Premium vs. Budget Short-Term Rental Furnishing: What’s the Difference?
- Mehak Fiaz
- Aug 15
- 2 min read
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.

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?