A sofa is arguably one of the most important pieces of furniture you’ll buy for your Airbnb. A great couch shouldn’t just look nice — it also has to be durable, comfortable, and easy to maintain. After all, your couch will be the centerpiece of your living room and the place where guests unwind after a long day.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to find the best couches for any rental property. From versatile sectionals to sleeper sofas that save space, we’ve got you covered with top picks that fit any budget and style.
What is a good couch for Airbnb?
A good Airbnb couch should strike the right balance of size, comfort, durability, and value for the price. After all, it’s likely to see a lot of use, and you want it to withstand the test of time (and guests!).
Here are our top picks for Airbnb couches:
- Hana 78" Square Arm Sofa
- Ferranti 78'' Velvet Sofa
- Timber 90" Sofa
- Timber 90" Leather Sofa
- Sven 72" Tufted Leather Loveseat
- Lounge Sofa 93"
- Kipton Sofa
- Madrone Leather Sofa
Best sectional sofas for Airbnbs:
- Calliope Cream Vegan Shearling 6-piece Modular U-Sectional
- Pebble L-Shape Sectional Sofa
- Timber 93" Leather Corner Sectional
- Jonathan L-Shape Sectional Sofa
- Modway Commix Down-Filled Overstuffed Upholstered Sectional Sofa Set
Best sleeper sofas for rental properties:
- Nordby 87" Sofa Bed
- Barrett II Queen Sleeper Sofa
- Shift Sleeper Sofa
- Milo Sleeper Sofa
- Bismarck 82'' Full-Grain Genuine Italian Leather Sleeper Sofa
- Wilder Sleeper Sectional
What type of couch is best for an Airbnb?
The best type of couch for an Airbnb is one that’s durable, easy to clean, and large enough to accommodate the number of guests your vacation rental can hold. Many Airbnb hosts also agree that a sleeper sofa is the best type of couch for an Airbnb for its versatility and ability to accommodate more guests.
When choosing the best couch for an Airbnb, consider the type of sofa that best fits your space and your typical guests.
Consider these types of couches:
- Sectionals: Sectionals are great for larger properties, especially those that typically host 4 or more people. Sectional sofas tend to comfortably accommodate more people, and come in plenty of configurations to complement most floorplans.
- Modular couches: Modular couches consist of multiple small pieces that can be arranged in several ways to create different seating configurations. They’re a great option for short-term rentals because they can be rearranged as needed. They’re perfect for open-concept spaces and properties that host groups of widely varying sizes.
- Loveseats: Loveseats are small, two-seater sofas that are ideal for studio and 1-bedroom vacation rentals. Alternatively, they can be used to complement a larger sofa in bigger Airbnbs. Another great option is to purchase multiple loveseats and place them facing each other to create a floorplan that encourages conversation.
- Sleeper sofas: Sleeper sofas — also called pull-out sofas or hide-a-beds — are a perfect way to accommodate extra guests. They provide a comfortable seating option by day and transform into a bed by night, maximizing the functionality of your space.
What to consider when choosing the best Airbnb couch
You know the sofa is the focal point of your living room, and you want to make sure it impresses your guests. If you’re not sure where to start, it can be incredibly daunting to start couch shopping!
Here’s are the factors that should influence which couch you buy for your Airbnb:
Shape
You might assume your only option is to buy a traditional sofa, but these days, couches come in lots of different shapes and configurations.
The shape of your couch will significantly impact how well it fits in your space.
Here are some shapes to consider:
- Standard: The traditional sofa shape is versatile and works well in most rooms.
- Sectional: Sectional sofas consist of two or more joined sections for sitting. Some sectionals look more like traditional sofas with a longer chaise piece that’s perfect for lounging. Others — like corner sectionals — look like two sofas joined together at the corner, making them ideal for providing lots of seating.
- Curved: Curved couches are distinct and can add a stylish touch to any space. They’re also great for fostering conversation. The only limitation is that they tend to require larger spaces to fit comfortably.
- Modular: Modular couches can be configured into virtually any shape imaginable, making them great for oddly shaped rooms or Airbnbs that accommodate groups of varying sizes.
When determining which couch shape to go for, consider the shape and flow of your living room, as well as how the couch will complement other furniture in the space. It can help to plan out your living room configuration before choosing a sofa.
Here are a few living room configurations to consider:
- Twin sofa layout: Two sofas facing each other creates an inviting conversation area.
- Sofa facing two chairs: Instead of using two sofas, you can opt for one sofa with two or more accent or lounge chairs. This is a slightly more versatile alternative to the twin sofa layout.
- Chairs flanking a sofa: Instead of placing accent chairs facing your sofa, you can place the chairs on an angle on either side of the couch. This is a better option if you want your seating to be facing a television.
