No-Fuss Airbnb Setup: My Go-To Decor and Host Essentials

1. art print | 2. barstool | 3. lamp | 4. faux plant |5. rug

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If you’re setting up a short-term rental, finding a reliable all-in-one source for furnishings, supplies, and decor is absolutely key—and that’s why Wayfair is my go-to. With fast, free shipping and reliable customer service that actually sorts things out when something goes wrong.

Wayfair makes the logistics of stocking a rental easier.

What I love about Wayfair is that you can shop a huge variety of items—from furniture to decor to housewares—all from their family of brands, like Joss & Main, AllModern, Birch Lane, and more. The best part is, you can add products from any of these brands to a single cart, check out just once, and manage your purchases and tracking in one simple order system. It makes stocking up and tracking what you need for your rental fast and convenient, without juggling a bunch of separate sites or shipments.

Bottom line: Wayfair is massive. Not everything they sell is perfect for rentals, but if you learn to search and read reviews, you can find the most durable and stylish options right in one place. That’s how I’ve tackled dozens of rental setups, and I’m sharing those favorites below to help you skip the guesswork.

Stocking the kitchen

Let’s start with stocking the kitchen. This is a BIG task. As someone who stayed in over 20 short-term rentals in a single year, I can attest firsthand to the frustration of not having the right basic elements of a kitchen as a guest. My biggest complaint about all of the kitchens I cooked in during our year abroad were that they didn’t have the following 4 key items…

1. silicone tongs | 2.pots and pans | 3. knives | 4. nonstick pan

Silicone Tongs

I was at a dinner party recently where the host asked an ice breaker question that was: “What is your favorite kitchen utensil?” I was all “I didn’t know this, but I’ve been waiting for someone to ask me this question my whole life!” My answer is, of course, silicone tongs. How on earth anyone cooks without them is a complete mystery to me. I have 3 pairs in my kitchen at all times.

Quality Stainless Steel Cookware

If you’re going to buy non-stick pots and pans for your rental…well, don’t first of all. Just don’t do it. They’re not going to stay well-kept and cared for. People will use metal tools to stir things, scrape up the bottom, then they’ll throw them in the dishwasher bottom rack, and they’ll be ruined. And even worse, they’ll become toxic to use, but people will keep using them anyway. Even the nicest of places we stayed had scratched non-stick pots and pans. The best way to avoid this is not to buy them. Instead, go for a stainless steel set of pots and pans like this one. The key is buying a nice quality set of these upfront that can withstand all of the use and abuse, including millions of runs through the dishwasher.

A Good Set of Sharp Knives

Henkel is my go-to brand for sharp knives that stay sharp and hold up well in the dishwasher. I have a set of these at home we’ve been using for 15 years, and they’re still great. Grab a block of Henkels, stick it on the counter, and move on. Enough said.

Nonstick Pans

A bonus item for your rental kitchen is to have one or two REALLY nice nonstick pans. I like the Neverstick brand because it’s affordable and safe. These are used in my kitchen, and they’ve lasted several years so far. I think in a rental, you’d need to replace them every so often if they do get very scratched up, so it’s best to keep an eye on them.

Plus: Want my full kitchen amenities list? Download it/check it out here!

Finding The Right Furniture

Furnishing a rental means finding pieces that look great, are budget-friendly, and durable enough to withstand frequent guests. Here are my top furniture picks from Wayfair that offer style, comfort, and resilience.

1 . swivel chair | 2. dining set | 3. sofa | 4. coffee table

If you feel overwhelmed selecting the right furniture, maybe you should start by nailing down your design style. Check out our free Style Quiz here to help identify the right direction for your decor. This will help the process feel a bit less overwhelming.

The board below is just one of the many Style Quiz results boards that I’ve put together (check out the full blog here). Once you’ve nailed down your ideal design style, let these boards inspire you and make “shopping the look” super easy!

1. artwork | 2. side table | 3. pillow | 4. sofa | 5. throw | 6. lamp | 7. side table | 8. pillow | 9. candle sticks | 10. bowl | 11. vase | 12. sideboard | 13. swivel chairs | 14. coffee table | 15. floor lamp | 16. mirror | 17. planter

Decor Staples

I find that having a few great pieces on hand makes the place feel cozy and welcoming, no matter the season. My favorites from Wayfair are good lamps (for that warm, homey glow), soft rugs, and classic throw blankets—simple touches that make a rental feel more like home but don’t create clutter.

Keep it unfussy, easy to refresh between guests, and you and your guests will both be happier for it.