I’m an Airbnb Host, and This Is the Affordable Decor I Swear By
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I’d always dreamed of having a vacation home, though my net worth wasn’t quite of the Taylor Swift-ian caliber to afford it. But what if I could cover my costs by Airbnb-ing it when I wasn’t in town? That simple idea sparked a savings strategy, eventually leading to my husband and I fixing up a two-bedroom house in Clearwater, Florida (note to Swifties: not a timeshare in Destin, thank you).
Designing and decorating it was a dream! Redecorating it every four to six months, as things broke, fell apart or ahem, disappeared, was less so. Three years in, I’ve had to learn quickly what items truly hold up and which ones are a total waste of money. Or are incredibly cheap…and it shows. I’ve come to view my rental as a testing lab of sorts, where I nerd out over a spreadsheet and note my findings on the best Airbnb decor—and what to avoid ever buying again. It isn’t just useful for restocking the house; it’s become a “what’s worth it” cheat sheet I’ve shared with friends and family as they look for affordable finds for their own homes. And, in case it’s helpful, I wanted to share my must-haves with you. Because there are better ways to spend your hard-earned cash than on scratchy, pill-prone sheets or a rug that becomes threadbare in less than a year.
The Best Airbnb Decor at a Glance
@lexmcfarlane
How I Chose the Best Airbnb Decor
This list is based on my own trial and error over the past three years, testing dozens of items firsthand, and collecting feedback from guests and my cleaning service (which manages several other Airbnbs). I tried to create a Venn diagram of quality and affordability, focusing on items that touched on those overlapping spheres.
20 Family-Friendly Airbnbs in Upstate New York
The Best Airbnb Decor of 2024, Tested & Reviewed
@lexmcfarlane
1. Nathan James ‘Dylan’ Media Console
@lexmcfarlane
An entertainment console so nice, I bought it twice! No, seriously. I loved this console so much that I bought one for my home. You can assemble it in half an hour, and it features push-open magnetic cabinet doors that can stow board games, remotes—even our bulky modem. I love the sleek herringbone pattern and how remarkably affordable it is, compared to other consoles that run $400 and up. (However, I will note that the laminate coating doesn’t hold up as well to taped-on decorations, so be wary of that, if you hang garlands or bunting up during the holidays.)
2. Threshold Performance Plus Bath Towels
@lexmcfarlane
I’ve bought towels ranging from $5 to $30 apiece, and none have stayed as fluffy—while remaining absorbent—quite like this $9 Target find. They feel luxurious, yet they aren’t too pricey, and they don’t get that scratchy, starchy feel of bulk-buy motel towels. I order them in white, so they’re easy to bleach, but I’ve gotten other colors before, and they maintain their vibrancy wash after wash.
3. Vangao 96-Inch-Long Blackout Curtains
@lexmcfarlane
I follow the old decorator’s rule to have your curtain rods kiss the ceiling to make a room seem more spacious, which is why I love that this Amazon find comes in lengths ranging from 63 inches to 96. What’s more, these thick curtains block out 80 percent of light, though I’ll be honest: I actually doubled up and use two layers, because our bedrooms feature east- and west-facing windows that will wake a person up at 6 a.m. sharp. And nobody wants that when they’re on vacation. Unless they’re headed to Disney. Or a fishing trip.
4. Tommy Bahama 2-Piece Deep-Seat Cushion Set
@lexmcfarlane
Go ahead, buy the outdoor furniture set, but when you do, treat yourself to one little upgrade that will make a huge difference: new cushions. The standard ones tend to be pancake-thin, and flatten and fade quickly. Investing in a plush-yet-firm set, like this Tommy Bahama design, instantly elevates your alfresco experience. Trust.
5. Nest Smart Programmable Thermostat
@lexmcfarlane
OK, it’s less decor but still a home must-have, whether you’re considering a rental or using it in your own home. A Nest thermostat is easy to use and adjust the temperatures in a home, and for an Airbnb, it comes in extra handy when a guest checks out—and leaves the temp at 55 in mid-July. (You can easily adjust things remotely, via your phone.) The brand claims you can save $131 to $145 a year, on average, with its Savings Finder setting, which I’ve found to be true. Some energy companies will even offer you a discount or rebate for upgrading to a smart thermostat, too.
6. Threshold Reversible Cotton Stripe Quilt
@lexmcfarlane
As much as I love a big, fluffy duvet—and I have them at my Airbnb—I find I’m constantly replacing the covers. (They get torn and stained nonstop.) Every cleaning service I’ve spoken to prefers quilts anyway, because they’re faster to wash and dry. And I’m adamant that all bedding must be professionally cleaned between stays, so I’ve stocked up on the latter over the past few years. Out of every brand I’ve tried, guests rave about this humble Target quilt the most. Even over competitors that cost me twice as much. It’s breathable (and OEKO-TEX certified, so it wasn’t made with harsh chemicals) and it has a decent heft, so you don’t get night sweats, but it doesn’t feel puny either.
7. Taman Lotus Rain Chain Set
@lexmcfarlane
Afternoon showers are a routine event in the Tampa Bay area, and when we needed to replace our gutters, I traded them out for copper-colored rain chains. They make a quiet, twinkling sound when you’re out on the patio—not loud enough to hear indoors, thankfully—and are fun to watch the rain trickle from lotus to lotus as you sip coffee and unwind. I like to think of ‘em like jewelry for your yard.
8. Cuisinart Stand Mixer
@lexmcfarlane
While I have a Breville Bakery Chef and I love it, I’ve also owned Cuisinart and KitchenAid stand mixers, and for the price point, Cuisinart is the way to go. (Here’s how the stand mixers compare, in case you’re curious.) It’s been every bit as reliable, with a 5.5-quart capacity and 12 speeds that can tackle everything from fluffy buttercream and meringues to hearty doughs. It’s eye candy in a kitchen, but I’ve also heard from several people that it’s a real draw, especially for longer stays.
9. Under-Cabinet Paper Towel Holder
@lexmcfarlane
No matter where you live, you can never have enough counter space. That’s why I love having an under-cabinet paper towel holder, so a roll is always within arm’s reach but never in the way. I’ve been impressed by this Amazon find, which has lasted two years and is going strong—others I’ve tried have bent or fallen off within months. (Tip: Skip the adhesive tape and screw it in. It’s worth the effort.)
10. Mellanni Iconic Collection Linens
@lexmcfarlane
Over the past three years, I’ve bought every brand of sheets under the sun, from big splurges that I thought would help create a more luxury resort vibe to buzzy, influencer-beloved brands that were constantly shouted about on Instagram and TikTok. In reality, the most, “hey, where’d you get those sheets?” asks involve this Mellanni set. Yup, the budget-friendly brand holds up, largely because the brushed microfiber is buttery soft and the sheets don’t tend to pill over time. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and sizes, and tend to be pretty stain- and wrinkle-resistant.
