Understanding how to furnish a vacation home is one of the first steps to transforming a second home into a more welcoming, photogenic, and rentable property.
Yes, because let’s face it, vacation homes are often furnished with furniture that has seen better days, perhaps from grandma’s, or feature makeshift solutions purchased from a large low-cost furniture store. Yet the furnishings and accessories of a vacation home can truly make a huge difference when a person is looking for a place to spend their vacation.
Indeed, guests often make their online choices in just a few seconds: they look at images, imagine their stay, evaluate the spaces, and hunt for details that convey care, cleanliness, order, and comfort.
In this sense, furnishings work on two levels. On the one hand, they make the home pleasant to live in; on the other, they convey value even before booking. A well-organized kitchen, a bedroom with thoughtful fabrics, a bright living room, a terrace with two comfortable seats: these are simple elements, yet they have a significant impact on the perception of the accommodation.
If you want to generate revenue from your second home, furnish it with a strategic mindset! You’ll need to choose furniture that balances taste, practicality, durability, and ease of management. This is because a vacation home must accommodate different people, last a long time, look tidy in photos, and simplify cleaning, maintenance, and check-in.
What are the essential furnishings?
Vayadù has been working in the vacation rental management industry for years, and we can say we’ve truly gained experience. You wouldn’t believe how many homes we’ve furnished, either fully or partially, over that time. So, we’ve decided to share some of our knowledge with you.
The essential furnishings in a vacation home are functional, well-proportioned to the space, and made with high-quality materials. A home that looks beautiful in photos but is uncomfortable to use in reality receives lukewarm reviews; a simple, well-thought-out, and coherent home leaves a much more positive impression.
According to Vayadù, the basic furnishings to be foreseen are:
- bed with a good quality mattress, because rest weighs heavily on the experience;
- bedside tables or shelves near the bed, with accessible sockets;
- wardrobe, chest of drawers, or coat rack, even in a compact format: if you plan to host people for medium-long stays, a large space to store clothes is essential;
- dining table proportionate to the maximum number of guests;
- sturdy and easy to clean seats;
- comfortable sofa, even better if it has removable covers;
- multi-level lighting, with general lighting, reading lamps and mood lighting;
- full-length mirror, useful and much appreciated;
- entrance cabinet or console, for keys, bags, guides and small objects.
The key point to keep in mind is this: every piece of furniture should have a clear function. In a home intended for short-term rentals, purely decorative pieces can only work when they enhance the space, enhance photos, and are easy to maintain.
Before choosing the style, think about the type of guest
The best ideas for furnishing a vacation home always start with a concrete question: who will be staying there? A home designed for a family with children requires different choices than a studio apartment for couples, an apartment for those working from home, or a villa for groups of friends.
If your home is in a seaside location, you’ll need fresh furnishings, washable textiles, and space for beach bags, towels, games, and umbrellas. If it’s in the Langhe region or a Piedmontese village, you might consider highlighting natural materials, warm tones, convivial tables, and corners dedicated to wine tasting. In the city, however, Wi-Fi, practicality, a wardrobe, a work station, a kitchen, and a location close to attractions or public transportation are key.
This focus on your potential guest is crucial because it prevents you from making random purchases. A thoughtfully furnished vacation home seems designed specifically for those who arrive, even when the number of guests changes every week.
How to furnish the kitchen
The kitchen is one of the areas most scrutinized by guests, especially families, those on medium- to long-term stays, and international travelers. A well-maintained kitchen conveys independence: those who book understand that they can prepare breakfast, heat dinner, cook for the kids, or enjoy an aperitif at home.
To furnish it well, you need durable surfaces, easy-to-clean cabinets (in our opinion, it’s best to avoid glossy finishes), and basic appliances. The countertop should be kept as clear as possible, accessories should be stored in neat cabinets or drawers, and the tableware should be sufficient for the maximum number of guests, with a few extra pieces for safety.
