Setting up your first Airbnb can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. You’re investing a lot of money, time, and effort into creating the best listing possible, but with so many details to consider, it’s easy to feel lost—especially when it comes to furnishing.
By the time you get to this stage, many hosts find themselves scrambling to put something together.
Thoughtful design choices are crucial in achieving five-star reviews, as they significantly contribute to guest satisfaction and the overall quality of the reviews received.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This guide is designed to give you a basic foundation for setting up a bedroom in your Airbnb.
This is where you can start, but please, don’t stop here. For the sake of amazing listings everywhere, take the time later to make this bedroom truly incredible. But for now, let’s get you started.
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One Size Fits All
This focus of this blog post is on the airbnb small bedroom, or guest bedroom, but this list will still work for any size bedroom, including a guest room with multi-purpose furniture, or the master suite in a large home.
We may have a different post about furnishing a master bedroom, as they usually have more space, have an attached bathroom and some unique features that require some extra pieces here.
However, this basic guide will accommodate for everything you would essentially need, no matter the size of the room or basic layout.
At the end of this post is a FREE linkable list for all the mentioned products, so you can shop with just a few clicks.
Make sure you select the right product (for example, the link will take you to a king size bed, so you may have to adjust it for a queen bed).
Quick note: All of these items can be found on Amazon, and yes, they are affiliate links. Amazon is great because most people already have Prime accounts, so you can get this stuff delivered in as little as two days and they are easy to replace. We have literally bought every single product on this page we are recommending.
Level 1.0 – The Essentials for Small Spaces
Here’s the absolute minimum you’ll need to get your airbnb small bedroom guest-ready:
In a guest room, you might consider using storage beds to maximize space and keep essentials like linens and towels neatly stored, but we are going to focus on simplicity for the “basic” level here:
- Mattress – Opt for King Size when you have the space, even though it’s a small room. The ROI is better. An airbnb small bedroom may only have room for a queen bed if you are also planning to get bedside tables. Our pick for mattresses is based on 5 star guest reviews, ease of delivery/setup and price.
- Bedframe – Honestly, simple is fine here, unless you pair it with a nice headboard. On almost every short term rental that I run, I use the same bed frame from Amazon, and have not had any issues so far.
- Side Tables (x2) – Bedside tables and reading lamps (below) are essential for hosting two guests per room in vacation rentals, providing convenience and comfort on both sides of the bed. We like our pick for side tables because of the multiple color options and price.
- Lamps (x2) – Simple reading lamps with functional plugs for a guest’s devices. These lamps are a favorite because they come with a bulb, and are very simple and compact.
- Sheets (3x) – Don’t miss the importance of having extra linens and extra blankets (see note below). We like these sheets from Bedsure because they are cheap to replace, and still have a quality feel.
- Pillows (3x) – You may not have enough space depending on the size of the bed, but you need at least 3 pillows for 2 people. Bedsure is a great brand again.
- Comforter / Duvet (x3) – Even small rooms can feel spacious with colorful touches from a duvet. You will want your sheets to be white or a crisp neutral color, but your comforter/duvet can function as decor. Bonus tip: complement the walls with color and pattern. We love using these coverlets as they are good for all seasons.
- Pillow Protectors – I mean, if you don’t do this, ya nasty. Pillow protectors make your issues with stains and cleanliness easier to deal with. Pillows are cheap to replace, but this simple trick will help you avoid having to spend pointless cash on replacements.
- Mattress Protector – If you don’t have a mattress protector, a guest WILL ruin your mattress at some point. This one could be a deal breaker for your guest and is one of the most important things in the room.
- Luggage Rack – Better than a dresser because they are cheap, and offer a traveler friendly storage solution that is also easy to put away in your closets. The only downside is I hate setting these ups. So. many. screws.
- Hangers – Putting these in your closets is a storage tip that helps business or wedding travelers hang their formal clothing. They are cheap to purchase, honestly you probably have extras in your own room, or could get the easily at any store.
- Iron + Ironing Board – These tools can be tucked away in any closet in any room, and are pretty much standard for at least one bedroom in the house. Guests will appreciate the ability to iron their clothes for a night out, etc.
- Steamer – This is debatably not an “essential” but this is the equivalent of an iron for clothes of certain fabrics.
