STR Furniture Setup
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Real Estate Agent · Colorado | stan.store/JamesCarlson · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
1yMay be counter to what others think, but I would buy all new everything (and possibly hire a designer).
From our own experience and what I see with my Colorado STR clients, there are two reasons:
1. Time. Sure you can try to do it on Craigslist and FB marketplace, but you'll spend so much time messaging, driving around, delivering, etc. Just buy in one or two places (Amazon is incredible now) to reduce time waste.
Plus, doing it flea-market styl you're less likely to put together a cohesive design, which brings me to ...
2. Revenues. The Airbnb world is competitive now. The vacation rental clients I see having the most success here in Colorado are the ones that have great design. They either hired a designer or bought a cohesive look.
My two cents. What do others think?
27 Replies
- Real Estate Agent · Colorado | stan.store/JamesCarlson · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes1y
May be counter to what others think, but I would buy all new everything (and possibly hire a designer).
From our own experience and what I see with my Colorado STR clients, there are two reasons:
1. Time. Sure you can try to do it on Craigslist and FB marketplace, but you'll spend so much time messaging, driving around, delivering, etc. Just buy in one or two places (Amazon is incredible now) to reduce time waste.
Plus, doing it flea-market styl you're less likely to put together a cohesive design, which brings me to ...
2. Revenues. The Airbnb world is competitive now. The vacation rental clients I see having the most success here in Colorado are the ones that have great design. They either hired a designer or bought a cohesive look.
My two cents. What do others think?
- 1yJohn UnderwoodPro MemberInvestor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
I've seen a checklist on here in the past. You should be able to search and find it.
- Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes1y
Buy everything pre-assembled if possible, especially items with drawers and moving parts. At least some of what you save buying it unassembled you will pay to someone else or your own time putting it together, plus that adde time with bottleneck and delay the rest of your setup. Pre-assembled items also tend to be of better quality and have less parts, making them less prone to failure and saving you replacement and liability costs over the life of your listing.
Also agree with consolidating vendors and buying stuff in sets when possible. You will have a literal mountain of cardboard, so you may want to get a rollaway dumpster as well (not an exaggeration), so the more you can cut down on the total number of boxes shipped the better.
For anything that can fit in a suitcase, shoot for "value" grade items that are good quality/durable and pleasant to use, but not luxury, because if it's too nice and unique someone will help themselves to it. I have a shopping list with these items so feel free to PM me.
- 1yCollin HaysBusiness MemberProperty Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
Quote from @Kwanza P.:
What tips do people have as far as setting up furniture (including stocking your kitchen or other stuff) for an STR or MTR? Lessons learned ? Best practices? Wish I'd knowns ? Did you do everything yourself (design, purchase/order, delivery/set up), or hire a company ? Are you local or a landlord at a distance (as I will be)?
Buy leather, buy quality. Good leather furniture can last a decade. Fabric can ugly out next week. We also furnish with sturdy vintage and antiques. Of course, that might not fit your decor, but for log cabins, it can't be beat.
Try not to go chintzy. Don't get the cheapest coffee pot at Wal-Mart. Spring an extra 20 for the stainless steel finish one with a couple of goodies on it. Try not to buy some off brand TV. Spend an extra hundred for that Sony or Samsung name on the front, so that your guests know you didn't cheap out on them.
- 1yAndrew SteffensBusiness MemberTampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
Unless you are an aspiring, amateur, or even pro designer I recommend hiring one. A few thousand extra will yield a better product and save you valuable time and will offer a positive ROI in the long run. Pro design, pro photos, pro management - unless you consider yourself a pro in any/all of those categories.
Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews @Kwanza P. I hate to break from the wisdom of the others here, but here is my perspective. How involved are you in this house? Sometimes when I buy a house for a STR I see a vision partially formed in my mind of a theme. It might be cowboy, it might be grandma's house, it might be the rendezvous site. Then I buy furniture, art, and anything else that promotes the theme. The house usually has renovations going on for a few months, so I have time to shop facebook and even yardsales. Now if you just bought a house, had new flooring and paint done, maybe a small update on kitchen or bathroom, then hiring someone else to do it seems the best track. It is not unusual for me to spend 6 months or more renovating a house to become a STR. Part is time, part is money. I recently bought an extremely nice couch, loveseat, and 2 recliners, all nice leather, for under $1,000.00. They would go great in nearly any rental I have and it is normally a $4K set of furniture. However if you waste 2 months buying and doing it yourself, you will have lost money. So consider the amount of time you have compared to money, how soon your peak season is, and if you already have a theme or not. The rest of the furnishings, like the kitchen can be bought at Walmart, Bed Bath nd Beyond, or simply off of Amazon, depending on the quality desired. Best of luck bud!
