The Ultimate Guide to Decorating Your Short Term Rental on a Budget

If you’re planning to rent out your property as a short term rental, decorating it can play a crucial role in attracting guests and making their stay comfortable. However, it’s easy to overspend on decor and furnishings, especially if you’re new to the world of short term rentals. In this guide, we’ll show you how to decorate your short term rental on a budget while still creating a welcoming and inviting space for your guests.

1. Determine your style

Before you start shopping for decor, it’s important to determine your style. Your short term rental should reflect your personality, taste, and the overall vibe of the location. Do you prefer a modern, minimalist look or a cozy, eclectic vibe? Knowing your style will help you make smarter purchasing decisions and create a cohesive look throughout your rental.

When you determine your style, consider the type of property you are decorating. For example, a beach house may lend itself to a nautical or coastal theme, while a mountain cabin may lend itself to a rustic or cozy theme. Consider the color scheme and materials that are typical of your location, and use them as inspiration for your decor.

2. Shop Secondhand

One of the best ways to decorate your short term rental on a budget is to shop secondhand. You can find unique and affordable decor items at thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. These stores often carry unique and interesting pieces that can add character to your space. Take some time to browse through these stores and you may be surprised by the gems you find. Look for items such as lamps, rugs, throw pillows, and artwork.

When shopping secondhand, it’s important to keep an open mind and think creatively. Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles, colors, and textures to create a unique and eclectic look. Also, make sure to thoroughly inspect each item for damage, stains, or odors before purchasing.

3. DIY decor

Another way to save money on decor is to create your own DIY pieces. You can make your own artwork, curtains, and pillow covers using affordable materials like fabric, canvas, and paint. There are many tutorials and inspiration online for easy and budget-friendly decor projects.

Creating your own decor can add a personal touch to your short term rental and make it feel more unique and special. Look for inspiration online, or browse through Pinterest for ideas. You can also consider using natural materials like driftwood, shells, or pine cones as decor elements to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside.

4. Focus on the essentials

When it comes to decorating your short term rental, it’s important to focus on the essentials first. This includes comfortable and functional furniture, bedding, and kitchen essentials. Don’t overspend on unnecessary decor items until you have the basics covered.

For example, invest in a high-quality pillows and bedding to ensure your guests get a good night’s sleep. Make sure your rental has enough seating and storage space to accommodate your guests. Also, invest in high-quality kitchen essentials like cookware, dishes, and utensils to make cooking and dining in your rental a pleasant experience.

5. Add greenery

Adding some greenery to your short term rental can liven up the space and create a more inviting atmosphere. Plants can be an affordable way to add color and texture to your decor. Look for low-maintenance plants like succulents, cacti, and snake plants that are easy to care for and can thrive in various lighting conditions.

Plants can also improve the air quality in your rental and create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Consider adding plants to different areas of your rental, such as the living room, bedrooms, dining room and kitchen.

6. Use Neutral Colors

When it comes to decorating your short term rental, choosing a color scheme can be one of the most important decisions you make. Using neutral colors like white, beige, and gray can create a timeless and sophisticated look in your space that will appeal to a wide range of guests.

These colors can help create a calming and relaxing atmosphere that guests will appreciate, and they can also make your space look larger and more open. Furthermore, neutral colors provide an excellent backdrop for bolder accents, such as colorful throw pillows, artwork, or decorative pieces, which can add some personality and character to your space.

Another advantage of using neutral colors in your short term rental is that they create a clean and fresh feel, which is important for short term rentals that need to be cleaned and refreshed frequently. By keeping your color palette simple and neutral, you can create a space that is both stylish and functional.

7. Create a Focal Point

Creating a focal point in your short term rental is an important aspect of interior design that can greatly enhance the overall look and feel of your space. A focal point is a visual centerpiece that draws attention and adds interest to a room. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, including a unique piece of furniture, a bold piece of artwork, or a statement wall.

A focal point can also help to tie your decor together and create a cohesive look. By creating a focal point, you can give your guests something to focus on and admire, while also creating a sense of balance and harmony in your space. A well-chosen focal point can be a great conversation starter, and it can also help to showcase your personal style and taste. In addition, a focal point can help to guide the eye around the room, creating a natural flow and balance that will make your guests feel comfortable and at ease.

Whether you choose to create a focal point with a unique piece of furniture, a bold piece of artwork, or a statement wall, it is sure to make a lasting impression on your guests and enhance the overall experience of your short term rental.

8. Get creative with storage

When it comes to short term rentals, space can be a premium, and it’s essential to maximize every square inch to ensure your guests have enough space to move around and enjoy their stay. Storage is one of the most important factors in making sure your short term rental is functional and comfortable for guests. Fortunately, there are many ways to get creative with storage in small spaces.

One great tip is to look for furniture pieces that double as storage, such as a storage ottoman or a coffee table with built-in storage. These types of furniture pieces not only provide a place to sit or rest your feet but also offer additional storage space to keep your rental organized and clutter-free. Wall shelves and baskets are also an excellent way to store items and add visual interest to your space. You can use them to display decor items or store books, magazines, or other items that you want to keep handy.

Another great way to maximize storage in your short term rental is to use the space under your bed, whether it’s with rolling storage containers or built-in drawers. This will allow you to make use of space that is often overlooked and create a functional and organized living space for your guests. By getting creative with storage options, you can create a functional and comfortable space for your guests, even if your short term rental is small on space.

9. Use Mirrors

Mirrors are an incredibly versatile decorating tool that can add visual interest and dimension to any space, including short term rentals. They are particularly useful in smaller spaces where natural light is limited, or where space is at a premium. One of the biggest benefits of mirrors is their ability to create the illusion of space, making your rental feel larger and more spacious than it actually is. This is especially true when you use large mirrors or place them strategically in your rental.

When it comes to decorating with mirrors in a short term rental, there are many creative ways to incorporate them into your decor. One popular method is to create a mirror gallery wall, which is a collection of mirrors in different shapes and sizes that are arranged together to create a visually striking focal point. This is a great way to add personality and character to your space while also maximizing the light and reflection benefits of mirrors.

Inexpensive mirrors can often be found at discount stores or thrift shops, and they can be a great way to decorate your short term rental on a budget. You can also upcycle an old mirror by painting the frame or adding a new frame to give it a fresh look. If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can even use mirror tiles to create a custom mirror wall that perfectly fits your space.

Decorating your short term rental on a budget can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and comfortable space for your guests without breaking the bank. Remember to keep things simple and focus on creating a cohesive look that reflects the style and vibe of your rental. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can achieve the perfect short term rental decor on a budget.

Property Holders offers furnishing services as well as short term rental management. If you are interested in any one of these services, contact us.