Things I Would Never Put In A Rental (And Why)
After spending plenty of time designing, furnishing, and stocking vacation rentals, I’ve learned that there’s a big difference between what looks beautiful in a home you live in every day and what actually works in a short-term rental.
When you’re designing your own home, you can choose the pretty-but-high-maintenance option because you’re the one living with it. In a vacation rental, you have to think differently. You’re designing for kids, couples, large groups, wine spills, wet swimsuits, suitcases, muddy shoes, sunscreen-covered hands, and guests who may not treat your furniture quite as carefully as you would.
The goal of a great vacation rental isn’t just to make it look good in photos. It needs to be beautiful, comfortable, durable, easy to clean, and able to survive the inevitable. So with that in mind, there are a few things I would never* put in a rental.
*I break my own rules all the time, but these are pretty well proven “nevers” through lots of rental design experience. Take each one with a grain of salt, read all the why nots carefully and make fully informed decisions before putting in your own space.
Ruggable Rugs
I know. This one might be controversial.
Ruggable rugs sound like the perfect solution for a vacation rental. The idea is great: something gets dirty, you throw it in the washing machine, and it comes out looking brand new. In reality? How often are your cleaners moving the dining table to throw that rug in the washer?
The biggest issue for me is that a rug in a rental needs to feel substantial and stay put. You want guests to walk across it without it shifting, curling, bunching, or feeling like they’re walking on a giant fabric placemat. There are other brands that are thicker and more substantial but while washable rugs can be convenient, convenience doesn’t always equal durability or a high-end look.
For a vacation rental, I would rather invest in a highly durable area rug or rug tiles that can handle heavy traffic and spot cleaning than rely on something that needs to be completely removed and washed every time there’s a major spill.
Glass Coffee Tables or Side Tables
Glass coffee tables are another beautiful choice that I would skip in a vacation rental. They can make a room feel open and airy, which is especially appealing in smaller spaces. But vacation rentals aren't museums. Guests put their feet on coffee tables. Kids climb around them. Drinks get set down without coasters. A glass coffee table shows everything; plus, there’s the safety factor.
Instead, I love a wood, stone, or durable upholstered coffee table with softer edges. You can still create a beautiful focal point without choosing something that requires constant babysitting.
And if I’m skipping the glass coffee table, I’m definitely skipping the matching glass side tables.
Anything With Too Many Tiny Parts
This is less about a specific piece of furniture and more about a design philosophy.
If something has twelve tiny decorative pieces that all need to be styled perfectly, I probably don't want it in a rental. Think complicated lighting fixtures that are difficult to clean, intricate decor that breaks easily, furniture with tiny removable components, or accessories that require a very specific arrangement to look good.
Your cleaner should be able to reset the space quickly. Your guests should be able to use everything without worrying about breaking it.
Upholstery That Isn’t Performance Fabric
I love a beautiful cream sofa as much as anyone. But in a vacation rental? Proceed with caution.
That doesn't mean every vacation rental needs a dark brown leather sectional. There are plenty of beautiful performance fabrics that can give you the light, elevated look without being nearly as high-maintenance. In my last post, I also mentioned this fabric spray that makes any fabric a performance fabric. It’s even great to have around for touch-ups, even if you do have performance fabrics.
Anything Too Precious
If I look at a piece and immediately think, “I hope nobody touches that,” it doesn't belong in a vacation rental.
A short-term rental should feel welcoming. Guests should be able to put their feet up, play games, eat dinner at the coffee table, and actually enjoy the space.
That doesn't mean the design needs to be boring or basic. Quite the opposite. I think the best vacation rental interior design (or any interior design, for that matter) feels intentional and elevated while still being incredibly livable. You can have beautiful lighting, interesting artwork, layered textiles, gorgeous furniture, and a thoughtfully designed space without making guests afraid to actually use it.
Designing a Vacation Rental Is Different From Designing a Home
This is where I think a lot of rental owners get tripped up: You can't necessarily design a short-term rental the same way you would design your personal home. Your personal home can be incredibly specific to your lifestyle. A vacation rental needs to work for everyone.
That means thinking about durability, comfort, maintenance, guest experience, photography, storage, traffic patterns, and especially how easy it is to clean and wear over time and multiple uses. Expertise that comes from experience!
If you’re furnishing a vacation rental, Airbnb, or short-term rental and want help making design choices that are beautiful and practical, that’s exactly the kind of problem I love solving.
