6 Airbnb Furniture Hacks That Save Thousands (Without Looking Cheap)

Make your rental look like a million bucks... for the price of a few hundred.

Author

Dom Trovato
January 24, 2025

Here’s the deal: furnishing your Airbnb is a balancing act. You want that Instagram-worthy vibe without maxing out your credit card. The secret? Spending smart—not spending more.

Whether you’re a seasoned host or still figuring out how to build a bed frame (we’ve all been there), these six hacks will have your place looking like a magazine cover—for a fraction of the cost.

📣 Quick Plug:

Sharing is caring—especially when it saves other hosts thousands. If you know a host who’s overpaying for furniture or still stuck with their grandma’s hand-me-downs, forward this their way.

Go ahead—be the host hero your friends didn’t know they needed.

Let’s dive in.

1. White Label Like a Pro

What’s white labeling? Glad you asked. Big furniture manufacturers sell the exact same pieces to different stores. Those stores slap their logos on it and charge you 3x the price.

Here’s how you beat the system:

  • Spoken.io: This site compares prices for white-labeled furniture. Same product, different brand names, and wildly different price tags.

  • Google Reverse Image Search: Screenshot that overpriced chair you love, upload it to Google, and let it show you cheaper versions. It’s like magic but for bargain hunting.

Pro Tip: Don’t just chase the lowest price—check shipping costs, return policies, and reviews to avoid surprises.

2. Turn IKEA into Eye-Candy

IKEA is the go-to for budget furniture, but let’s be real—it sometimes screams starter apartment. That’s where customization comes in.

  • Norse Interiors: Add luxe panels to IKEA frames and voilà—custom furniture vibes at IKEA prices.

  • Bemz: Machine-washable slipcovers for IKEA sofas. Looks fancy, stays clean. (“Machine-washable” is music to every host’s ears!)

  • SemiHandmade: Swap out basic cabinet doors for handmade ones. Your kitchen will thank you.

3. Lighting = Instant Glow-Up

Lighting is your secret weapon. Even the priciest furniture looks sad in bad lighting. Fix that with a few tweaks:

  • Add warm, ambient lights—table lamps, LED strips, or even battery-powered puck lights for those dark corners.

  • Install dimmers. Guests love controlling the vibe, and dim lighting hides… imperfections.

4. Get the Costco of Furniture Discounts

Host GPO is a group-buying service for Airbnb hosts that gets you wholesale prices on furniture, décor, and even smart home gadgets.

Yes, there’s a membership fee. Weigh the cost with your current situation. If you’re furnishing a full property, the savings will probably cover it—and then some. If you just need a new smart lock - probably not. They have West Elm, but without the sticker shock.

5. Join Wayfair Professional (It’s Free!)

Wayfair Professional gives you access to perks like bulk discounts, exclusive deals, and VIP customer service. It’s totally free, and you can even negotiate extra discounts on large orders.

Seriously, why is anyone still paying retail prices?

6. Breathe New Life into Old Furniture

You don’t always need new stuff. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity:

  • Reupholster: Grab a vintage chair or sofa and cover it in fresh fabric. It’ll look brand new for a fraction of the cost.

  • Paint + Hardware Swap: A fresh coat of paint and modern hardware can turn a tired console into a showpiece.

The Final Takeaway

The best Airbnb interiors aren’t about blowing a ton of cash—they’re about working smarter, not harder.

Now, go make your rental look amazing—and let me know how much you saved.

New round here? Join the newsletter (its free).

Want a free crash course on Airbnb hosting? You might like our free resources available at TheHostReport.com