From Empty Space to Guest-Ready: A Guide to Furnishing Your Vacation Rental Property

May 24, 2023

As the owner of a vacation rental property, you know that presentation is everything. You want your guests to feel comfortable and welcome the moment they walk through the door. However, when starting with an empty home, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of bringing your empty home to guest-ready status, including large furniture items, bedrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces.

Large Furniture Items

Large furniture items are essential in creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for your guests. Depending on your budget and the size of your property, you may choose to purchase items from stores like Target or invest in luxury items from Restoration Hardware. Here are some examples of furniture items you may consider purchasing:

Couches: A comfortable and stylish couch is a must-have for any living room. You can find a great selection of affordable couches at stores like IKEA or Wayfair, or invest in a high-quality, designer piece from Restoration Hardware.
Dining Tables and Chairs: Depending on the size of your property, you may choose to have a formal dining room or a more casual dining area. You can find affordable dining tables and chairs at stores like Target or IKEA, or invest in high-quality pieces from Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn.
Beds: Your guests will spend a significant amount of time in their bedrooms, so it's important to invest in comfortable and high-quality beds. You can find affordable options at stores like IKEA or Overstock, or invest in luxury beds from companies like Casper or Tempur-Pedic.
Outdoor Furniture: If your property has an outdoor space, such as a patio or deck, you'll want to invest in outdoor furniture that is comfortable and durable. You can find affordable options at stores like Target or Wayfair, or invest in luxury outdoor furniture from companies like Restoration Hardware or Frontgate.

Living Room

A well-furnished living room sets the tone for your vacation rental

Bedrooms

The bedrooms are one of the most important spaces in your vacation rental property. You want your guests to feel comfortable and relaxed so they can get a good night's sleep. Here are some items you'll need to make your bedrooms guest-ready:

Beds: As mentioned earlier, invest in comfortable and high-quality beds.
Bedding: Choose bedding that is soft, comfortable, and stylish. You can find affordable options at stores like Target or Bed Bath & Beyond, or invest in luxury bedding from companies like Brooklinen or Parachute.
Pillows: Invest in high-quality pillows that will provide your guests with a comfortable and restful night's sleep.
Nightstands: A nightstand is an essential item for any bedroom. Your guests will appreciate having a place to store their personal belongings and a lamp to read by.

Bedroom

A comfortable, well-appointed bedroom is essential for guest satisfaction

Bathrooms

The bathrooms are another important space in your vacation rental property. You want your guests to feel clean and refreshed after a long day of traveling. Here are some items you'll need to make your bathrooms guest-ready:

Towels: Invest in high-quality towels that are soft and absorbent. You can find affordable options at stores like Target or Bed Bath & Beyond, or invest in luxury towels from companies like Frette or Matouk.
Toiletries: Provide your guests with basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap.
Shower Curtains: Choose a shower curtain that is stylish and matches the overall aesthetic of your bathroom.
Bath Mats: Invest in high-quality bath mats that will keep your floors dry and your guests safe from slips and falls.

Bathroom

Clean, well-stocked bathrooms make all the difference

Outdoor Spaces

If your vacation rental property has an outdoor space, you want to make sure it's a place your guests will enjoy spending time. Outdoor spaces are often the most challenging to furnish, especially if you have a large backyard or patio. A good approach is to divide the space into different zones - a dining area, a lounging area, and perhaps a fire pit or outdoor kitchen. For dining areas, a patio table and chairs are a must, and you can find affordable options at Target or Home Depot. For lounging areas, comfortable outdoor sofas or lounge chairs will make a big difference. Some of my favorite brands for outdoor furniture are Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and Restoration Hardware. Of course, the cost of these items can vary widely depending on the level of luxury you want to achieve.

Outdoor Space

A well-designed outdoor area extends your rental's living space

Costs

The cost of furnishing an empty home can vary significantly depending on the size of the home and the level of luxury you want to achieve. To give you a rough estimate, here's a breakdown of what you might expect to spend at different price points:

Target/Home Depot: $10,000 - $20,000 for a small 2-bedroom home, $20,000 - $30,000 for a larger 4+ bedroom home with outdoor spaces.
West Elm/CB2: $20,000 - $40,000 for a small 2-bedroom home, $40,000 - $60,000 for a larger 4+ bedroom home with outdoor spaces.
Pottery Barn/Crate & Barrel: $40,000 - $80,000 for a small 2-bedroom home, $80,000 - $120,000 for a larger 4+ bedroom home with outdoor spaces.
Restoration Hardware: $100,000 - $200,000+ for a small 2-bedroom home, $250,000+ for a larger 4+ bedroom home with outdoor spaces.

Working with a Property Manager

Furnishing and decorating a vacation rental can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the industry. This is where a property manager like Air Concierge can help. In addition to traditional management services such as guest communication, cleaning, and maintenance, we also offer design and installation services. Our team of experts can help you furnish and decorate your vacation rental to make it more attractive to guests and increase your rental income. We work with a range of suppliers and can source everything from budget-friendly furniture to high-end luxury items.

In summary, furnishing an empty vacation rental can be a big investment, but it's essential to create a space that's comfortable and attractive to guests. By investing in high-quality furniture and decor, you'll be able to charge higher rental rates and attract more guests. Working with a property manager like Air Concierge can also make the process much easier and less stressful. If you're considering a vacation rental investment, be sure to factor in the costs of furnishing and decorating your property.