When furnishing your Airbnb, picking the right sofa/couch can feel a lot like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. You want something that’s comfortable enough for your guests to lounge on, but also durable enough to withstand a lot of wear and tear. Plus, if you’re hoping to host more than two people at a time, you’ll need to find a couch that can accommodate additional sleepers. And of course, you’ll want to pick a style and material that best fits your space.
(This is all part of knowing your target audience for your overall marketing strategy.)
To help make your decision a little easier, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite sofas for Airbnb, based on our personal experience as well as trends from the most successful hosts. From sleek and modern designs to cozy and traditional styles, there’s sure to be a couch on this list that’s perfect for your rental.
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What To Consider When Buying A Sofa/Couch For Airbnb
Have you ever sat on a sofa so comfortable you took a picture of it and recruited all of your friends to find one just like it, but then noticed your clothes covered in pet hair? Or maybe you’ve accidentally spilled a drink on a couch and watched in horror as the stain quickly soaked in.
If you’re going to be hosting guests in your home, it’s important to be mindful of all the creative ways guests can destroy your stuff. We’re not trying to scare you, but rather prepare you for what to look for when shopping for a sofa or couch for your Airbnb. With that in mind, here are some key things to keep in mind:
Consider The Amount of Wear and Tear The Sofa Will Endure
Have you ever seen the Chappelle’s Show skit where Rick James is wearing these 4 inch heels covered in mud, then yells out “**** YOUR COUCH!” and proceeds to stomp his muddy shoes all over it?
Well, it seems like there are a whole lotta guests out there who like to reenact that scene because I constantly see sofas and couches with big stains, rips, and tears – and I can’t figure out any other explanations for what else could have possibly happened.
So the best sofas for Airbnb are those that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
If you live in a high traffic area or plan on having a lot of guests stay with you, it’s best to steer clear of delicate fabrics like silk or linen. Instead, opt for something more durable, like leather or microfiber. These materials are not only easy to clean, but they’re also more resistant to stains and scratches.
Another thing to keep in mind is the sofa’s frame. If you plan on having a lot of people sitting on your couch, make sure it has a solid wood/metal frame that can support the weight. You should also look for a sofa with reinforced joints, so it doesn’t wobble or squeak when people sit on it.
Find The Most Comfortable Sofa/Couch For Your Guests
Of course, comfort should be one of your top priorities when picking out a sofa for your Airbnb. After all, what’s the point of having a couch if no one wants to sit on it? When testing out sofas in furniture stores, make sure to sit on them for at least five minutes to get a feel for how comfortable they are.
I can’t tell you how deceptively comfortable some sofas look, but feel like you’re sitting on a rock once you actually sit down. And while we’re on the topic of comfort, it’s also important to consider how easy the sofa is to get in and out of. Some sofas try to suck you in and use gravity to keep you there, while others are shaped in just the right way to make you slide off.
Make Sure It Can Accommodate Additional Sleepers
Are you interested in raising your nightly rate? One way to do that is by accommodating more guests. Sofas that are big enough to sleep on are a great way to make your Airbnb more appealing to families or larger groups, and there are also sofas that convert into Queen/King size beds.
If you’re considering a convertible sofa, make sure to test it out in person to see how easy it is to use. Some sofas can be quite complicated, and the last thing you want is for your guests to be struggling to figure out how to convert it into a bed. Ideally, you should look for a sofa that can be easily converted into a bed in less than 30 seconds, and is actually comfortable to sit on.
Choose a Style and Material That Best Fits Your Space
Now that you know what to look for in a sofa, it’s time to start thinking about which style and material will best fit your space. If you have a smaller home or apartment, you might want to consider a loveseat or futon instead of a full-sized couch.
And if you live in a hot climate, you might want to avoid dark-colored leather sofas, as they tend to absorb heat and make everyone sweaty. Instead, opt for a lighter-colored fabric like white or beige.
You should also consider the overall style of your home when choosing a sofa. If you have a more modern décor, you might want to pick a couch with clean lines and a sleek design. But if your home is more traditional, you might want to go with a sofa that has tufted cushions and carved wood details.