Here’s a checklist of what’s essential in your vacation rental kitchen:
- easy-to-use hob (gas or induction, it doesn’t matter);
- refrigerator large enough for the size of the house;
- oven or microwave, depending on space and target;
- coffee machine with some pods and kettle;
- pots, pans, cutting boards, knives, ladles; if you choose an induction hob, check that they are compatible;
- plates, glasses, cups and cutlery in coordinated sets;
- bottle opener;
- a roll of kitchen paper;
- sponge and dish soap;
- easy-to-wash placemats or tablecloth;
- clearly marked recycling containers with a couple of pre-packed bags.
Aesthetics also matter. A kitchen with coordinated objects, neatly organized jars, good lighting, and few visible elements immediately appears cleaner and more elegant (unlike everyday homes, which certainly aren’t straight out of a magazine, no matter how tidy they are!). The kitchen in a vacation home should be somewhere in between: it’s a bit of a dream for it to be brand new, yet familiar enough to make you want to use it.
Pro tip: If you know you’ll be renting mostly to families, making sure a high chair and baby-safe dishes are available in the kitchen will make life much easier.
How to furnish the living room
The living room is the place to come back: after the beach, a day out, work, or a night out. Your guests seek comfort, space, and a sense of respite here.
The sofa is the focal point. It’s best to choose a comfortable, durable, removable cover, and one that’s proportionate to the room. If it doubles as a bed, the quality of the mattress deserves attention: an uncomfortable sofa bed can ruin your stay.
Next to the sofa, you’ll need a coffee table (which doubles as a bedside table if it’s a sofa bed), a lamp, a few washable cushions, and a well-positioned TV (even better if it’s a smart TV). A rug can make the space more welcoming, as long as it’s easy to clean. Bookcases, shelves, and cupboards should be used sparingly: a few books, a local guide, two vases, or tastefully chosen ornaments are enough to add character.
Pro tip: Dried flowers are maintenance-free and look great.
A small work area can also be useful in the living room, especially in homes designed for off-season or extended stays. A table with a comfortable chair, a nearby outlet, and good lighting can be a plus in online listings.
How to furnish the bedroom
People usually go on vacation because they’re tired. So a bedroom that invites long, deep slumber is just what your guests need.
The bed is the most important investment in the room: a solid base, comfortable mattress, quality pillows, and soft linens influence reviews more than many decorative details.
In addition to the bed, you’ll need bedside tables, reading lights, accessible outlets (because everyone uses their phone as an alarm clock these days), a wardrobe or coat rack, an adequate number of hangers, and a mirror (preferably a full-length one).
Blackout curtains are very useful, especially in summer locations or in homes exposed to morning light.
For wall and textile colors, we think neutral shades, in the Vayadù style, are best: sand, cream, sage green, powder blue, dove gray, pale terracotta, peach pink, pale yellow. Accent colors can come from a headboard, a painting, a blanket at the foot of the bed, or a restored vintage nightstand. The goal is to create a room that is refined but also easy to rearrange between stays.
Pro tip: Also keep an extra pillow and blanket in the closet for guests who are more sensitive to the cold or for those who sleep with two pillows.
How to furnish outdoor spaces
A balcony, terrace, garden, or patio can become one of the main reasons for booking. Outdoor space should be treated like an extra room, even if it’s small. Two seats (chairs or armchairs) and a small table can transform the way your home feels.
In a beach house, the outdoor space can be used for towels, swimsuits, breakfasts, and aperitifs, as is the case with our Tango Loft. Nestled among hills and vineyards, like Casa di Pina, it can become the place for your first coffee, an al fresco dinner, or a glass of wine at sunset. In the city, a well-furnished balcony adds a sense of space and makes the accommodation more enjoyable to live in, as is the case with Casa Fiore.
Furnishings should be suitable for outdoor use: weather-resistant materials, cushions with removable covers, sturdy tables, and an umbrella or awning where shade is needed. Plants also help, as long as they’re easy to care for. An outdoor space that’s beautiful in photos and easy to maintain is a valuable asset for short-term rentals.
