Airbnb Decor Ideas on Pinterest

Pinterest is a fantastic resource for finding Airbnb decor inspiration. Minoan has curated several Pinterest boards to help you find the perfect look for your Airbnb:

Lakeside Cottage Vibes

We partnered with short-term rental designer, host, and curator club member Jilayne Smith to create this board, which features items curated to achieve the charm and laid-back sophistication of a lakeside cottage.

Cozy Cabin Vibes

Short-term rental designer and curator club member Brianna Michele Interiors helped us create this curated collection of furnishings and decor to achieve a warm and inviting mountain or forest retreat.

Curated Spaces from Natalie Palmer and Tatianna Taylor Tait

Check out 5 spaces curated by industry experts Natalie Palmer and Tatianna Taylor Tait. These collections were exclusively created for Minoan, and all furniture and decor selected are available at a discount from our brand partners when you shop through our platform.

Instagram-Worthy Design Features

Create an Instagram-worthy Airbnb with the curated furniture and decor items on this board, which features some of our favorite “wow” designs from Minoan members.

Start Decorating with Minoan

Whether you’re working with a tight budget or looking to invest in high-quality decor, Minoan is the best resource to help you decorate your Airbnb. 

On Minoan, you’ll find stylish furniture and decor pieces from top brands at unbeatable prices. Join for free today!