- 1yJustin SheleyBusiness MemberInvestor · Rockford, IL · Member since 2016 · 94 posts · 220 votes
I think a lot of this is market and property specific. Not that you don't want quality in every STR but you need to know where you fall on the spectrum of budget stays up to luxury housing.
Regardless with the growth in STR I think its important to theme and create spaces that can stop the scroll through photographs. If you don't have a clear vision for the property on how to do this, then a designer is probably well worth the investment.
On the more practical side, we have found it difficult to find quality sleeper sofas, and have decided to remove them when given the chance. Instead I would look to add additional sleeping options with either a murphy bed or built in bed nook, so you can accommodate full size mattresses. Much better guest experience than the pull our sofas in our opinion.
- Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes1y
Quote from @Justin Sheley:
On the more practical side, we have found it difficult to find quality sleeper sofas, and have decided to remove them when given the chance. Instead I would look to add additional sleeping options with either a murphy bed or built in bed nook, so you can accommodate full size mattresses. Much better guest experience than the pull our sofas in our opinion.Agreed, pull out sofas that you would actually want to sleep on are the white whale of the STR world. I find that the typical fold out design is inherently flawed because you can't fit enough mattress inside a couch to be comfortable if it needs to be folded 2-3 times, and then you have a support bar running across the center of your back on top of a thin mattress.
The pull out roller style is a better design but much less to choose from.
- Property Manager · Fort Collins, CO · Member since 2024 · 28 posts · 13 votes1y
I highly recommend hiring a professional interior designer. Even if you want to take a first pass at the design yourself, having a professional's eye (paired with professional photography) will make a huge impact.
Focus on ROI-driven amenities like hot tubs, bicycles, and inviting outdoor spaces. Be sure your main living areas can comfortably accommodate the number of guests your home sleeps. And don't shy away from color or personality—unique, well-designed spaces stand out in a competitive market!
- MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes1y
It definitely depends on your market and your property. I have a small beach condo 90mins away that I went higher end on key pieces like Bassett for bedroom and misc living/dining room tables. My sofa and loveseat are new La-Z-Boy with a darker, stain resistant fabric but I also have a few pieces from Facebook and yard sales sprinkled in for filler. I tend toward modern, minimalist and want quality wood furniture, flatware, original (not necessarily expensive) art and nice light fixtures but that's just kind of my personal taste overflowing. I do the design for renovations and furnished myself.
- Investor · Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 146 posts · 72 votes1y
Hey Kwanza! If you're setting up an STR/MTR, invest in cohesive design—guests book with their eyes. Buy new, pre-assembled furniture when possible (Wayfair, local furniture stores), stick to mid-range kitchen gear, and avoid bargain items that feel cheap. If you're remote, hire help locally for setup or even a designer—it'll save time and boost your nightly rate. There are Virtual STR Designers who can recommend a theme and put a selection of furniture and decor together. You only have to order those. Then hire a stager locally who will assemble and install all furniture and help with getting the home guest-ready. Most importantly, treat the furnishing process like marketing—because it is. All the best!
- Thanks Anja! Any tips on finding the best designers and stagers? Even this first step is overwhelming for me.
Quote from @Anja Schaer:
Hey Kwanza! If you're setting up an STR/MTR, invest in cohesive design—guests book with their eyes. Buy new, pre-assembled furniture when possible (Wayfair, local furniture stores), stick to mid-range kitchen gear, and avoid bargain items that feel cheap. If you're remote, hire help locally for setup or even a designer—it'll save time and boost your nightly rate. There are Virtual STR Designers who can recommend a theme and put a selection of furniture and decor together. You only have to order those. Then hire a stager locally who will assemble and install all furniture and help with getting the home guest-ready. Most importantly, treat the furnishing process like marketing—because it is. All the best!
- Investor · Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 146 posts · 72 votes1y
Quote from @Kwanza P.:
Thanks Anja! Any tips on finding the best designers and stagers? Even this first step is overwhelming for me.Quote from @Anja Schaer:
Hey Kwanza! If you're setting up an STR/MTR, invest in cohesive design—guests book with their eyes. Buy new, pre-assembled furniture when possible (Wayfair, local furniture stores), stick to mid-range kitchen gear, and avoid bargain items that feel cheap. If you're remote, hire help locally for setup or even a designer—it'll save time and boost your nightly rate. There are Virtual STR Designers who can recommend a theme and put a selection of furniture and decor together. You only have to order those. Then hire a stager locally who will assemble and install all furniture and help with getting the home guest-ready. Most importantly, treat the furnishing process like marketing—because it is. All the best!
Most Interior Designers or Stagers do have websites and a Social Media presence nowadays, so you can do a search online for your market. You can also check out Paige Hayes with https://hayes-and-co.com/. She does virtual Design for STRs and she's one of the best. She might even have a resource or Stager contact in your market. Good luck Kwanza!