Pro tip: Leave an ashtray and some mosquito coils (and a lighter!) in the summer, because mosquitoes are always very annoying!
What are the essential accessories?
The accessories in a vacation home make all the difference because they convey a sense of care from the owner. They’re the ones guests notice when they need them: a hairdryer in the bathroom, an outlet near the bed, an iron, an extra blanket, a bottle opener in the kitchen.
Among the essential accessories, in our opinion at Vayadù, are:
- Stable Wi-Fi with a well-defined network and password;
- smart Tv;
- hairdryer;
- iron and ironing board;
- basic cleaning kit: dish soap, degreaser, sponges;
- washing machine, where possible;
- dishwasher in larger homes (with detergent);
- basic kitchen kit: oil, salt, sugar, coffee pods, cold water in the fridge;
- extra garbage bags;
- a couple of extra toiler paper rolls;
- showergel and hand soap;
- AC or fans;
- efficient heating for the low season;
- extra blankers;
- extra pillows;
- drying rack;
- waste bins in bathrooms and bedrooms;
- clear instructions for appliances, waste sorting, and check-out;
- games for children, if you host families;
- camping bed and high chair, if you have guests under 4 years old.
The rule of thumb is simple: every accessory should reduce a little bit of hassle for the guest. The fewer questions you receive during your stay, the better the home has been conceived.
Goodies to leave for guests to welcome them
Welcome treats play a crucial role: they make guests feel welcome. It doesn’t take much, as long as they’re carefully chosen. A bottle of chilled water, a few coffee capsules, teas, and herbal teas, a small selection of local products, a personalized guide to the area, a welcome note: simple details that will leave a lasting impression.
The value comes from your personal selection, made with experience and care: a few carefully selected and useful suggestions are worth more than a generic list downloaded online.
Even families with children and guests with pets appreciate the thoughtful touches: a crib upon request, a high chair, children’s tableware, a dog bowl, an outdoor blanket, and a beach umbrella. These are small details, yet they help the home appeal to specific audiences.
Ideas for decorating your holiday home with personality
A vacation home must be recognizable, especially in photos, room by room. This means choosing a common thread: colors, materials, atmosphere, and references to the local area. An all-white home can appear clean, sure, but also anonymous. A home with too many personal items, on the other hand, can make your guest feel like an intruder. Overly distinctive furnishings may not appeal to a wider audience.
The best approach is a restrained personality. You can use local prints, artisanal ceramics, natural textiles, photographs of the area, classic books, illustrated maps, unique lamps, and a colorful wall. In a seaside home, light stripes, natural fibers, dusty blues, and light wood are sufficient. In a country home, favor linen, terracotta, wood, iron, and earthy and wine-inspired hues.
The local area can enter the home discreetly, without turning the rooms into a shop selling traditional objects. The goal is to help guests understand where they are and desire that stay.
How to furnish a small holiday home?
The question “How to furnish a small vacation home?” comes up often among those we consult for. This is because many apartments intended for short-term rentals are small. In these cases, every inch counts. The priority is to free up visual space and choose multifunctional furnishings.
We are big fans of: storage beds, quality sofa beds, extendable tables, attractive folding chairs, lightweight shelves, wall hooks, benches with storage, and floor-to-ceiling wardrobes. Mirrors also help to expand the perception of space, as do light curtains and diffused lighting.
In a small vacation home, the temptation to add furniture to “fit everything” can overwhelm the space. A few well-chosen pieces, clear passageways, and vertical solutions are better. The home should feel airy, easy to use, and ready to accommodate suitcases, bags, and guests’ belongings.
Tips for decorating a holiday home and simplifying management
The best tips for furnishing a vacation home involve day-to-day management. A beautiful home, but complicated to clean or with fragile furnishings, creates costs and unexpected issues. Therefore, it’s best to choose durable materials, colors designed for frequent use, and furnishings that are easy to replace in the event of damage (like, don’t choose a limited-edition kitchen because it will be difficult to find replacements).
