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Premium vs. Budget Short-Term Rental Furnishing: What’s the Difference?

Introduction

Not all short-term rentals (STRs) are created equal — and neither are their furnishings. The difference between a premium setup and a budget setup can mean the difference between commanding $350/night or struggling to book at $150/night.

While budget furnishing may seem like a way to save upfront, premium setups often deliver higher occupancy, better reviews, and stronger ROI. At Bee Setups, we’ve furnished properties nationwide, with package design fees from $995 to $6,500, plus furnishings starting at a $15,000 project minimum. Most of our setups range $20,000–$25,000+ — designed to last, photograph beautifully, and attract top-paying guests.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between premium and budget STR furnishing so you can make the best decision for your property.


Luxury short-term rental living room with premium furnishings

1. Quality of Furniture & Materials


Premium Furnishing:


●     Uses commercial-grade sofas, chairs, and tables

●     High-performance fabrics for stain and wear resistance

●     Solid wood or high-quality veneer construction

●     Luxury mattresses and bedding for guest comfort


Budget Furnishing:


●     Cheaper particleboard and low-grade upholstery

●     Lower durability, requiring replacements within 12–18 months

●     Basic mattresses, often leading to guest complaints


2. Design & Guest Appeal


Premium Furnishing:


●     Professionally designed, cohesive theme

●     Incorporates local market trends and guest preferences

●     High-impact visuals for listing photos (driving more clicks)


Budget Furnishing:


●     Mix-and-match pieces with little cohesion

●     Generic look that fails to stand out on Airbnb or VRBO

●     Lower perceived value, affecting nightly rates


3. Longevity & Maintenance Costs


Premium Furnishing:


●     Lasts 3–5 years or more with proper care

●     Reduces long-term replacement and repair costs

●     Maintains property value and brand consistency


Budget Furnishing:


●     Higher turnover of furniture items

●     Increased downtime for replacements

●     Inconsistent guest experience over time


4. Impact on Revenue


We’ve seen well-furnished STRs command:

●     20–40% higher nightly rates

●     Better guest reviews (leading to more bookings)

Higher Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Occupancy Rate


5. Upfront Cost Comparison

Type

Design Fee

Furniture Cost

Total Project Estimate

Lifespan

Premium

$995–$6,500

$20,000–$25,000+

$21,000–$31,500+

3–5+ years

Budget

Often DIY

$8,000–$15,000

$8,000–$15,000

1–2 years


FAQs


Q: Is premium furnishing always worth it?

A: If your market supports higher nightly rates, premium furnishing can pay for itself quickly in added revenue.

Q: What if I have a tight budget?

A: Bee Setups can help you prioritize high-impact areas first while planning for gradual upgrades.

Q: Do premium designs require more upkeep?

A: No — in fact, high-quality materials usually mean less maintenance over time.


Conclusion


The choice between premium and budget furnishing isn’t just about style — it’s about your property’s long-term earning potential. Premium furnishing can deliver stronger reviews, higher rates, and less stress.

📅 Ready to see what premium furnishing could do for your STR?

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