How to Set a Budget for Furnishing Your Short-Term Rental

Introduction

Furnishing a short-term rental (STR) is more than just buying furniture — it’s an investment in your property’s earning potential. The right budget can help you strike the perfect balance between style, durability, and ROI. Underinvest and you risk poor reviews, low occupancy, and frequent replacements. Overspend in the wrong areas and you could hurt your margins.

At Bee Setups, our package design fees range from $995 to $6,500 plus the cost of furnishings, with a project minimum of $15,000. Most clients spend $20,000–$25,000+ for a fully furnished, guest-ready space. We work on a flat-fee package model — never per square foot — so your design costs stay predictable while we optimize your budget for maximum return.

This guide will walk you through exactly how to set (and stick to) a furnishing budget for your short-term rental.

Step 1 – Define Your Property Goals

Before you pick a budget, ask:

●     What’s my target nightly rate?

●     Am I aiming for premium or economy positioning?

●     Do I need my property to appeal to families, couples, or business travelers?

Your target audience affects how much you should invest. A luxury property in a ski town may require higher-end finishes than a budget-friendly city studio.

Step 2 – Set a Realistic Baseline Budget

For most STRs, here’s what you can expect:

●     1-bedroom rental: $15,000–$20,000+

●     2-bedroom rental: $20,000–$25,000+

●     3+ bedroom rental: $25,000–$35,000+

This includes furniture, décor, linens, kitchenware, lighting, artwork, and setup labor — everything needed for a guest-ready space.

Step 3 – Account for Seasonal and Market Variations

If you’re furnishing in peak season, you may face:

●     Higher delivery costs

●     Rush order fees

●     Increased competition for in-stock items

Booking in the off-season can stretch your budget further with supplier discounts and faster timelines.

Step 4 – Allocate Your Budget Strategically

A smart budget isn’t spread evenly — it focuses on the areas guests value most.

High Priority Spend:

●     Beds & mattresses (comfort = reviews)

●     Living room seating (quality & style)

●     Dining area furniture (durable & guest-friendly)

Moderate Spend:

●     Décor accents & artwork (adds personality)

●     Lighting upgrades (ambience & function)

Cost-Control Opportunities:

●     Seasonal décor

●     Small decorative accessories

Step 5 – Build in a Contingency

Even with the best planning, unexpected costs happen — shipping delays, backorders, or last-minute design changes. Add 10–15% buffer to your total budget so surprises don’t derail your launch.

Step 6 – Partner with a Professional STR Furnishing Service

Bee Setups helps you:

●     Maximize ROI with proven, guest-optimized designs

●     Avoid costly sourcing mistakes

●     Get your property fully staged and guest-ready without the headaches

We manage design, sourcing, delivery, and assembly nationwide, so you don’t have to coordinate multiple vendors.

FAQs

Q: Can I furnish my STR for less than $15,000?

A: Our project minimum is $15,000 to ensure a complete, durable, and guest-ready setup. Cutting corners below this often results in higher long-term costs.

Q: Do you charge extra during peak season?

A: No — our package fees are fixed year-round. Seasonal market pricing may affect furniture and delivery costs.

Q: How can I get an exact budget for my property?

A: Book a consultation with Bee Setups to get a tailored estimate based on your property size, location, and goals.

Conclusion

Your furnishing budget is one of the most important investments you’ll make in your short-term rental’s success. A well-planned budget — with the right allocation — can increase bookings, boost nightly rates, and improve guest satisfaction.

📅 Get a tailored furnishing budget for your property today: Contact Bee Setups