Seasonal Setup Considerations: Furnishing for Summer vs. Winter Guests
- Mehak Fiaz
- Aug 31
- 3 min read
Introduction
Short-term rentals are not one-size-fits-all — and that includes how you furnish them. Guest expectations, travel patterns, and even the mood of a property can change dramatically depending on the season.
A beach condo that wows in July may feel mismatched come January, while a ski lodge that thrives in winter could fall flat during summer months.
At Bee Setups, we design and furnish properties nationwide with seasonal adaptability in mind, ensuring your Airbnb feels fresh and relevant year-round — or tailored for your high-demand season if you specialize in one.
Why Seasonal Furnishing Matters for STR Hosts
Maximized Guest Appeal – Guests book based on how your property “feels” in photos and in person. Seasonal cues make your listing stand out.
Higher Nightly Rates – Seasonal alignment can justify premium pricing during peak demand.
Better Reviews – Guests love when décor and amenities match the reason they’re traveling.
Furnishing for Summer Guests
1. Light and Airy Design
● Use bright color palettes: whites, blues, light neutrals
● Choose lightweight fabrics: linen, cotton, breathable weaves
● Include sheer or light-filtering window treatments to maximize natural light
2. Summer-Ready Amenities
● Outdoor dining sets
● Lounge chairs or hammocks
● Portable fans or upgraded AC units
● Beach gear storage (if applicable)
3. Functional Layouts
Encourage indoor-outdoor flow, especially in properties with patios, balconies, or decks.
Furnishing for Winter Guests
1. Warm and Inviting Design
● Deep, rich tones: burgundy, forest green, warm neutrals
● Plush textiles: wool throws, faux fur, heavy drapes
● Layered lighting with warm bulbs
2. Cold-Weather Comforts
● Fire pit or indoor fireplace setup
● Heated blankets
● Rug layering for extra insulation
● Winter sports gear storage (ski racks, boot trays)
3. Coziness in Layout
Create intimate seating areas perfect for gathering indoors.
Dual-Season Furnishing Strategies
If your property serves both summer and winter guests, flexibility is key.
Modular Décor – Swap pillow covers, throws, and small accent pieces seasonally.
Neutral Base – Keep big-ticket furniture neutral so it works in any season.
Storage Solutions – Store off-season décor in labeled bins for quick swaps.
Bee Setups Seasonal Design Process
Market Research – We analyze guest expectations for your specific location in both peak and off-peak seasons.
Package Selection – Choose from our Packages that match your property type and seasonal needs.
Layered Design – We plan permanent furnishings plus easy-to-change seasonal accents.
Amenity Matching – From summer paddleboards to winter cocoa stations, we align amenities to guest intent.
Setup & Styling – Our team handles everything from furniture assembly to final seasonal touches.
Case Study – Mountain Cabin with Year-Round Bookings
● Location: Lake Tahoe, CA
● Approach: Neutral lodge-style base with swappable summer/winter décor bins
● Result: +21% increase in bookings year-round, 4.95 average guest rating
Seasonal Furnishing Budget Considerations
Season Strategy | Typical Furniture Spend | Seasonal Accent Spend |
Summer-Only Setup | $15K–$20K+ | Minimal |
Winter-Only Setup | $15K–$20K+ | Minimal |
Dual-Season Adaptable Setup | $20K–$25K+ | $500–$1,500 annually |
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re targeting summer vacationers, winter adventurers, or both, seasonal furnishing can be the edge that drives more bookings, higher rates, and glowing reviews.
At Bee Setups, our turnkey service ensures your property isn’t just ready for guests — it’s ready for the right guests, at the right time.
📅 Ready to make your property season-proof?