Think About How Easy It Will Be To Repair/Replace
Last but not least, you should think about how easy it will be to repair or replace the sofa if it gets damaged. Sofas with removable covers are always a good choice, as you can simply take off the cover and throw it in the washing machine if it gets stained.
And if a seam comes undone or a cushion starts to sag, you can usually have it repaired quite easily. But if the frame of the sofa is damaged, you might be looking at a complete replacement – which will be very hard to do if you’re furnishing your Airbnb rental with 18th century antiques!
The Best Sofas for Airbnb
Now you’re probably wondering where you’re going to find all of these amazing sofas that check all the boxes. While we recommend seeing them in person so you can test them out for yourself, we’ve put together a list of our top five sofas for Airbnb that can be delivered to your door and save you time, plus the hassle of driving around to different furniture stores.
Here they are, in no particular order:
Modern
If you’re going for a sleek and modern look in your Airbnb, then a low-profile sofa is the way to go. We love this simple yet stylish couch from Amazon. Not only is it super chic, but it’s also made with durable materials that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Plus, it’s easy to clean – always a bonus when you’ve got guests coming in and out.
Traditional
If you’re going for a more traditional look, then this Chesterfield sofa is the perfect pick. It’s classic design will never go out of style, and it comes in a variety of colors and materials, so you can find the perfect match for your space. Plus, it’s made with high-quality materials that will last for years to come.
Convertible
This convertible sofa from Amazon is a great option if you want to be able to accommodate additional guests. It easily converts into a queen-sized bed, and it’s very easy to use. Plus, it’s quite comfortable to sit on – which is not always the case with convertible sofas!
Rustic
Rustic style is all about embracing natural materials and simple designs. If you’re going for a rustic look in your Airbnb, then you’ll want to choose sofas made with materials like wood, leather, and wool/microfiber.
We love this rustic couch from American Furniture. It’s made with durable materials that will last for years, and it has a simple yet stylish design. Plus, the microfiber has a leather look – so it’s sure to be a hit with your guests.
Coastal
When it comes to coastal style of interior design, airy and light colors are always a good choice. So if you’re looking for a sofa that will fit in with this style, we recommend opting for something light and airy, like this aqua blue sofa from Amazon.
It’s also important to think about the materials you use in a coastal style home. since they should be able to withstand the salty air and humid weather. So if you live near the ocean, we recommend choosing a sofa that’s made with durable materials like this one from Honbay.
Bohemian
The Bohemian style is known for being eclectic and colorful, so if that’s the look you’re going for, we recommend choosing a sofa that’s bold and colorful. This one from Amazon is perfect – it comes in a variety of colors, so you can find the perfect match for your space. Plus, it’s made with high-quality materials that will last for years to come.
FAQs About Sofas For Airbnb
What is a sofa bed on Airbnb?
A sofa bed is a type of sofa that can easily be converted into a bed. They’re perfect for small spaces, like apartments and Airbnb rentals, as they provide an extra bed for guests without taking up too much space.
Does a couch count as a bed on Airbnb?
A couch can definitely count as a bed on Airbnb. In fact, many couches are specifically designed to be used as beds, like convertible sofas and sofa beds. For this reason, Airbnb has a setting for you to enter your sleeping arrangements in your rental, and you can specify which ones are beds or couches/sofa beds.
Edit your Listing Details and look for the Rooms and Spaces section, select the room where your couch or sofa bed is, and edit the Sleeping Arrangements to select your couch.
What kind of couch is best for an apartment?
The best couch for an apartment is one that’s small and compact, yet still comfortable to sit on. We also recommend opting for a sofa bed or convertible sofa if you want to be able to accommodate additional guests.
In smaller spaces, couches can be used to divide up the room and create different areas. For example, you could put a couch in front of a window to create a cozy reading nook, or use it to define the boundary between the living room and dining area.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the best sofa for your Airbnb, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, think about the style of your space and choose a couch that will complement it. Second, consider the materials and make sure they’re durable and easy to clean. And finally, if you have limited space, opt for a sofa bed or convertible sofa.
We hope this guide has been helpful in choosing the best sofa for your Airbnb rental. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below and we’ll be happy to help!
Happy hosting!