Home staging for Airbnbs and short-term rentals in 2025
Home staging for Airbnbs and short-term rentals in 2025 will be guided by evolving guest expectations, a focus on creating unique experiences, and the need to differentiate properties in an increasingly competitive market. Here are the top home staging trends for short-term rentals in 2025:
1. Designing for Experience
Themed or Experiential Spaces: Short-term rental guests are increasingly looking for more than just a place to sleep—they want an experience. Whether it’s a cozy retreat in the mountains or a chic urban loft, staging for themed experiences will be key. Think coastal-inspired decor for beach homes, boho chic for desert rentals, or rustic farmhouse vibes for rural retreats. These immersive spaces help create memorable stays and make guests more likely to leave glowing reviews.
Instagrammable Moments: Properties that are visually striking and have “Instagrammable” features will stand out. From statement walls to unique furniture pieces and colorful accents, creating spaces that guests will want to photograph and share is a growing trend in short-term rental staging.
2. Comfort and Luxury with Practicality
Cozy and Functional Furniture: Guests expect high comfort but also practicality. The 2025 trend will blend luxury with functional designs: plush sofas, cozy throws, high-thread-count sheets, and comfortable mattresses, alongside space-saving furniture like fold-out desks, Murphy beds, and modular seating that maximize smaller spaces.
Smart and Streamlined: Smart home features such as smart locks, voice-controlled lighting, or smart thermostats will be increasingly popular to make guests' stays more convenient. It’s important to balance these tech features with comfort to avoid making the space feel too cold or impersonal.
3. Sustainability and Eco-conscious Design
Eco-friendly Materials: Sustainability is a growing concern for travelers, and properties that highlight eco-conscious practices will stand out. Recycled materials, biodegradable products, and upcycled furniture will be essential staging elements. Using natural materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, and cork for furniture and decor can help create an inviting, eco-friendly environment.
Energy-efficient Appliances: Showcasing energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and smart thermostats can appeal to guests who are environmentally conscious. Providing amenities such as reusable shopping bags, water-saving fixtures, or composting bins also helps cater to sustainability-minded guests.
Indoor Plant Life: Including lush greenery is not only an aesthetic choice but also a way to promote a sense of calm and well-being. Plants also purify the air and contribute to the overall eco-friendly vibe.
4. Minimalist, Clutter-Free Spaces
Streamlined Aesthetic: In 2025, the trend of minimalism will continue to dominate, but with an added focus on warmth and practicality. Clean, open spaces with neutral color palettes (beiges, whites, soft greys) will remain in demand, accented with natural textures and a few thoughtfully chosen pieces of decor. This allows guests to feel relaxed and comfortable without distractions or clutter.
Decluttered Surfaces: Especially in small or studio spaces, creating a decluttered, well-organized environment will be essential. Storage solutions like hidden compartments, baskets, and minimalist shelving will help keep the space functional and neat.
5. Multi-functional Spaces
With many people still working remotely or combining business and leisure travel, multi-functional spaces will become increasingly important in staging.
Work/Relax Zones: A dedicated workspace (even in smaller units) with a comfortable chair, desk, and charging station will appeal to digital nomads and remote workers. This can be paired with a cozy reading nook or seating area for relaxation.
Convertible Furniture: In smaller homes or apartments, opting for multi-functional furniture such as sofa beds, fold-out tables, or modular shelving units can help maximize space and functionality.
6. Local Art and Custom Touches
Guests are looking for properties that reflect the local culture and offer a sense of place. Locally sourced art, handmade crafts, and regional textiles (like quilts, rugs, or woven baskets) can create a connection to the area and give your property a unique charm.
Adding personalized touches, like a welcome note, local guidebook, or even a coffee station with local beans, can make guests feel more at home and elevate the overall guest experience.
7. Wellness and Relaxation
Spa-inspired Bathrooms: The trend of creating wellness-focused environments in short-term rentals will rise. Spa-like bathrooms with plush towels, luxurious soaps, essential oil diffusers, and even rain showerheads or freestanding bathtubs will help create a relaxing, rejuvenating space.
Comfortable Bedding: High-end bedding with memory foam mattresses, high thread-count sheets, and calming, soothing colors will create a restful environment for guests.
8. Technology and Automation
Seamless Technology Integration: As smart homes become more common, seamless technology integration will play a key role in short-term rental staging. Guests will appreciate smart locks for easy check-in, voice assistants for controlling lights or temperature, and Wi-Fi routers that ensure fast, reliable connectivity.
Automated Check-in/Check-out: Staging for short-term rentals will often involve showcasing the convenience of automated systems. Setting up clear instructions for guests on how to use any tech features in the space will be important.
9. Outdoor Spaces and Al Fresco Living
With outdoor space becoming more valuable, properties with outdoor areas will be staged to highlight these features. Patios, rooftop terraces, and backyards will be furnished with comfortable seating, outdoor dining areas, and fire pits to encourage guests to spend time outside.
In areas with favorable weather, staging the outdoor space as an extension of the interior, using outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and string lights, can make a significant difference in appeal.
10. Flexibility for Longer Stays
With many travelers choosing longer stays (sometimes for work or relocation), staging for long-term comfort will be important. More emphasis will be placed on storage space, comfortable workspaces, and offering a fully equipped kitchen to cater to those staying for several weeks or months.
Flexible Furniture: Versatile furniture that can be re-arranged or repurposed easily will allow guests to adapt the space for different needs, such as creating an office corner or extra sleeping arrangements.