- Corner sectional: If you have a large corner in your living room that’s begging for seating, one easy solution is to opt for a large corner or L-shaped sectional.
Size
Size is arguably one of the most important considerations.
If your couch is too small, the space might feel awkward, and you risk not having enough seating for your guests. But if your couch is too small, the space might feel cramped and you might not have enough space for storage, a television, lighting, and other living room essentials.
The size of your couch should accommodate the number of guests you expect. For example, a one-bedroom property likely only needs a two- or three-seater couch, while a five-bedroom property should opt for a larger couch, like a five- or six-seater sectional.
Pro tip: Before ordering a sofa, measure entryways to confirm that the couch can be moved into the space. There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect couch only to realize it won't fit through your front door!
Material
Couches can be made from tons of different materials — and beyond the surface material, you also have to consider the cushion fill material. The material of your sofa will impact its comfort and durability, so choose carefully.
Upholstery vs. leather
Your first decision when choosing a material is whether you want leather or upholstery.
- Upholstery: This refers to fabric-covered furniture, which come in various materials and textures. Upholstery options are often more affordable and come in an extensive range of colors and patterns, allowing you to match the decor of your space seamlessly. However, they can be less durable than leather and may require more maintenance to keep them looking fresh.
- Leather: Leather couches are known for their durability and timeless style. They are easier to clean than fabric options, as spills can often be wiped away with a damp cloth. However, leather can be more expensive upfront and may not suit every aesthetic.
Upholstery options
If you decide to go with an upholstered couch, you’ll encounter various fabric options, each with its characteristics:
- Cotton: A breathable and comfortable option, cotton comes in various patterns and colors. However, it may not be as durable as other materials and can be prone to staining.
- Microfiber: This synthetic fabric is soft, durable, and resistant to stains, making it a popular choice for vacation rentals. It’s easy to clean and can withstand heavy use.
- Linen: Linen offers a casual, relaxed look that works well in beachy or rustic rentals. However, it wrinkles easily and may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas.
- Corduroy: Known for its distinctive ribbed texture, corduroy adds warmth to your space. While it can be soft and comfortable, it might not be as stain-resistant as other options.
- Velvet: This luxurious fabric brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to your rental. However, it can be more challenging to clean and may not hold up as well to heavy use.
- Chenille: Soft and cozy, chenille has a textured feel that makes it inviting. While it can be durable, it may require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
- Wool: Wool is a durable, warm option that provides a sophisticated feel. However, it can be scratchy for some and may require more care than other fabrics.
Cushion fill materials
The type of cushion filling is just as important as the upholstery material.
Here are some common options:
- Feather-filled cushions: These cushions provide a plush, luxurious feel, molding to the shape of your body. However, they require regular fluffing to maintain their shape and can be prone to flattening over time.
- Polyurethane foam and fiber fillings: These materials are often used in budget-friendly sofas. They provide adequate comfort but may not offer the same level of support or durability as higher-quality options.
- High-resilience foam: This type of foam is designed to withstand regular use and provide excellent support. It’s more durable than standard foam and retains its shape longer, making it an ideal choice for a rental property.
Design and aesthetics
So far, we’ve considered more structural aspects of sofas. But the sofa’s appearance is just as important as what it’s made of!
When guests scroll through your Airbnb listing photos, your living room furniture can impact whether they choose to book. A couch is one of the largest and most impactful pieces of furniture in a living room, so choose a style that matches your Airbnb decor and theme. This will help tie the whole space together.
All that said, remember that you need to balance comfort and style. Even guests who select your Airbnb for its design aesthetics won’t be pleased with an uncomfortable couch!
Your typical guest
The last thing to consider is who will actually be using and sitting on your Airbnb couch.
Select a couch that caters to the average guest at your property. Think about their needs and preferences. For example, if families frequently book your rental, opt for a couch with a machine-washable cover or durable fabric. Or if your Airbnb typically attracts young professionals or business travelers, consider a stylish couch that meets their aesthetic expectations.
Best couches for Airbnb & short-term rentals
We’ve organized our recommendations into three primary categories:
- Classic couches
- Budget
- Mid-range
- High-end
- Sectional sofas
- Sleeper sofas
Classic couches: budget options
The Hana Square Arm Sofa from Wayfair is a simple, modern sofa that will match any Airbnb design scheme effortlessly. Storage pockets on each armrest are a convenient touch to keep items like remotes and magazines organized and within reach. A real Eucalyptus wood frame offers sturdiness while the four classic colorways will complement any room.
