Whether you own a sprawling house or a cozy studio, your living room is the centerpiece that ties your entire home together. Not only is this where guests will linger the most, but a well-devised living space sets the scene for the rest of your vacation home and your guest experience.
When putting together your vacation rental living room, there’s more to consider than sofas and coffee tables. Think of all the activities that will happen there: TV watching, game playing, nap taking, book reading, working, and more. From furniture to accessories, here is a checklist to help you create a vacation rental living space that guests will want to splurge on and escape to.
Vacation rental and Airbnb living room essentials
Today’s travelers have high expectations for the vacation homes they book. They want a more luxurious experience that’s an escape from the everyday, while simultaneously offering all the cozy comforts of home. Impress them the moment they walk in by covering all the living room necessities.
Couch or sofa
A couch is so much more than a place to sit. Your seating area should foster conversations and togetherness. First, consider your home’s maximum occupancy and provide enough seating that would fit everyone comfortably. Then, intentionally position your furniture so guests face and focus on each other, not the walls or the TV. For the best investment, purchase couches with performance fabrics and hardwood frames that won’t sag or pill after just a few years.
Is your living room too small for a traditional couch? Consider just a loveseat or a pair of comfy armchairs with footrests. Want your living room to truly stand out? Get creative with alternatives, such as comfy floor cushions, a chaise lounge, or a daybed.
Vacation rental living room design tip
Increase your occupancy by turning your living room into an optional extra bedroom—opt for a sofa bed instead of a regular couch. Tuck extra sleeping pillows, clean sheets, and blankets in one of the bedrooms or in a basket nearby.
Coffee table
Give your guests a spot to set down their drinks, laptops, books, and your remote control. If your home attracts families, opt for a more kid-friendly round coffee table and avoid those made with glass. For extra storage (where you can stash extra pillows or throw blankets), think of purchasing a storage ottoman with a flat tray on top. If space is minimal, nesting coffee tables give guests the option of expanding or shrinking the surface area when needed. Other space savers include repurposing a bedside table or placing a narrow console table behind the couch.
Smart TV or streaming device
Invite guests to log in to their own streaming accounts to watch their favorite shows or movies. This can save you from paying for cable, as guests pay for their own streaming subscriptions. Also consider leaving behind an HDMI cable so guests can connect their laptop to your TV. Don’t have a smart TV? Buy a streaming device, such as a Roku or Amazon Fire TV Stick, that gives guests access to several streaming services. Remember to jot down instructions in your house manual.
Vacation rental living room tip
Accidents happen. Help prevent your TV from tumbling to the ground (and protect your guests) by buying straps that can secure your TV to either the wall or your entertainment center. Or, mount your TV directly to the wall.
WiFi
Nowadays, guests travel with all of their devices in tow. Make sure your network name and WiFi password are easy to find, and include instructions how to reset the router in case of any glitches. Invest not just in high internet speed, but updated hardware that can handle online gaming and playing videos all throughout your home. You may need to add internet boosters in the rest of the house to make sure there are no dreaded dead zones.
Lighting
Prioritize good lighting. Just as glaring fluorescent lighting can make a room feel stark and unpleasant, soft lighting puts guests at ease and sets a relaxing ambience. Include a floor lamp or smaller table lamps when guests want to read or have a movie night.
House manual & local recommendations
When managing your own vacation home, we suggest providing a one-stop spot for all the necessary details. This includes your WiFi passwords, check-in and check-out procedures, house rules, and simple instructions for your TV, streaming devices, and hot tub. This is also the ideal place to jot down your local recommendations and secrets to help guests explore their destination.
Art
Empty walls can make your living room feel incomplete. Create an enticing and cohesive look with wall art that reflects your destination. Think beyond paintings and photographs, too. We’ve seen mountain cabins with vintage skis securely mounted on the wall or beach cottages with retro travel posters.
Area rug
An area rug laid over hardwood or tile floors brings instant warmth, color, and texture to your living room. A rug can also complete your design aesthetic since it covers the most surface area. Some tips: Place a rug pad underneath for even more comfort, buy a color and texture that doesn’t show dirt easily, and consider a machine washable rug for hassle-free cleaning.
Window coverings
Outfit your windows with either curtains or blinds. This gives guests control over their privacy and the amount of light that streams into the living room. However, avoid vertical blinds or mini plastic blinds, as they can break easily.
