Decorating a vacation rental can be daunting. There’s so much to consider when creating a space that feels like home-away-from-home for guests! But don’t worry. We’re here to help make it a fun and budget-friendly process. We’ll chat about everything from investing in mattresses that last to getting creative with decor items and all the little details in between.
Furnishing a Rental Property Checklist
Stick to a Color Scheme and Theme
Vacation rental guests often appreciate a certain level of consistency and coziness in their temporary accommodations — it helps them feel like they’re really on vacation rather than just in another hotel room. In fact, color psychology, which is used by big brands and companies, plays a massive role in how we experience our surroundings.
Specific colors can evoke certain emotions, so choosing a color scheme that sets the tone for your rental space is important. For example, stick to cooler tones like blues and greens if you want your rental to feel calming and relaxing. On the other hand, if you’re going for a more upbeat, energetic vibe, opt for brighter colors like yellows and oranges.
To give your guests this feeling without breaking the bank, stick to a simple color scheme and theme throughout the rental unit. For example, you could choose a blue and white nautical theme for a beachfront condo or a rustic lodge look for a cabin in the woods.
Once you’ve decided on a direction, shop around for furniture and decor that fits the theme and complements the existing architecture and fixtures in the unit. Secondhand stores, flea markets and online marketplaces are great places to find budget-friendly furniture and decor. With a bit of time and effort, you can easily furnish your vacation rental on a budget while still providing your guests with an unforgettable experience.
Use Multifunctional Furniture
Using multifunctional furniture is a great way to furnish a vacation rental on a budget. What do we mean by multifunctional furniture? Basically, it’s furniture that can serve more than one purpose — for example, a coffee table that also doubles as storage or a daybed that spends its daylight hours as a sofa.
Multifunctional furniture is excellent for vacation rentals because it saves you money on furnishing items while still providing your guests with everything they need. Plus, it frees up space, so your rental doesn’t feel cramped or cluttered. And who doesn’t love extra storage space when they’re on vacation?
Choose Cost-Friendly Decor Items
When decorating a vacation rental on a budget, remember a few things. First, choosing items that will give the space a polished and put-together look regardless of cost is essential. Budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean cheap or tacky. Also, it’s always a good idea to plan how to use each piece of decor before making your purchase. What does it add to the space? With those things in mind, here are a few low-cost decor items that are great for vacation rentals:
- Area rugs – They can add color, pattern and texture to a space and are relatively inexpensive. If you plan on using area rugs in your rental, be sure to choose ones that are durable and easy to clean.
- Pillows and throws – Pillows and throws are another great way to add color, pattern and texture to a space. They’re also relatively inexpensive and can be easily swapped out seasonally or as your taste changes. Plus, the right bedding pillows will win you great reviews with guests who appreciate a good night’s sleep.
- Artwork – This is a great way to personalize a space and make it feel like home. And the good news is that you don’t have to spend much money on artwork to achieve this. There are plenty of affordable options available online and at local stores. You can also keep an eye out for yard sales and thrift store finds or partner with local artists to showcase their work in your rental.
Invest in Quality Where Necessary
When furnishing a vacation rental on a budget, it’s important to invest in quality where necessary. For example, a good quality mattress is worth the investment — it’ll last longer, and you won’t have to replace it continually. We’re in love with memory foam mattresses for their combination of comfort and support. Still, there are plenty of other great options available.
The same goes for high-use appliances like the fridge, stove and dishwasher. It’s worth spending a little extra on these items upfront, so you don’t have to deal with costly repairs or replacements down the road. And when buying these new, you might want to inquire about the extended warranties to ensure they’re covered in case something goes wrong.
Shop Secondhand
One of the best ways to furnish a vacation rental on a budget is to shop secondhand. And where once folks might have shunned the idea, shopping items listed for resale has surged in popularity in recent years thanks to the likes of Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and even Instagram.
Those online marketplaces, secondhand stores and flea markets are great places to find low-cost furniture and decor. Plus, shopping secondhand allows you to add character and personality to your rental without breaking the bank. When shopping secondhand, scrutinize each item for any damage or wear and tear. You’ll also want to ensure it’s clean and in good working condition before bringing it into your rental.
It’s also important to know what you can and can’t do when it comes to refinishing items. If you have the skills to refinish a piece of furniture, great! Just be sure to do your research first and use the proper techniques and products so you don’t damage the item. And factor those extras — like sandpaper, paint and brushes — into your budget. You’d be surprised how quickly a $10 table turns into a $100 project.
Don’t Go Overboard – Less Is More!
Finally, don’t forget that less is more when furnishing a vacation rental. You don’t need to fill every square inch of your rental with furniture and decor. In fact, doing so can make your rental feel cramped and cluttered. So, sometimes, the best way to stay within budget is simply not buying anything at all! Instead, focus on filling the space with the essentials and then adding a few carefully curated pieces that add personality and style. This will help create an inviting and relaxing environment for your guests — without breaking your budget.
Final Thoughts on Furnishing Vacation Rentals
Furnishing a vacation rental on a budget doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these tips, you can save money and still create a stylish and inviting space for your guests. Remember to focus on quality over quantity, shop secondhand whenever possible, and don’t go overboard with the furnishings. With some planning and effort, you can easily furnish your rental without breaking the bank.
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