How to Choose Outdoor Furniture for Your Airbnb or Rental Property
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Time to read 5 min
Did you know Airbnb has its own ranking algorithm? Basically, it's a set of factors that property listings must meet in order to show up in the platform’s search results. The more criteria your rental meets, the higher it ranks in the search results, meaning more visibility and likely more bookings.
Various ranking factors impact these results, such as pricing, positive reviews, host-to-guest communication, and the quantity and quality of amenities. Travelers look for stocked kitchens, free Wi-fi, pet-friendly properties, and well-furnished outdoor spaces. Simply put, the design and outfitting of your Airbnb listing are integral parts of its success.
We can help you choose the best outdoor furniture and accessories for your Airbnb. From upfront planning to key design features and style suggestions, here’s what you need to create a welcoming alfresco aesthetic that will improve guest experiences and your search ranking.
Airbnb Essentials: How to Furnish Your Outdoor Spaces
Make vacation rental furniture and amenity selection faster and easier with these tips.
Make a Checklist
When furnishing your listing, organization is a must to ensure you've covered all your bases. Start an Airbnb host checklist that’s specific to your rental, or search online for lists created by seasoned property owners. Your outdoor furnishing list should include:
- Exterior color schemes, complete with chosen paint samples
- Measurements and floor plans, noting how much room you have for furniture
- The required furniture for each outdoor space
- Coordinating decor and entertaining essentials such as rugs, bar carts, and umbrellas
- Cozy accessories such as outdoor cushions, throw pillows, and blankets
- Lighting for added ambiance
Prioritize Guests' Needs
When selecting patio furniture for your Airbnb property, think about what would enhance your guests’ experiences.
- A cozy bistro set for two so couples can have a candlelit dinner outside.
- A deep seating lounge set where the groom-to-be and his buddies can kick back with cold beers on his bachelor party weekend.
- A big daybed swing where grandpa can read to his young grandson on their first vacation together.
Coordinate Interior and Exterior Style
Let your interiors flow into your outdoors to add value to your guests' stay. Connecting the home’s indoor style to the exterior spaces makes your rental property feel larger.
Offer At-Home Entertainment
Guests may use your Airbnb rental because it’s near an attraction or event they're attending, but they'll need things to do before and after those excursions. Stock your space with yard games like cornhole, Kan Jam, or giant Jenga to keep families entertained while bunking at your Airbnb.
Take Security Measures
Installing motion-sensing cameras, smart locks, and deadbolts keeps your property safe and gives the families who use it peace of mind.
Airbnb Furniture Key Features
Your outdoor furniture can make or break the overall success of your Airbnb property. Search for styles with these must-have qualities to maximize your ROI and make life easier.
Minimal Maintenance
Clean every piece of indoor and outdoor furniture between each guest visit. This sounds easy, but it can be an exhausting task, especially if you have multiple listings. Plus, the more time you spend cleaning, the more it costs you.
Solve this problem with low-maintenance outdoor furniture that only needs a quick wipe-down. This saves precious time that can be spent on upkeep elsewhere, such as sanitizing bathrooms, changing bed linens, or restocking the pantry.
Durability
Some travelers prefer mid-century decor, while others gravitate toward rustic charm. However, durability is something everyone can get behind. Well-built outdoor furniture pays for itself in the style and usability it brings to spaces—especially high-traffic areas. Plus, there are the long-term benefits that save time and money: easy cleaning, minimal maintenance, and not needing to buy replacements every year.
Weather Resistance
Outdoor furniture needs to withstand a range of environmental conditions, such as salty ocean air, thunderstorms, humidity, and constant sun exposure. Chances are, you won't always be able to cover your furniture in the event of inclement weather or have space to store it during the off-season. With this in mind, choose furnishings built from HDPE plastic, powder-coated aluminum, and other materials that can endure the elements.
POLYWOOD Furniture Airbnb Hosts Love
No matter your style or location, you can fill your vacation rental's outdoors with POLYWOOD furniture. These suggestions are based on other Airbnb hosts' choices for their vacation listings.
Long Island Upright Adirondack Chair
Here's a seat that's perfect for sunset views from the balcony or circled around the fire on a starlit night.
Lakeside 5-Piece Round Farmhouse Dining Set
This four-person set has an inviting vibe that's always ready for dinner.
Nautical Chaise
Let your guests switch to vacation mode with a few of these chaises lining your poolside.
Modern Adirondack Chair
This all-season Adirondack is fitting for sleek patio spaces or back decks with clean-lined yet casual aesthetics.
Estate 3-Piece Rocking Chair Set
Guests can ease into their day or unwind before bed with this all-weather rocker set.
Square 42" Fire Pit Table
A POLYWOOD fire pit table warms guests up with its cozy glow. Aside from refilling the propane tank when needed and covering the table between visits, there’s little upkeep required.
Main Street 7-Piece Dining Set
We paired our Genuine POLYWOOD™ lumber with powder-coated aluminum frames to create a collection of designs lighter in weight and profile—yet heavy-duty and highly durable. These styles are ideal for outdoor cafes, hotel lounges, short-term rentals, and busy backyards.
FAQs
What is the 80/20 rule for Airbnb?
The 80/20 rule, as it applies to Airbnb, means that 80% of your results stem from 20% of your efforts. Also called the Pareto Principle, this rule suggests that concentrating on the most impactful parts of your vacation rental business (listings, guests, and marketing strategies) can lead to greater efficiency and profitability (positive reviews, repeat bookings, and revenue).
What should I include in my Airbnb’s outdoor space?
Small details matter in creating great guest experiences. In addition to outdoor furniture, think about all the items families use regularly and add them to your Airbnb’s included amenities.
Insect repellent
Matches
Grill
Grilling utensils
Wood for fire pits
S'mores supplies
Pool toys
Beach towels
Seat cushions
What is the most durable furniture for a rental property?
The most durable outdoor furniture for short-term rental properties is made from durable HDPE or aluminum. These materials offer lasting durability, clean easily, and perform well in high-traffic areas—all things that matter for vacation rentals that see frequent use.
How much should you spend to furnish an Airbnb?
While costs vary depending on property size, amenities, and other factors, a general rule is to spend 10–15% of your Airbnb rental’s potential annual listing price on furnishings. So, if your listing is projected to generate $40,000 annually, spending $4,000–$6,000 on furniture and decor is reasonable.
How do I decorate my Airbnb on a budget?
Decorate your Airbnb with these budget-friendly tips:
Buy furnishings from thrift shops.
Save money and show your creativity with DIY decor.
Opt for wall mirrors that make your spaces look bigger and double as artwork.
Look for moisture- and stain-resistant fabrics or removable cushion covers you can machine wash.
Choose a neutral color palette that goes with everything.
