Where to Splurge vs. Save When Furnishing a Short-Term Rental
Before spending your money, make sure it’s going in the right places
April 23rd, 2026 | 5 minute read
Furnishing a short-term rental comes down to priorities. Not everything needs the same level of investment.
A well-designed rental isn’t necessarily the one with the highest budget. It’s the one where the money is placed intentionally. Here’s how to think about it.
Where to splurge
Mattress + Bedding
Design sets the first impression, but comfort defines the stay. A quality mattress and well-built bed frame are worth investing in. Skip flimsy metal frames and opt for something more grounded like wood or an upholstered bed. Ideally, avoid very light fabrics that will show wear quickly in a rental setting.
This is one of the most used spaces in the home, so it is worth putting real thought and budget into it, both for how it looks and how it performs for guests.
Sofa + Main Seating
After the bedrooms, the living room is the second place people will spend most of their time. Watching a movie, hanging out with friends and family, scrolling on their phone, reading a book. The sofa needs to be comfortable, durable, and easy to maintain. This is not the place to cut corners.
If the house can host more than four people, a sectional is usually the better choice, especially if there are no other common seating areas in the home. It maximizes comfort and makes the space feel more accommodating and functional for groups.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most underrated design decisions in a short-term rental. It can completely change how a space feels both in photos and in person. This is not the place for basic builder-grade fixtures or harsh overhead lighting.
Bad lighting ruins good design. Simple as that. Go for warm light that makes the space feel good the second you walk in. Overhead lighting should be clean and functional, not harsh or overwhelming. Lamps should be doing most of the work.
Every space should have all three: overhead lighting, a floor lamp, and a table lamp.
Amenities
Amenities are exactly where you should SPLURGE. If you need to purchase a lower-priced home in order to invest properly in them, then do it. In today’s STR market, a home without thoughtful amenities will not perform well.
Top amenities will depend on your STR’s location, however generally the ones with the highest ROI are:
Pool (always #1)
Hot tub
Outdoor fire pit
Dedicated game room with arcade games and game tables
In-home movie theater
Pickleball court
Golf simulator
Full home gym
Sauna
Cold plunge
Outdoor Areas
Depending on your STR’s location, shared spaces are just as important as interiors. This is where guests naturally spend time together, so it needs to feel intentional, fun, and amenity-packed. Think of every common area where guests gather as a place worth investing in.
If you can add any of the amenities mentioned above, you are already winning. If those are out of budget, there are still ways to design the space well. Break the outdoor area into zones: one for conversation, one for dining, one open area for play, yard games, or even dogs if allowed.
As long as the layout feels intentional and not like scattered furniture, the space will still work hard for the guest experience.
Where to save
Some Decor + Styling Pieces
Some decor and styling pieces
Don’t get me wrong. Vases, trays, books, shelves, plants, they are all necessary to bring a space to life. But they do not need a big budget. Instead of sourcing everything from places like West Elm or Crate & Barrel, look at HomeGoods, Amazon, or even Etsy for more unique and affordable finds. There is always a more cost-effective option that still looks great.
You are better off having more pieces to layer and style throughout the home, rather than putting your entire budget into just a few decor items.
Secondary Furniture
Nightstands, side tables, stools, and benches do not need to be investment pieces. These are not the items guests are booking for, so there is no need to overspend here.
Focus on pieces that look good, are comfortable, and fit the design or theme of the home.
Bathroom Accessories
Things like trays, soap dispensers, towel holders, and art do not need a big budget. If it fits the budget, it can be fun to add painted walls or wallpaper for some character, but it is not necessary. Most guests actually prefer bathrooms that feel clean and simple, often with white or neutral walls that feel cleaner.
Guests care about cleanliness and being well stocked, not the individual product choices. There is no need to invest in expensive soap or luxury bath mats. This is not somewhere you should necessarily “skimp” out on, but it is a place where more affordable options work perfectly fine.
The bottom line
Another place to SPLURGE is hiring a short-term rental–specialized interior designer, like House of Ellie Interiors. I know exactly where to save and where to invest so your budget is actually working where it matters most.
Every project includes budget guidance, which means we map out where your money should go before anything gets purchased. It keeps the design focused, avoids impulse buys, and makes sure you are not wasting money on things that do not move the needle for your listing. It also helps prevent expensive mistakes that look good in theory but do not work in real life or in the STR market.
The goal is simple, every dollar should have a reason behind it and directly support how the space performs and feels for guests.
Ready to transform your rental?
It’s time to leave cookie-cutter behind and create a rental with personality and purpose. If you’ve been looking for a sign, this is it.