- Property Manager · USA · Member since 2018 · 87 posts · 50 votes1y
We have a low-cost solution where our designer will shop for your entire home. The homeowner gets an Excel sheet with prices and links where they can purchase items based on their budget, as well as a nice placement PDF so the assembler knows where each item goes! We tend to hire furniture assemblers at $25-$30/hour.
- 1yJudy WensloffBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Oakhurst Mariposa Yosemite West Wawona Coarsegold, Fish Camp CA · Member since 2022 · 17 posts · 13 votes
Hey Kwanza! You're getting a lot of great tips here...
Here are some simple things that I've learned over many years and setting up many rentals that quite often designers do not think of!
Less is more. Think about your cleaners! Will they be able to clean everything the way you want it in the time they have (usually 2-4 hours for a turnaround).
Will the linens fit inside a standard washer? Big fluffy quilts and comforters are pretty and usually cheap, but higher quality THIN quilts and coverlettes wash so much easier! I know people love their whites, we have found working in a rural area, dirt colored patterns works so much better (big fan of taupe), and with all the new Oxy type cleaning products, they work just as good if not better than bleach on whites. White shows the slightest of stain, taupe pattern, not so much. Again, PLAN THE HOUSE FOR THE TURN AROUND, not for when the cleaners have a couple of days between bookings.
For kitchen items, think durability (i.e. stainless steel carafe vs glass carafe in a coffee maker). High tech kitchen items seem luxurious, however they also break down and are difficult to use, and expensive to replace. We have found guests (especially international guest for which we have many near Yosemite) prefer simple, practical and easy to use.
Consider a staging company for photos. Sometimes you can (very cheaply), hire someone to stage with a few extra pillows, and decorative items for photos and then remove for the actual rental, just leaving enough behind so the house looks good. In over 10 years, we have never had anyone notice, or complain.
Outdoor furniture, I have become a huge fan of the kind that doesn't have any cushions. You can have stager put a few blankets and pillows for pictures. But when out door furniture cushions mistakenly get left out in weather...big hassle, and it WILL happen. The same with out door carpets!
I think those are all my pet peeves for now...lol!
Best of luck, and have fun!!!
The Yosemite Real Estate Team brokered by eXp52 Reviews - 1yJosh SedivyBusiness MemberSt. Louis, MO · Member since 2024 · 134 posts · 55 votes
Here are some advice and tips that I can share.
1. Design with durability in mind: Choose neutral, cohesive colors that photograph well. Prioritize stain-resistant, easy-to-clean materials. Use area rugs to protect floors and add warmth.2. Layout for flow & functionality: Avoid overcrowding rooms; leave space to move. Ensure good lighting and functional outlets in key areas.
3. Go for comfort: Invest in quality mattresses and blackout curtains.Use mattress protectors and washable duvet covers. Provide nightstands and lamps in every bedroom.
For Kitchen & Essentials
1. Stock like a real home: Full set of cookware, bakeware, utensils, cutting boards, and knives. Coffee setup (drip + pods if you can), blender, toaster, microwave. Oil, salt, pepper, basic spices, dish soap, dishwasher pods.
2. Include convenience items: Paper towels, trash bags, and cleaning supplies. Wine opener, measuring cups/spoons, scissors.
For Operational Tips
1. Document everything: Create a detailed inventory spreadsheet of all furnishings and supplies.
2. Smart home upgrades: Use keyless entry locks with remote access. Add Wi-Fi thermostats, security cameras (exterior only), noise monitors.3. Minimize long-term headaches: Anchor all furniture to the wall. Avoid glass tables or fragile decor.
If you're local: You can DIY most of it, especially if you're on a budget. Consider hiring TaskRabbit or local furniture assemblers to speed things up.
If you're managing remotely: Strongly consider hiring a turnkey setup company or local STR design service. Alternatively, hire a local cohost or project manager who can: Receive deliveries and coordinate furniture assembly
For Lessons Learned & “Wish I’d Known”
Don’t cheap out on mattresses because bad sleep = bad reviews.
Have backups like two sets of linens/towels per bed, a backup air mattress, etc.Don’t assume guests will be careful; plan for wear and tear.
Take professional photos, they’ll make or break your listing.
I hope this helps! :)
- Property Manager · Chattanooga, TN · Member since 2018 · 179 posts · 134 votes1y
One suggestion is to utilize ChatGPT. It seems to get better every week at taking photos of existing spaces and re-designing and re-arranging them. You can at least use it for initial inspiration and go from there.
- Property Manager · Orlando, FL · Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 8 votes1y
One tip we always recommend—especially for STRs and MTRs—is to go with all-white linens: quilts, bedsheets, pillowcases, and mattress protectors. White not only gives a clean, hotel-like feel, but it also reassures guests that everything is freshly laundered and spotless. When linens are patterned or dark, guests can sometimes wonder if they’re truly clean—white removes all doubt. Plus, it’s easier to bleach and maintain consistency across units.
