Essentials for Setting up your Airbnb/Midterm Living Room
The living room is the heart of your Airbnb or midterm rental. It’s where guests come to unwind, watch TV, play games, or just relax after a long day. You want this space to feel welcoming, functional, and easy to maintain. Whether you’re aiming for style, durability, or both, setting up the perfect living room will keep guests happy and coming back for more. Let’s dive into the essentials to create a living room that not only looks great but is built to last.
1. Comfortable Seating: Small, Medium, and Large Couch Options
Choosing the right couch is crucial. It sets the tone for your living room’s comfort and style. I like to offer seating options that fit the size of the space while keeping durability in mind.
Small couches: Great for tighter spaces or smaller nooks. Leather or faux leather is a go-to for easy cleaning and a polished look.
Medium couches: The sweet spot for most living rooms, offering enough seating without overwhelming the room.
Large sectionals: If you’ve got the space, a sectional makes a bold statement and provides plenty of seating.
Don’t be afraid of color! Neutral tones are safe, but a subtle pop of color on the couch can brighten the room and make it feel inviting without being too bold. The key is to keep the design simple so guests can enjoy the space without feeling distracted.
2. Throw Blankets and Extra Comfort
Throw blankets are a must-have for any living room. Keep at least one on the couch for guests to snuggle up with, and store an extra in the closet for those who like a little extra warmth. Aim for blankets that are soft yet durable—ones that can handle frequent washes and still feel fresh.
3. The TV Setup: Keep it Simple and User-Friendly
A solid TV setup is essential for guest satisfaction. A large smart TV with access to streaming services like Netflix or Hulu goes a long way. Make sure the remote is easy to find—I like to keep mine in a valet tray on the coffee table—and always have extra batteries on hand.
Pro tip: When guests arrive, have the TV playing soft background music from a YouTube channel—it creates a welcoming, relaxing vibe from the moment they walk in.
4. Coffee Table and Books
A coffee table serves as both a functional and decorative piece in the living room. Choose one that’s sturdy and has enough surface area for drinks, snacks, or phones. I like to add a few interesting books—local guidebooks or something fun like cookbooks—to give guests something to flip through.
For added organization, place a valet tray on the table to keep things tidy.
5. Games and Entertainment
A few simple games can make a big difference for your guests. Stock the TV cabinet or shelves with options like puzzles, card games, or a chess set. It’s a great way to encourage guests to spend time enjoying the space.
6. Layered Lighting
Lighting can change the entire feel of a room. I recommend layering different types of lighting, such as overhead lights, table lamps, and a floor lamp by the seating area. This way, guests can adjust the lighting based on their mood—whether they’re watching TV or curling up with a book.
7. Rugs: Bigger Is Better
A well-chosen rug ties the room together. One of the most common mistakes is picking a rug that’s too small for the space, which can make the room feel disjointed. Opt for a larger rug to ground the furniture and create a sense of flow in the room. Choose a durable material that’s easy to clean, as rugs often get the most wear and tear in a living room.
8. Wall Decor and Accent Pieces
Adding a bit of personality to the walls helps the living room feel inviting without overwhelming the space. Whether it’s an accent wall with a bold color or some carefully chosen artwork, wall decor can help tie the room together. I like to carry color themes from other rooms throughout the design to keep things cohesive.
Accent pieces like throw pillows or small artworks are also great for introducing color and style, and they’re easy to swap out when styles change.
Why Durability and Simplicity Matter
When designing an Airbnb or midterm rental, durability is just as important as aesthetics. Your living room needs to withstand constant guest turnover, so choose furniture and decor that can handle the wear and tear. Simple, easy-to-maintain designs will keep your living room looking fresh and welcoming without requiring constant replacements.
A well-designed living room that balances comfort and functionality will not only give your guests a great experience, but it will also reduce maintenance stress on your end. When guests feel comfortable and at ease in the space, it’s reflected in their reviews, helping you earn those five-star ratings and keep them coming back.
List of Items for Easy Linking:
Throw blankets (bed-sized option in closet), I sometimes will grab a seasonal one to spruce up the space.
Books (The Gut-Loving Cookbook, Tower Grove local book, Roar Book, Peonies Book, Be Our Guest! Book, and The Rainbow Atlas)
Games (St Louis Puzzle, Gray Malin Puzzle, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game, Icebreaker Game, regular deck of cards, chess)
Blackout curtains ( I use the same throughout the house)
Lamps (table and floor lamps)
Accent wall (paint or wallpaper)
Artwork Collections- Option 1, Option 2, Option 3, Option 4 (You can use these throughout the house, and pull these colors for throws and pillows)
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