6 Living Room Ideas for Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals

Living rooms are one of the first rooms your guests will see upon walking into your property– you need to make a good first impression. Guests will also presumably spend a lot of time in this room, and that’s why it’s important to create a welcoming, comfortable, and well-appointed space.

Investing in your living room can pay off as positive experiences and reviews, so we'll explore six living room ideas that can help you create a space that's both functional and stylish.

The best Airbnb living room ideas include:

• A cozy rug by My Magic Carpet
• Privacy blinds by Foiresoft
• A standout sofa by Modloft
• Fluffy pillows by Modloft
• A throw by Etsy
• A sound system by Clear Audio

Make sure you don't miss a thing when setting up your Airbnb by using our comprehensive Airbnb Host Checklist. For an even easier experience, simply copy our Host Checklist Google Sheet. Happy hosting!

How We Selected the Best Airbnb Living Room Ideas

To make a shortlist of the living room ideas, we began by gathering expert opinions from top designers and other hosts to identify the most important elements of a good living room design. We then researched trends to identify popular design themes and features. To ensure that our ideas were practical, we also reviewed guest feedback to determine which living room features were most appreciated.

Finally, we considered the potential return on investment of each idea to ensure that hosts like you could achieve a balance between creating an attractive living room and keeping costs reasonable. This process resulted in six living room ideas that are not only stylish and functional, but are also affordable and accessible.

The best Airbnb living room ideas are:

1. A Cozy Rug by My Magic Carpet

The first idea is essential: a rug is a focal point in any living room, and it can make the space feel warmer and more welcoming. Functionally, rugs can reduce noise and help to make the floor softer for added coziness. A rug can also protect your floors from scratches, which will reduce your maintenance costs and effort.

You can’t just pick any rug however. The right rug for an Airbnb is durable, easy to clean, and stain-resistant. While natural fiber rugs, like wool or jute, are the natural choice because of their durability and aesthetics, they’re also not very easy to maintain. Aside from practicality, because a rug is such a major piece, you should also choose a rug that is the size for your living room and complements the overall style and color scheme of your property.

That’s why My Magic Carpet is our go-to for rugs. They have a variety of styles and sizes to fit most spaces–all of which are machine-washable, stain-resistant, pet-friendly, and with a waterproof lining and non-slip backing for extra stability. These affordable rugs are perfect for an Airbnb, as you can easily clean these rugs in between guest stays.

2. Privacy Blinds by Foiresoft

The best living rooms have enough natural light, but that can also compromise the privacy of your guests–especially if your living room faces the street. Because many guests value their privacy and want to feel like they have control over their environment while staying in a new place, the best solution to this issue are privacy blinds.

Privacy blinds will let your guests be able to control how much visibility there will be into the space, while also letting in diffused natural light. This slight amount of shade can also be helpful for maintenance: privacy blinds can help to protect the interior of the living room from UV rays, which can cause damage to your furniture and flooring.

These blinds needn’t be expensive either. Amazon has a range of different blinds, but we and thousands of other customers love the Cordless Custom Zebra Roller Shades and Blinds from Foiresoft. These blinds come in so many sizes and colors, so you can perfectly fit them to your living room windows. Cordless blinds are great as they’re easy to control and less hazardous for younger children.

3. A Standout Sofa by Modloft

Aside from a rug, the centerpiece of a living room (and one that sets the tone for the entire space) is often a sofa. Investing in a standout sofa is a crucial element of creating a stylish and comfortable living room for your Airbnb. Expect that your guests will spend a lot of time on the couch, so more than aesthetic, it also has to be durable.

Aside from durability, your Airbnb’s sofa should be large enough to make a statement and provide ample seating for your guests. As a bonus, invest in a sleeper sofa: this gives your guests more flexibility with an extra bed for one or two more people. We recommend the Dominick Sleeper from Modloft featured above.

This piece is made from Brazilian top-grain leather, and is ultra-soft and expertly constructed for durability. The hidden compartment pulls out to create a full-sized sleeper that can add another bed for two, plus some storage space for extra bedding. It’s the perfect investment that won’t break the bank.

4. Fluffy Pillows by Modloft

To enhance your standout sofa (or other seating options in your living room), consider adding some throw pillows. Pillows can add an extra layer of cushioning for guests to rest their heads and provide a pop of color or pattern to the room–though we prefer neutral colors to add subtle texture and visual interest. Mix and match different pillow sizes, shapes, and textures to create a unique and personalized look that complements the overall decor of your living room.

Modloft is the way to go again: their Perry Throw Pillows come in a set of two. Stuffed entirely with goose down and feathers and with a cover made of basketweave fabric in a neutral color, these pillows are an ultra-plush option that your guests will love.

5. A Throw by Etsy

Complement your sofa and throw pillows by adding a throw blanket. A proper throw is a simple and inexpensive way to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your living room. A throw can add an extra layer of warmth, making it the perfect accessory for guests to snuggle up with while watching TV or reading a book. A throw can be a decorative element that ties together the overall look of the room.

For a sustainable and stylish option, consider an organic cotton Turkish blanket. For these, head to Etsy. These blankets are handmade from natural and eco-friendly materials that are also lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for both colder and warmer months.

6. A Sound System by Clear Audio

Finally, the perfect accompaniment to an aesthetic living room is an excellent speaker. High-quality sound can enhance the overall atmosphere and create an immersive and entertaining experience. A speaker can be a convenient accessory that guests can use to listen to music and podcasts, take calls, and, sometimes, control a voice assistant.

For a high-quality and aesthetic option, the Crescent Speaker from Cleer Audio is our pick. This 2020 award-winning speaker features a sleek and modern design and delivers powerful and immersive sound, no matter where you are in the room. 

It also has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and Google Assistant built-in, making it easy for guests to connect their devices and play their favorite music or podcasts. The Crescent Speaker is a stylish and functional accessory that will enhance any living space, and you can get it on their Amazon store.

Key Takeaway

As arguably one of the most important, and well-utilized, rooms in an Airbnb, it makes sense to invest in your living room. The living room is the heart of your home, and it is where guests will spend most of their time. You want to decorate it in such a way that it stays comfortable, stylish, functional, and inviting. These six small but impactful touches will elevate the overall experience and make your guests feel more at home during their stay.