Airbnb 101

With six million active listings in over 220 countries, Airbnb offers guests a wide variety of accommodations all around the world. Hosts have the opportunity to turn their properties into lucrative businesses by encouraging guests to "live like a local."

Here in Canada, Airbnb listings can be found across the country, with hosts earning an average of $192 per night (as per Airbnb's earnings estimates). Prices are influenced by location, amenities, and ratings. One way to maximize the value of your property and gain higher ratings is to ensure you have premium furniture and amenities to offer your guests. The best part about adding these premium amenities to your listing is that if you do it right the first time, your property will be ready for every guest who walks through your door for years to come.

It's best to invest

Although it might sound like a good idea to look for the cheapest furniture on the market, this isn’t the best way to go about furnishing your property. Airbnb hosts in Canada rent out their properties an average of 25 nights a month. With that level of demand, it’s important to ensure that your furniture (and your property’s value) will stand the test of time. By investing in premium quality furniture right off the bat, you can save your time, money, and a whole lot of hassle. 

Quality furniture that lasts makes running your Airbnb easier for you. You don’t need to worry about replacing items frequently, or about how much those replacements will cost. Premium furniture can last a lifetime, so the initial investment is well worth the price tag.

Not only is it unsustainable for your business model to consistently replace furniture, but it’s also unsustainable in terms of environmental impact. Investing in high-end furniture that lasts means you won’t be contributing to an excess of material waste. By consciously choosing the right furniture and vendors, you can keep your costs and your environmental impact as low as possible. You can even find companies that are certified as environmentally friendly.

Another benefit to investing in quality furniture and amenities is that you can create a unique style for your listing by highlighting your property’s best features and reflecting its location. Statement pieces can upgrade your interior design and differentiate your property from other listings. You can stand out by opting for statement pieces influenced by the culture, geography, or landscape of your area. For example, if your property is in cottage country, you can include statement pieces like this canoe bookshelf. 

The best place to buy Airbnb furniture is from a vendor whose products you trust. That way, you can feel as confident and comfortable with your purchase as your guests feel in your Airbnb. 

If you’re wondering which pieces are worth it, these are some of the most-wanted amenities you might consider investing in…

What guests want 

With many people working remotely, laptop-friendly workspaces are in high demand. This means ensuring your guests have access to comfortable seating, functional desks, and adequate lighting. If you have these amenities, you can add search filters to your listing like “dedicated workspace,” which increases your chances of appearing in search results and makes it easier for remote workers looking for an Airbnb to find your property.

It's also a good idea to think about how your guests want to socialize. By focusing on common areas like the living room, dining room, or outdoor patio, you can create a warm atmosphere for your guests to enjoy their time together. Pieces like couches, dining sets, or patio furniture will likely get a lot of use, so these are great pieces to invest in. 

Kid-friendly amenities are another big draw for AirBNB seekers. Good quality kid's furniture can make families feel more comfortable choosing your listing for their trip and encourage families to book longer stays and leave higher ratings. From durable and safe bunk beds to on-site activities, investing in fun for the whole family shows your guests that you are a considerate and welcoming host for all. 

Final words 

The perfect Airbnb doesn’t just pop up overnight. There are a lot of considerations to keep in mind, which is why it’s important to take your time and do your research. Smart decisions about premium furniture investments do take time, but they are worth it in the long run!