How to Choose Furniture for Your STR (Short-Term Rental) – Lessons from a Host Who Learned the Hard Way

Furnishing a short-term rental is more than just making it look pretty, it’s about durability, comfort, and guest experience.

When I started hosting, I made a big mistake: I bought cheap furniture thinking I could save money upfront. Within months, chairs started wobbling, bar stools cracked, and outdoor furniture rusted or blew apart in the wind. I ended up replacing pieces multiple times — and spending more than I would’ve if I had just bought quality furniture from the start.

Let me save you the headache (and the guest complaints about a broken chair). Here’s how to choose STR furniture the smart way:

1. Set a Realistic Furniture Budget

Before you start shopping, define your total budget and prioritize high-use items. Your biggest line items should be:

• Sofas – Look for stain-resistant, durable fabrics

• Beds and Mattresses – Comfort = better reviews

• Accent Chairs – Add style and extra seating

• Bar Stools & Dining Chairs – These get used and abused!

• Curtains – They elevate the space and help with light/privacy

Pro Tip: A well-furnished STR can lead to higher nightly rates and better guest reviews. Don’t treat it like a college apartment — treat it like a boutique hotel.

2. Invest in Furniture That Can Take a Beating (and Still Look Great)

When it comes to furnishing your STR, durability is everything. Guests sit, jump, spill, and shift furniture way more than you’d expect. If it’s not solidly built, it will break — and usually at the worst possible time.

Early in our hosting journey, we bought a bed on Wayfair because it was cute, cheap, and fit our design vibe. But within three months, it broke while guests were sleeping — on the first night of a three-night stay. I couldn’t get a replacement bed frame in time, so I had to place the mattress directly on the floor.

Thankfully, the guests were incredibly understanding… but I know I got lucky. That situation could’ve easily turned into a refund request or a bad review.

Lesson learned: don’t cut corners on high-use items.

Look for furniture made with solid wood, sturdy metal frames, or performance-grade fabrics. Skip particle board, flimsy plastics, or anything that “looks good” but feels lightweight or overcomplicated.

Pro Tip:  The more complex a piece of furniture is to assemble — especially beds — the more maintenance it will require. Loose screws = wobbly, creaky, or broken beds. Regularly inspect and tighten all hardware during cleanings or turnovers.

Spending a little more upfront on quality furniture saves you time, money, and stress down the road — and helps protect your guest experience (and your reviews).

3. Don’t Skimp on Outdoor Furniture — It’s More Important Than You Think

If your rental has a patio, balcony, fire pit area, or backyard — guests will use it. Outdoor spaces are often the highlight of a trip, especially in markets like Pigeon Forge or Fredericksburg where nature is part of the experience.

But here’s the deal: outdoor furniture takes a beating from sun, rain, wind, and guest use. If you go cheap, you’ll likely replace it every season — and the cost adds up fast (not to mention the hit your reviews could take if something breaks mid-stay).

Here’s what your outdoor furniture must be:

• Weather-resistant – UV-protected, moisture-repelling, and able to handle the elements

• Weighted or secure – Nothing worse than chasing a chair across the yard during a storm

• Comfortable – Deep seats, quality cushions, and armrests make all the difference

We’ve found that POLYWOOD furniture checks all those boxes. It’s made from durable, recycled materials that don’t fade, splinter, or rust — and it actually lasts years, not months. While it costs more upfront, the long-term savings and reliability are worth every penny.

We’ve learned (the hard way) that plastic folding chairs and budget patio sets just don’t cut it. They fade, crack, tip over, and make your rental look… well, cheap.

Pro Tip:  Investing in high-quality outdoor furniture not only makes your space more inviting — it becomes part of the experience guests remember (and review). Pair a great view with great seating, and you'll create a five-star memory.

4. Buy Furniture That’s Easy to Clean & Replace

Your furniture is going to see dirt, spills, sunscreen, wine, pet hair, and more. Choose:

• Slipcovered or wipeable sofas

• Neutral tones and durable weaves

• Replaceable cushion covers or parts

Keep backup covers, extra pillows, and simple cleaning products on hand to keep everything fresh between guest turnovers.

5. Design for Experience, Not Just Looks

Your goal isn’t to make your STR Instagram-worthy — it’s to make it memorable, livable, and comfortable. Ask yourself:

• Is there a comfortable place to sit and chat?

• Can all the guests dine together comfortably? If the property sleeps 10, can 10 people dine together at the same table?

• Do the beds feel like a hotel?

Design with the guest experience in mind, and the reviews will reflect it.

Final Thoughts: Invest Once, Not Twice

It may feel tempting to furnish your STR as cheaply as possible just to get it listed — but I promise, that shortcut will cost you in the long run. Buy furniture once, buy it right, and save yourself time, money, and stress.

Your future self — and your guests — will thank you.