Some useful choices:
- washable covers for sofas and cushions;
- washable or easy to vacuum carpets;
- tableware that can be purchased in replicable sets;
- standard bulbs;
- washable paints on the most exposed walls;
- tents that are easy to dismantle;
- furniture raised off the floor for quicker cleaning;
- photographic inventory of the main accessories.
Maintenance should also be planned right from the furnishing stage. A piece of furniture with delicate handles, an unstable chair, or an overpriced table can become a constant worry. A vacation home should be pleasant to live in, easy to tidy, and cause as few stomach aches as possible.
How to furnish a low-cost holiday home
Furnishing a low-cost vacation home means spending better, cutting out the unnecessary, and investing in the areas that impact the overall experience of your stay. The budget should focus on mattresses, sofas, kitchens, and bathrooms. These are the areas guests use every day and are often mentioned in reviews.
To keep costs down, you can salvage some existing furniture, repaint it, or replace the handles. Or you can add matching textiles, replace dated lamps, or update curtains and linens. Even a colorful wall, a simple headboard, two well-chosen prints, and a new bedspread can transform the room’s appearance.
Low cost isn’t noticeable when furnishings are intentional. Mixing affordable pieces and thoughtful details helps create a pleasant, coherent, and competitive home. Savings, however, become evident when objects appear haphazard, old, anonymous, or already seen, or collected from different rooms without a clear design.
A well-kept decor helps, professional management does the rest
Furnishing your vacation home well is an important step. Then comes everything else: photos, listing, prices, listing on portals, availability calendar, cleaning, reception, guest messaging, maintenance, reviews. A vacation home is more profitable when the entire system works and is well-oiled.
Vayadù takes care of just that: enhancing your vacation home, making it more suitable for short-term rentals, and supporting you closely in its management. From space management to online promotion, our goal is to transform your second home into a more accessible option.
If you own a home in Liguria or Piedmont and want to figure out how to rent it out, you can start with an assessment of the space. Sometimes a few targeted changes are enough; other times, you need to rethink the furnishings, amenities, and narrative of the home. The key is to create a coherent experience, from the first photo to checkout.
Discover our property management services and see how we can help you enhance the value of your vacation home.
FAQ: How to furnish your holiday home
What is the best style for a vacation home?
The best style is one that enhances the home, the area, and the type of guest. Neutral tones, durable materials, accessories purchased from local artisans, and furnishings appropriate for the space are often the ideal choices. The home should appear well-kept, tidy, and pleasant, even in the photos.
How important is furniture when renting a holiday home?
It matters a lot. The decor affects the perceived price, the quality of images, reviews, and the ease of booking. A well-furnished home conveys care and makes it easier to imagine your stay.
What colors should you choose for a holiday home?
It’s best to start with a light, natural base, then add accents inspired by the area or your personality. For example: blue and sand for the seaside, sage green and terracotta for the countryside, warm tones for rustic homes, and cleaner palettes for city apartments.
Is it better to buy new furniture or renovate existing ones?
It depends on the condition of the furnishings. Some pieces can be restored as is, or refreshed with paint, new handles, or updated fabrics. Beds, mattresses, sofas, and chairs, however, deserve careful evaluation, as they impact guest comfort and guest reviews.
What are the most common mistakes when furnishing a holiday home?
The most common mistakes are choosing fragile furniture, overcrowding spaces, using overly personal items, neglecting lighting, and skimping on bedding. Even poorly equipped kitchens or bathrooms can detract from the experience.
How can you make a vacation home more welcoming with just a few simple changes?
You can start with matching textiles, warmer lighting, new linens, pillows, curtains, wall art, mirrors, easy-care plants, and a welcome guide. These are affordable changes that instantly transform the way your home looks.