Whether you’re setting things up yourself or working remotely, this small detail can make a big difference in guest experience and reviews. Happy to share more if you’re setting up from a distance—it's definitely doable with the right systems in place!
- Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2025 · 13 posts · 5 votes1y
Does anyone have a formula/mindset for balancing time vs. money when furnishing an STR from scratch?
I’m debating whether to hire a professional designer or handle everything myself.
What do you all think about:
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- At what point does the ROI from better-quality design justifies the added cost
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- How you calculate the value of speed (getting to “fully furnished” faster = quicker cash flow)
Would love to hear how others have approached this tradeoff!
- Property Manager · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2019 · 505 posts · 178 votes18h
Devon, having worked on both STR design and day-to-day hosting, I'd price the design plan and the physical setup separately. You may only need help with the layout and shopping list, then someone local for assembly. Ask what happens when an item is out of stock, who checks measurements, and who handles substitutions. A beautiful rendering doesn't save you time if you're still making every purchase decision yourself.
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I’ve had good luck mixing durable basics with one or two fun statement pieces that photograph well. Adding hanging egg chairs in my patio area made the listing feel more like a mini getaway, and guests keep mentioning them in reviews. They’re sturdy, weather‑friendly, and the two‑seater version became a surprise hit for couples doing weekend stays.
- 5moAdam TafelBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · St. Paul, MN · Member since 2017 · 593 posts · 403 votes
Long time Twin Cities (Minnesota) STR/MTR host here… I use Facebook marketplace to find gently-used and quality bigger ticket items (sectional, bed frame, dining table/chairs, TV), then fill in the gaps using IKEA (end tables, art, flatware, etc). The key is to not have your home look cheap, like so many STRs do. If you order everything on Wayfair/Amazon your guests will notice, but if the more important items are clearly nicer in quality your listing will be elevated above the norm. For example, I might spend 1500 on a 5000 sectional, 600 on a 3000 dining room table, etc. It's a buyers market out there for used furniture!
Upside Property Sales 4.9110 Reviews - Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes5mo
Use Wayfair to look for options, but do a reverse image search first before buying- you might be surprised what it actually costs. Wayfair screen scrapes and drop ships, they are not a retailer.
Minimize assembly, it is the biggest furnishing bottleneck there is. Even unboxing and dealing with the packaging is way more work than you think. Plus you tend to get better quality with assembled items because they are built to ship as a whole item and have less moving parts. For anything that can fit in a suitcase, buy nice enough to be durable and aesthetically pleasing but not so nice that they want to take it home. On a related note, try not to stock items that people tend to need as they are leaving, such as charging cords and food storage containers.
No drawers on bedside end tables. You can imagine what gets placed and accidentally left behind in them, and unless you have a top notch cleaner who follows a checklist every time I would avoid them. Most newer hotels have built in end table slabs, likely for this very reason.
Welded metal dining chairs from restaurant supply stores. They aren't as beautiful as wood high backs but you will never have to take an allen wrench to them or worry about them collapsing. Durability wins every time.- MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes5mo
Quote from @Jon Martin:
Use Wayfair to look for options, but do a reverse image search first before buying- you might be surprised what it actually costs. Wayfair screen scrapes and drop ships, they are not a retailer.
Minimize assembly, it is the biggest furnishing bottleneck there is. Even unboxing and dealing with the packaging is way more work than you think. Plus you tend to get better quality with assembled items because they are built to ship as a whole item and have less moving parts. For anything that can fit in a suitcase, buy nice enough to be durable and aesthetically pleasing but not so nice that they want to take it home. On a related note, try not to stock items that people tend to need as they are leaving, such as charging cords and food storage containers.
No drawers on bedside end tables. You can imagine what gets placed and accidentally left behind in them, and unless you have a top notch cleaner who follows a checklist every time I would avoid them. Most newer hotels have built in end table slabs, likely for this very reason.
Welded metal dining chairs from restaurant supply stores. They aren't as beautiful as wood high backs but you will never have to take an allen wrench to them or worry about them collapsing. Durability wins every time.I can't tell you how much I wished I had accepted the no drawers in bedside tables or bathroom vanity cabinets sooner. They are both so nice in my own home and generally in the higher end bedroom furniture I have used in my STRs but dang....
- Property Manager · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2019 · 505 posts · 178 votes1w
For a remote setup, I’d give one local person responsibility for checking deliveries while the return windows are still open. Have them photograph damage, confirm every box and hardware pack arrived, and test drawers, lamps and appliances after assembly. “Delivered” and “ready for guests” are very different milestones, especially when a missing part can hold up an entire room.
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