How to make your Airbnb look premium without overspending

When it comes to hosting, Airbnb furniture plays a huge role in how guests perceive your rental. The right pieces don’t just decorate—they shape comfort, reviews, and the value of your listing. Many hosts make the mistake of buying cheap or trendy furniture that quickly breaks. The result? More expenses, bad reviews, and a space that doesn’t look premium.

I’m Daniela Cevallos, an Interior Architect specialized in residential design. I’ve helped hosts worldwide create stylish, functional spaces that are easy to maintain—because in the end, good design is also smart business.

The good news: you can create a premium rental design without spending a fortune. The key is investing in durable interiors that also look stylish. Here are five practical tips to make your Airbnb stand out.

Tip 1: Choose Durable Materials

Durability is essential when your space is rented out week after week. In a recent Olivos Aparment, we used lacquered MDF and melamine in neutral tones—materials that handle daily use while keeping a modern look. For sofas and chairs, performance fabrics are a safe choice: they resist stains and keep their shape. Avoid fragile pieces like thin glass tables or light fabrics—they won’t survive the rotation of guests.

Durable materials like melamine and performance fabrics keep your Airbnb looking stylish and functional, even with frequent guest use.

Tip 2: Prioritize Key Furniture Pieces

Not every item deserves the same budget. Guests notice the bed, the sofa, and the dining table the most. In the Forum Rental Apartment , the dining area was elevated with a striking marble table and dramatic dark fireplace, creating both sophistication and durability. Meanwhile, the living room relied on light, airy seating with soft fabrics—comfortable, inviting, and practical for everyday use. Side tables and small accessories, on the other hand, can be more budget-friendly as long as they complement the overall style.

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Tip 3: Make Your Airbnb Look Premium in Photos

Photos sell bookings. Guests often decide in seconds, so including at least one “wow” feature in your rental design is key. It could be a bold TV wall, a statement dining table, or a custom headboard. In my Luxury Residence project, we designed a continuous wood panel headboard that runs across the entire wall, integrating desks, lighting, and shelving. This piece not only adds warmth and sophistication but also creates a striking focal point that makes the bedroom instantly memorable in photos—exactly what helps a listing stand out online.

A continuous headboard with built-in desks creates both functionality and a striking focal point—practical for guests and unforgettable in photos.

Tip 4: Mix Retail and Custom Solutions

Premium doesn’t mean custom-made everything. Combine sturdy retail furniture with a few tailored elements to balance budget and uniqueness. For example, standard chairs paired with a built-in storage bench create a smart, durable solution. This mix makes your Airbnb design both cost-efficient and memorable.

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Tip 5: Refresh Without Replacing

You don’t need to change your Airbnb furniture every season. Extend its life and keep the space fresh with easy updates: new cushion covers, throws, lighting fixtures, or hardware. Small adjustments refresh the look without heavy investment, keeping your rental design premium and up-to-date.

Accessories, cushions, and bold colors can refresh your living room without replacing all the furniture—an easy, budget-friendly upgrade.

Stylish Airbnb interiors don’t have to be expensive. By focusing on durable furniture, smart investments, and simple updates, you’ll attract more guests, increase your reviews, and spend less in the long run.

If you’re planning to upgrade your Airbnb, I can help with moodboards, layout plans, and shopping lists—making the process easier and ensuring your rental looks premium while staying practical.

👉 Book a design consultation here