Where to Buy Furniture for Airbnb: Best Sources & Suppliers

Furnishing a Short-Term Rental (STR) property is more than decorating. It's a critical business decision impacting bookings, guest reviews, and revenue. The furniture you choose is not just an expense; it's a strategic investment in the guest experience and your property's Return on Investment (ROI).

This guide will detail where to buy furniture for your Airbnb. It will cover professional design solutions to the best DIY retail and online stores for every budget. We will help you navigate the complex decisions that can impact your STR business.

Successful hosts know that they shouldn't make these furnishing decisions on instinct alone. They rely on market data and expert partners to create spaces that maximize bookings and profitability, turning their properties into revenue-generating machines instead of expensive hobbies.

4 Key Factors to Consider Before Buying

Before exploring specific stores and suppliers, it's crucial to understand what to look for. The right furniture for your Airbnb balances four key pillars that impact your business success.

Durability & Maintenance

STRs experience more wear and tear than the average home. You need durable Airbnb furniture that can withstand heavy use with constant turnover of guests who aren't invested in caring for your property. Look for commercial-grade materials: solid wood instead of particle board, metal frames instead of plastic, and performance fabrics that resist stains and fading.

Consider maintenance requirements. Furniture with removable, machine-washable covers and easy-to-clean surfaces can be a lifesaver. Every repair or replacement cuts into your profit margin.

Style & Guest Appeal

The aesthetic of your property creates a "scroll-stopping" effect for potential guests browsing Airbnb listings. Successful STRs have modern, appealing designs that photograph well. Your goal is to create an "Instagrammable" space that guests want to share on social media, providing free marketing.

Avoid personal or polarizing design choices. Aim for an aspirational yet comfortable style with at least one standout feature that makes your property memorable compared to competitors.

Budget & ROI

To establish a realistic Airbnb furnishing budget, focus on long-term returns rather than upfront costs. A $400 sofa needing replacement after six months costs more than an $800 sofa lasting years. Beyond replacement costs, consider the impact on your reviews and pricing; quality furnishings allow you to command higher nightly rates.

The key is finding the balance between quality and cost. Not every item needs to be top-tier, but high-use pieces (beds, sofas, dining chairs) deserve investment.

Assembly & Logistics

This overlooked factor can add hidden costs to your furnishing project. Consider the full process: Who will receive deliveries? Who will assemble furniture? Who will dispose of packaging and old items? If not planned properly, these logistics can add dozens of hours and thousands to your budget.

Remember that managing these details takes time away from other aspects of your business. This is another important consideration when deciding between DIY and professional options.

Partnering with an STR Design & Furnishing Expert

For hosts prioritizing maximum ROI and minimal hassle, the best approach isn't a shopping list; it's a strategic partner. Professional Airbnb design services have emerged as a game-changing resource for serious STR investors who understand that expert execution can improve performance.

Why a Professional Service is the Smartest Investment

Services specializing in STR design aren't just an expense; they're a profit driver. When you work with professionals who understand the short-term rental market, you leverage expertise that translates to higher occupancy rates and nightly prices.

These full-service providers handle everything: design, sourcing, procurement, delivery, assembly, and installation. This approach saves hosts dozens or hundreds of hours of research and management time, better spent on other aspects of your business or enjoying life.

The STR Cribs Advantage: Data-Driven Furnishing for Maximum Revenue

At the forefront of this industry is STR Cribs, which offers an approach that prioritizes performance metrics over aesthetics. Their service model stands out for several key reasons:

Data-Driven Design: STR Cribs uses hard data from your market to select themes, colors, and furniture that attract more guests, unlike traditional interior designers who rely on personal taste. This data-driven design approach removes guesswork.
Comprehensive Solutions: Their team offers comprehensive solutions, managing your project from initial concept and space planning to final photo-ready installation. Every detail is handled by experts who understand what drives bookings.
Proven Results: STR Cribs has proven results. Hosts report up to a 64% increase in occupancy rates, 40% higher average daily rates, and an average of $50,000 more in annual revenue after partnering with them.
Nationwide Reach: They operate across the continental U.S. with a network of vetted contractors, bringing their expertise to any market where you own property.

Flexible Financing to Get You Started

Are you worried about the upfront cost? STR Cribs offers financing up to $100,000 for your furnishing project, with 0% intro rates for qualified borrowers. This makes it easier to create a top-performing property without depleting your capital reserves, allowing you to scale your STR portfolio more quickly.

Top Online Stores for DIY Airbnb Furnishing

If you're going DIY, online retailers offer a vast selection and competitive pricing. Here are popular choices for STR hosts looking to furnish their properties independently:

Wayfair: This platform stands out for its enormous variety and wide range of prices. Wayfair Airbnb furniture is popular because you can find everything you need in one place, from sofas to shower curtains. Their frequent sales (often 70% off or more) make it possible to furnish an entire property at a discount if you're strategic with timing. The tradeoff is inconsistent quality, so reading reviews is essential.
Overstock (now Bed Bath & Beyond): Similar to Wayfair but often with better deals on rugs, lighting, and case goods (dressers, nightstands). Their mattress selection offers good value, and they frequently provide free shipping on furniture, a significant saving on larger items. Their clearance section can yield exceptional finds.
Amazon: Unbeatable for speed and convenience, especially for quickly replacing small items or stocking up on kitchenware, linens, and basics like hangers and trash cans. An Amazon Business account can provide additional savings through bulk discounts and tax exemptions. While not known for high-end furniture, their mid-range options like Rivet and Stone & Beam offer good quality at reasonable prices.