Details:
- Non-slip pads under legs
- 1-year warranty
- Storage pockets on armrests
- Foam cushions
Color options:
- Dark Gray
- Sand Gray
- Dusty Blue
- Light Gray
This three-seater Ferranti 78" velvet sofa by Zipcode Design™ has a classic shape to suit any interior design style. Its frame is a blend of solid and engineered wood to offer durability without the large price tag. Its beautiful velvet fabric can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth.
Details:
- 600 lb weight capacity
- Three seater
- Foam filled cushions
- Cushion covers not removable
Color options:
- Blue
- Black
- Gray
- Green
Classic couches: mid-range options
At 90” long, the Timber sofa from Article is a great pick to comfortably seat three people. With soft, pillowy cushions made of high-density foam, your guests will love lounging on this stylish sofa with polyester/viscose/linen-blend upholstery.
Details:
- Loose seat and back cushions
- Solid and composite wood frame
- 87% polyester, 10% viscose, 3% linen
- Wipe with a clean damp cloth to clean
Color options:
- Olio Green
- Pebble Gray
- Rain Cloud Gray
If you love the look of the Timber sofa but want a material that’s easier to clean, opt for the Timber in leather!
Details:
- Untreated, full-aniline leather
- Loose seat and back cushions
- Solid and composite wood frame
Color options:
- Black
- Chocolate
- Green
- Tan
If you need a sofa on the smaller side that still packs a stylish punch, opt for Article’s Sven Tufted Leather Loveseat. It’s mid-century modern style with clean lines and comfy back cushions will appeal to a wide range of guests. Plus, it’s available in 5 distinct colors to complement any space.
Details:
- Semi-aniline leather with a protective finish
- Solid and composite wood frame
- Loose back cushions
- Foam-padded and fiber-filled cushions
Color options:
- Chocolate
- Tan
- Green
- Black
- Blue
Classic couches: high-end options
Your guests will love sinking into Crate & Barrel’s Lounge sofa. At 93” long, it’s perfect for seating multiple people or giving one lucky guest the chance to stretch out comfortably. Best of all, Crate & Barrel makes it easy to customize your couch in several ways — choose the fabric, seat depth, and cushion style that meet your needs.
Details:
- Available in several fabrics, including taft, leather, chenille, and more
- Hardwood frame
- Soy-based polyfoam seat cushions wrapped
- Made in USA
Color options:
- Varies depending on fabric selection
Arhaus’s Kipton Sofa is the epitome of comfort and style. With clean lines and a sleek profile, it’s a classy addition to any living room. To maximize comfort, its seat cushions consist of dense foam, sterilized down and feathers, and flexible steel coils, while the backrests are filled with memory foam.
Details:
- 94” long
- Available in Deep and Standard cushion sizes
- Hardwood laminate frame
Color options:
- Varies depending on fabric selection
The Madrone Leather Sofa from Arhaus has a low profile and deep seating to effortlessly balance form and function. The aniline-dyed leather is rich and soft with natural texture and uneven pebbling to add charm to your space.
Details:
- Available in two lengths: 100” and 90”
- Solid wood legs
- Solid, reinforced hardwood frame
- No-sag spring frame support system with flexible elastic webbing
- Foam and poly fiber arms and backrest
Color options:
- Graphite
- Camel
- Chocolate
- Indigo
- Pewter
- Taupe
Sectionals
Set your Airbnb apart with this unique and trendy modular sectional, upholstered in soft and inviting vegan shearling. The Calliope Cream Modular U-Sectional's distinct tufting gives it a fun yet cozy vibe, and its modular layout can be moved into endless configurations.
Details:
- Removable arms
- Modular design
- Vegan shearling upholstery
- Fiber-wrapped foam seat cushions
Color options:
- Cream
The Pebble L-Shape Sectional from Castlery screams modern luxury. With a gently curved frame and metal brass-capped legs, this sofa will instantly level up your vacation rental.
Details:
- Foam and pocket coil filled seat
- Fiber filled back
- LVL & plywood frame
- Seats 4-5
Color options:
- Forest Green
- Ivory White
- Ocean Blue
Ok, we’ve already highlighted Article’s Timber line of sofas, but we’d be remiss not to mention the Timber sectional, too! This sofa’s Italian-tanned leather is inviting and beautiful, while the sofa as a whole is super comfy with plush cushions.
Details:
- Untreated, full-aniline leather
- Solid and composite wood frame
- Loose seat and back cushions
- Foam-padded and fiber-filled cushion
- Wipe with a soft cloth to clean
Color options:
- Tan
- Green
- Chocolate
Your guests will never want to leave when you equip your living room with the cozy, stylish Jonathan L-Shape Sectional from Castlery. Comfortable and versatile, this sofa has a modern, boxy style that will complement any decor.
