6 Best Decor Ideas for Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals

While it's important to make sure your space is clean and functional, don't forget about the importance of decor. A well-decorated vacation rental can help attract guests, increase bookings, and create a better vacation experience. Adding some thoughtful decor touches can also help elevate your space and make it feel like a true home away from home. Here, we'll share six of the best decor ideas to help you create an Airbnb that your guests will love.

The best Airbnb decor include:

• Local Artwork: Best for Showcasing the Area
• Throw Pillows: Best for Adding Coziness
• Plants: Best for Creating a Warm Atmosphere
• Unique Lighting: Best for Making a Statement
• Plush Rugs: Best for Tying the Room Together
• Accent Wall: Best for Adding Character

How We Selected the Best Airbnb Airbnb Decor

To select the best Airbnb decor ideas, we conducted research by analyzing various Airbnb and vacation rental listings from around the country, and taking into consideration the reviews and feedback from guests. We also consulted with other hosts and decor experts to gather insights on the latest trends in home decor. Our goal was to curate a list of decor ideas that are not only visually appealing, but also practical and easy to implement.

The best Airbnb decor items are:

1. Local Artwork: Best for Showcasing the Area

Incorporating local art into the decor of an Airbnb is a great way to add personality and character to the space. Local art can be a conversation starter and can help guests feel more connected to the community they are visiting. It can also give guests a sense of the local culture and history.

Another advantage of using local art as decor is that it is often affordable and easy to source. Many local artists sell their work online or at local galleries, and their pieces can be purchased at a variety of price points. Additionally, using local art supports the local economy and helps promote the arts in the community.

For artwork that can be appreciated by all, visit Etsy. Etsy is a treasure trove for work of small, local artists and photographers. If you don’t know where to start, try artworks of the city your property is located in. For example, the New York City subway is famous–why not add a print of it on your New York Airbnb’s wall? Get it on Etsy.

2. Throw Pillows: Best for Adding Coziness

Throw pillows are an easy and affordable way to add color, texture, and comfort to any space. They can be easily swapped out to refresh the decor and can help tie together different design elements in a room. Throw pillows are also a great way to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

One of the main advantages of using throw pillows as decor is their versatility. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be easily mixed and matched to create a unique and personalized look. Throw pillows can also be used to add an accent color to a room, helping to create a cohesive and polished design scheme. However, we are partial to neutral-colored throw pillows as they tend to look more sleek and sophisticated.

Another advantage of using throw pillows as decor is their comfort factor. They add softness and support to furniture, making it more comfortable for guests to relax and unwind. We especially love the Perry Throw Pillows that come in a set of 2 from Modloft. It's a bit pricey, but its high-quality construction and goose down and feather fill makes it a worthy investment.

3. Plants: Best for Creating a Warm Atmosphere

Plants are a great way to add life and energy to any space, and incorporating them into the decor of your Airbnb can help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Not only do they look beautiful, but plants also have numerous health benefits, such as purifying the air and reducing stress levels.

Another advantage of using plants as decor is that they can add a touch of nature and greenery to a space without taking up too much room. This is especially important for hosts who may be working with limited space or who don't want to overwhelm guests with too much decor. But when it comes to choosing the right plants for an Airbnb, it's important to choose ones that are low maintenance, like air plants.

Air plants don't require soil and can thrive in a variety of environments. They are easy to care for and require minimal attention, making them an ideal choice for those who may not have the time or resources to tend to more high-maintenance plants.

Air plants also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be displayed in many ways, from hanging planters to decorative bowls. For beautiful air plants, try Calyx Flowers.

4. Unique Lighting: Best for Making a Statement

Lighting fixtures are an often overlooked but essential component of interior design, and they can play a major role in creating a unique atmosphere in an Airbnb. Lighting fixtures can be used to make a statement and add personality to a space, while also providing functionality.

Lighting fixtures come in a wide range of styles, from vintage and industrial to modern and sleek. Hosts can choose a fixture that fits their overall design aesthetic and helps tie together the different elements of a room.

In addition to adding ambiance and style to a room, lighting fixtures can be used to provide task lighting for activities like reading or working. This can make a space more comfortable and functional for your guests.

For a variety of lighting fixtures, visit Visual Comfort & Co. They have a wide selection of fixtures from different designers, like the chandelier above from Julie Neill.

5. Plush Rugs: Best for Tying the Room Together

Rugs are a versatile and practical decor element that can be used to tie together different design elements in a room. Whether you're working with a small or large space, a rug can help define different areas of a room and create a cohesive and polished design scheme. By choosing the right rug for your Airbnb, you can add both style and comfort to your space.

Instead of purchasing a generic rug for your Airbnb, try an oriental or Persian carpet. Don’t get fooled: Persian carpets are a versatile decor element that can fit a variety of aesthetics, from traditional and classic to modern and contemporary. They add a touch of luxury and elegance, and are made with high-quality materials, such as wool and silk, which makes them durable and long-lasting.

Our favorite source of Persian rugs is Rug Source–they specialize in handmade oriental rugs, both modern and antique. Though the antique rugs are pricey, they also have more affordable options. Visit their website or Amazon store to see the full catalog. 

6. Accent Wall: Best for Adding Character

Accent walls are a popular decor idea that can add character to your Airbnb. By choosing a bold color or unique pattern for one wall in a room, hosts can create a statement piece to add depth and dimension.

Though wallpaper is a great choice to use for an accent wall, a more cost-effective solution is paint. Paint is easier to “install” than wallpaper, and also costs less overall. It’s also more durable and can last for years, whereas wallpaper needs little more maintenance, especially in humid climates.

The best paints we’ve found come from Heirloom Traditions Paint. Their all-in-one paints require no sanding, priming, or sealing–a great option for low-maintenance hosts that don’t want a hassle. They also come in 44 gorgeous colors that you can get samples of; we love the Peony, a pale pink that would look beautiful in a front room. Get a gallon now on their website or on the Heirloom Traditions Paint Amazon store.

Key Takeaway

Decorating your Airbnb is equally important for creating a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. A well-decorated space can make guests feel at home and add to the overall enjoyment of their vacation. By incorporating thoughtful and stylish decor elements like the six above, you can create a space that not only looks great but feels great, too.