- Curtains and Curtain Rod – Blackout curtains are the choice for most bedrooms, especially if your windows are facing a lot of light in the morning. Light is great to make a small room look bigger, however, many guests prefer to have the ability to block out light from outside.
Careful selection of furnishings ensures there is just enough room for essential items without creating a cramped atmosphere.
Because guests don’t spend a lot of time in the bedrooms, for the most part, you can get away with “simple” if you are on a budget, and focus your finances on a different room in the house thet gets more interaction.
A Few Notes
Yes, you should order THREE sets of pillows, sheets, and comforters.
You’ll need one set on the bed, one as a backup for guests, and one in the wash or ready to go if you encounter any issues.
Most hosts immediately discard stained linens, and I recommend doing the same to keep guests happy and make sure that no guest ever has a cleanliness concern.
Having a third set on hand prevents unnecessary stress. Just remember to order a replacement when you toss out the old one.
Pro Tip: King beds are almost always preferred if you have the space for them, but obviously a queen bed is fine if you can’t fit a king in small spaces.
Level 2.0 – Trying a Bit Harder
Ready to go beyond the basics? In a guest room, these next few items can help create a welcoming atmosphere while providing practical storage solutions. Here are some additions that will elevate your airbnb small bedroom setup:
- Bed Tray – This simple and cheap addition can function as a small desk in the room, guests can rest their coffee mugs on it, and it makes a nice place setting for towels, as well as functioning as decor.
- Full Length Mirror – A full length mirror is a valuable amenity in bedrooms. Consider various placement options such as wall-mounted or hanging over-the-door. It enhances the functionality and aesthetics of the space, contributing to the overall guest experience. Keeping it in the closet is an option, but adding to the room will make the room feel bigger.
- Art – A great diy project for the artsy people, art is one of those essential non-essentials every good airBNB listing has. Obviously finding unique art gives your place a custom look, but many hosts opt for prints from Hobby Lobby or Target. I like to do my art shopping at Big Wall Decor.
- Plants (1-2) – Go fake plants in every room of the house, or low maintenance plants. Your cleaner will be visiting between stays, but those visits will not be predictable based on your booking calendar, and live plants create a risk that your plants will eventually die, and asking your guest to water the plants who may or may not have a green thumb is generally a quick way to let your beloved shrubs wither away.
These items add an extra layer of comfort and style, making your space more inviting and functional for guests.
A Few Notes
Your room and furniture configuration will play a big role in where you place art and plants in the room, but one basic idea is to hang artwork or a mirror on the wall opposite of the bed.
You can place plants on the table (or tables) and taller plants in the corners.
Level 3.0 – Yowza! Achieving Five Star Reviews
If you’re aiming for that wow factor, consider these elements to take your bedroom to the next level:
- Wallpaper – I LOVE Wallism for this. They have peel and stick options, and nearly every style you could imagine. Nothing takes a bedroom from “meh” to “holy smokes” faster than guests walking into a bedroom with eye-popping wallpaper on the wall. Not to mention, this creates “scroll-stopping” images for your listing.
- More Plants (3-4) – While you can get away with maybe a single plant in the corner and on one side table, having multiple plants is a quick way of making a room feel alive. Plants can help a small bedroom feel cozy, warm and inviting.
- Headboard – Adding a headboard to the bed is a great way to create a next level design experience. Headboards are a great piece of furniture to move your bedroom to the luxury category.
- Throw Pillows – This is the easiest way to add color to your marketing photography without breaking the budget.
- Gallery Wall – Create a gallery wall to personalize and fill large spaces. Incorporate local and vintage artworks as well as personal items for a unique and budget-friendly decorative solution that enhances the overall guest experience. For those that love diy projects, you can find some fun and funky frames on Facebook marketplace, or check out Big Wall Decor for some of their budget stick-on options.
These finishing touches can transform an ordinary bedroom into an extraordinary one, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.
Understanding your target audience and providing amenities like board games can further enhance the guest experience, making your space more appealing, especially to families with children.
These can be stashed in the closet if you don’t have room for them, or if you don’t have another space such as a game room or storage in the living room area for them.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, small airbnb bedroom setup does not have to be complicated. Having the right furniture in your house is always important, and hopefully these tips will help you with affordable setup options for a basic yet stylish airbnb setup.
Shop Here
Some of the art, plants etc. you will need to find something that matches your room/vibe. But here is our favorites list to get you started.