Details:
- LVL & plywood frame
- 91% polyester, 5% cotton, 4% nylon
- Foam, fiber and pocket spring filled seat
Color options:
- Varies depending on fabric selection
Sitting on the Commix Overstuffed Sectional feels like sitting on a cloud. Your guests will appreciate this sectional by Modway, which comprises five pieces to comfortably seat 4-5 people. Its clean-line design and down feather and cotton cushions make it the perfect blend of comfort and style.
Details:
- Linen-textured polyester blend fabric
- Down-filled cotton cushions
- Solid and manufactured wood frame
Color options:
- Black
- Light Beige
- Light Gray
- Pure White
Sleeper sofas
If you need a sofa bed that matches any decor style, look no further than the Nordby sofa bed by Article. At 87” long, it’s long enough to comfortably seat 2-3 people and sleep 2. A simple design with clean lines and rounded arm resets make this sofa a stunner.
Details:
- Bench-style seat cushion
- Steel frame
- Wood legs
- High-density foam seat
Color options:
- Henge Gray
- Lull Blue
- Pep Gray
The Barrett II sleeper sofa by Crate & Barrel is a comfy addition to any living room. With clean, straight lines, this couch is stylish yet timeless. Plus, it’s easy to transform into a bed, which guests will appreciate.
Details:
- High-resilience polyfoam seat cushions
- 5" gel-infused memory foam mattress
- 78.25” long
- Made in USA
Color options:
- Varies depending on fabric selection
The Shift Sleeper Sofa from Burrow offers the perfect combination of comfort and versatility. Its sleek, modern design makes it an excellent choice for stylish yet functional living spaces. It easily converts into a queen-size bed, making it ideal for properties that want to accommodate an extra guest or two.
Details:
- Modular design with a customizable configuration
- Memory foam mattress
- Made in the USA
- No special bedding required
- Arm cushion inserts double as standard pillows
Color options:
- Stone Gray
- Navy Blue
- Papyrus
- Moss Green
- Heather Charcoal
The Milo Sleeper Sofa by Rove Concepts brings both luxury and practicality to your Airbnb. With its elegant mid-century design, it features a thick, plush cushion and converts into a bed with ease. Guests will love the spacious mattress and stylish appearance.
Details:
- High-density foam cushions
- Soft performance velvet upholstery
- Queen-size sleeper
- Comes with a mattress topper
Color options:
- Varies depending on fabric selection
The Bismarck sleeper sofa from Steelside features luxurious, full-grain Italian leather that’s both durable and easy to clean. It’s perfect for an upscale Airbnb setting, offering guests a plush seating experience that doubles as a comfortable bed. The fold-out mechanism is simple and smooth, ensuring that your guests won’t struggle to set up the bed.
Details:
- Full-grain genuine Italian leather
- 5” tri-layered mattress
- Solid wood frame
- High-density foam with fiber filling
Color options:
- Cognac Tan
- Nightfall Blue
Joybird’s Wilder Sleeper Sectional is perfect for large Airbnbs that need both seating and sleeping arrangements. This stylish sectional easily converts into a full-size bed, making it ideal for families or larger groups. The sectional is available in several vibrant, durable fabrics, ensuring it fits any decor.
Details:
- Deep cushions with pillowed backings
- Choose either a memory foam or standard foam mattress
- Engineered wood frame
Color options:
- Varies depending on fabric selection
FAQ
What is the best color sofa for Airbnb?
The best color sofa for an Airbnb is typically a neutral shade like gray, brown, or beige.
These shades are easy to match with any color palette or design style, making them great choices for the majority of short-term rentals.
Plus, opting for a neutral couch allows you more freedom to change up the rest of your Airbnb decor at any time, without having to match it to a unique or brightly colored sofa.
That said, certain themed Airbnbs might be better suited with a couch in a more distinct or unique color. For example, a beach-themed rental might opt for a soft blue couch to reflect the coastal vibes.
Is a leather couch good for Airbnb?
Yes, leather couches are a great choice for Airbnbs. They’re durable, easy to clean, and can handle spills better than many fabric options. Plus, they offer a sophisticated look that can elevate the aesthetic of your space.
What is the best leather couch for Airbnb?
One of the best leather couches for an Airbnb is the Timber leather sofa or sectional from Article. It has a high-end, mid-century modern look at a reasonable price, and comes in multiple colors to match virtually any rental property. Plus, it’s easy to clean!
How much money should you spend on a couch for your Airbnb?
Expect to invest anywhere from $500 to $3,000 on a couch for your Airbnb, on average.
That said, the amount you should spend on a couch for your Airbnb largely depends on your budget and target market. You’ll want to find balance between quality and affordability, and select a couch that can withstand frequent use while fitting within your financial plan.
Join Minoan today at no cost and access incredible deals on couches and other essential pieces for your short-term rental.