For hosts aiming for a modern, mid-century aesthetic, Article delivers quality at a good price. Their furniture is design-forward, photographs well (crucial for listing photos), and requires minimal assembly. While more expensive than budget options, their pieces hit the sweet spot of durability and style to justify higher nightly rates.

Pro-Tip: When shopping online, read the recent reviews instead of just the overall rating. Pay attention to comments about assembly difficulty, actual dimensions versus stated ones, and durability after months of use. Customer photos are invaluable!

Best Big-Box Retailers for Hands-On Shopping

Sometimes you need to see and touch furniture before buying. Big-box stores are perfect for this, allowing you to assess quality and comfort in person before making significant investments:

IKEA: The classic choice for budget-conscious hosts. IKEA offers clean Scandinavian design that photographs well and appeals to a broad audience. Perfect for basics like bed frames (MALM), dressers (HEMNES), and kitchen essentials. IKEA airbnb furniture is ubiquitous in the STR world for good reason: it's affordable, durable, and easy to replace. Their showroom experience allows you to test comfort levels. The downside? Assembly can be time-consuming, and their popular items frequently sell out.
Target: Excellent for stylish and affordable decor, lamps, small accent furniture, and bedding. In-house brands like Threshold and Studio McGee offer designer looks at accessible prices. Target excels at trendy accessories that quickly update a space's look without major investment. Their seasonal collections let you refresh your property's appearance regularly to keep listing photos.
Costco: A great source for high-quality mattresses, sofas, and outdoor furniture. The selection is limited but the quality-to-price ratio is often unbeatable. Costco Airbnb furniture makes sense for high-use items where durability is critical. Their warranties are excellent, and their return policy is generous even for furniture. The membership fee quickly pays for itself through savings on a few items.
West Elm / Crate & Barrel: Position these retailers for premium or luxury STR properties. Their style is aspirational and justifies a higher nightly rate. While expensive at retail, both offer "To the Trade" programs that qualify you for discounts with a business license. They're best for statement pieces that define your property's aesthetic, complemented by budget-friendly basics from other sources.

Finding Unique & Budget-Friendly Furniture

To create a unique space or stretch your Airbnb furnishing budget, think outside the big-box-store box. These sources require more effort but can yield incredible results that differentiate your property from cookie-cutter competitors:

Facebook Marketplace / OfferUp: Ideal for finding solid wood furniture (dressers, tables, cabinets) that can be refinished for a custom look. Guests appreciate the character of repurposed pieces, especially in markets where authenticity is valued. This approach requires patience, the ability to spot quality underneath wear and tear, and either DIY skills or a relationship with a refinisher. Inspect items for structural integrity and signs of pests before purchasing.
Wholesale & Commercial Suppliers: Many hosts don't realize they can access the same suppliers as hotels. Online, search for "hospitality furniture" or "commercial grade furniture" suppliers to find durable Airbnb furniture designed for heavy use. Companies like HD Supply and American Hotel Register offer products tested for commercial environments. These suppliers may require minimum orders or business credentials, but the longevity of their products often justifies the extra effort.
Estate Sales & High-End Thrift Stores: These are treasure troves for unique decor, art, and accent pieces that give a property character. Focus on wealthy areas for the best finds. Art, unusual lamps, and quality accessories can become the distinctive elements that guests remember and mention in reviews. Establish relationships with estate sale companies for early access to their best merchandise.

Your Go-To Furnishing Strategy

A smart host doesn't rely on a single source. They use a blended approach:

Invest: Splurge on high-quality, durable mattresses, sofas, and main bed frames. These items are most interacted with by guests and frequently mentioned in reviews. Ideal sources for these investments are Costco or commercial suppliers.
Save: Use budget-friendly options for easily replaced or less critical items, such as side tables, decor, lamps, and items unlikely to wear out quickly. IKEA, Target, or Amazon are perfect for these categories.
Character: Find unique accent pieces to add personality and make your listing stand out. Estate sales, Facebook Marketplace, or local artisans provide one-of-a-kind items that create memorable moments.
The Pro Route: Let STR Cribs manage the entire blended strategy for you, ensuring a perfect balance of durability, style, and ROI without consuming your time.

Conclusion

Knowing where to buy furniture for your Airbnb is a strategic business choice that impacts your property's performance. The right balance of durability, style, and budget translates into higher occupancy rates, better reviews, and more revenue.

Furnishing an STR is a major project, but you don't have to do it alone. If you're ready to skip the logistical headaches and unlock your property's maximum potential with a proven design, STR Cribs is here to help. Learn more about their end-to-end furnishing services and get your personalized proposal today.