The Art of Soft Furnishings: Textiles That Bring Your Vacation Rentals To Life

After managing several vacation homes in Dubai and welcoming guests from around the world, we’ve realized just how much great design matters.

We’ve had guests leave great reviews online and even tell us to our faces how something seemingly small made their entire stay worthwhile.

It’s why we’re SUPER intentional about every Airbnb property we furnish, and why we’re renowned as Dubai’s most intentional holiday homes company.

It’s funny how cushions, curtains, throws, rugs, and linens might not be the first things you think about when furnishing your space. But they’re very essential soft furnishings for vacation rentals.

*Oops! We just let out one of our secrets* 

Well…we might as well tell you everything now. So let’s talk about soft furnishings for vacation rentals—how we do it and why it matters.

Why Soft Furnishings for Vacation Rentals Are Worth the Investment

Photo by Homevy

Your holiday homes might have the best location and the sleekest furniture, but if the space feels cold or incomplete, your guests will feel it too.

And so will your reviews.

So here’s why the textiles used for soft furnishing in an Airbnb for Airbnb are important:

1. Soft Textiles Add an Emotional Feeling to Your Space

Soft furnishings do what hard surfaces can’t; they bring life into a room.

A velvet cushion, a chunky knit throw, or soft linen curtains instantly add warmth and comfort. These are the elements that make guests feel relaxed, cared for, and at home. That emotional comfort translates into real guest satisfaction.

2. Soft Furnishings Make Your Airbnb Photos Look Better

A good photo will sell your rental property, full stop. And nothing styles a space better than purposeful textiles. A rug adds depth. Layered bedding adds luxury. A pop of colour in a pillow can change the whole vibe of the room.

Soft furnishings help tell the visual story of your space, one that says, “Come stay here. It feels amazing.”

3. They Influence Guest Perception and Reviews

Guests might not always name the curtains or cushions in a review, but they’ll remember how the space made them feel. Comfort, cleanliness, and coziness all contribute to your ratings, and textiles play a significant role in all three. Well-chosen fabrics create a sense of quality, care, and attention to detail.

4. They’re a Cost-Effective Way to Upgrade Your Airbnb

Furniture is expensive.

In the UK, you might spend anywhere from £2,000 to £5,000 to fully furnish a rental. In Dubai, that can easily jump to AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 or more, depending on the size of the apartment, the quality of the furniture, and whether you’re buying new or secondhand.

Now that is a lot.

But swapping out a duvet cover? Adding a couple of fresh cushion covers or a new rug? That’s a quick, affordable update that can completely restyle your space.

Soft furnishings remain one of the easiest ways to keep your Airbnb looking current, cozy, and seasonal without breaking the bank.

7 Must-Have Soft Furnishings for Airbnbs & Short Term Rentals in 2025

Photo by Homevy

Here’s your cheat code: if it’s soft, cozy, and makes a space feel lived-in (without clutter), it’s probably a soft furnishing.

But just so you don’t miss a thing, here are 7 must-have soft furnishings that will instantly elevate your vacation rental, boost guest satisfaction, and help drive that sweet ROI:

1. Cushions

You can never go wrong with cushions; seriously, they’re that versatile.

They add colour to plain spaces, make your sofa or bed feel instantly more comfortable, and show guests that you’ve styled the place with intention.

Even just 2 or 3 cushions can make a basic couch look cozy and complete. And if you’re working with a neutral space, cushions are a fun way to bring in your personality.

How to Use Cushions in Your Airbnb:

• Add 3–5 cushions on the sofa. Mix square and lumbar shapes. Combine two solid-coloured cushions with one textured or patterned one for visual balance.
• Use 2-4 decorative pillows in front of the sleeping pillows to create that luxury layered look. A simple combo: two white pillows, two smaller coloured cushions.
• Choose colours that match your curtains, rugs, or artwork. E.g., in a boho-themed rental, go with rust, olive, and cream tones. In a minimalist space, stick to neutrals.

2. Blankets

Photo by Homevy

Blankets are friends soft furnishings with benefits; and here’s why.

On one hand, they add comfort. On the other hand, they instantly upgrade how your space looks (even in photographs). Whether it’s casually draped over the arm of a sofa or folded neatly at the foot of the bed, a good throw says; “this host gets it.”

And it’s not just for looks.

Guests can use blankets as a bedspread, an extra layer on cooler nights, or a cozy wrap while curled up watching Suits on Netflix (yeah we’re giving you movie suggestions).

How to Use Blankets in Your Vacation Rental:

• Drape a blanket casually over one arm of the sofa or fold it neatly over the backrest. It instantly adds texture and makes your space feel more relaxed.
• Fold a throw blanket across the foot of the bed, either in a contrasting colour or texture, to create a layered, styled look.
• For extra hospitality points, keep one folded in a basket or on an accent chair with a little note: “In case you get chilly.”

Homevy Tip: Avoid throws that shed or look worn out after a few washes. Fleece, cotton blends, or soft poly are safe bets for busy hosts. And don’t forget to choose colours that match or complement your theme.

3. Curtains

A room without curtains feels… awkward. A little bare. A LOT too bright.

And if you’re hosting guests, especially in a new city, the last thing you want is for them to feel like they’re sleeping in a fishbowl.

Curtains are one of the most popular soft furnishings in every home, not just vacation rentals, and for good reason. They add warmth, boost privacy, control light, and even help block outside noise. So yes, they look good in listing photos, but more importantly, they help your space feel safe and complete.

How to Use Curtains in Your Holiday Homes:

• In bedrooms, blackout curtains are a must. Your guests are likely on vacation; the last thing they want is sunlight waking them up at 6 am.
• For privacy, go for curtains that are opaque enough to block views from outside, especially in ground-floor or city apartments.
• Mount your curtain rod high and wide, a few inches above the window and extended past the frame. This simple trick makes your room look taller and more spacious. (You’re welcome)
• Match the fabric to your rental’s style. If your Airbnb is light and modern, go for breezy linen or cotton blends. If it is traditional, choose heavier fabrics in rich colours or subtle patterns.
• Double-layering is a win: Sheer curtains for the daytime, blackout or lined drapes for the night. Functional and pretty.

4. Area Rugs

Photo by Homevy

If you’re shopping for soft furnishings, please don’t forget rugs. They add warmth, soften hard floors (especially if you’ve got tiles), and make your place feel less echoey and way more inviting.

They also help break up your space; super helpful if your living room and dining area are in the same room. A rug makes it clear where one space ends and the other begins.

And the best part? You don’t need anything fancy. Just something that looks good, feels nice underfoot, and doesn’t stress you out to clean.

How to Use Rugs in Your Airbnb:

• Your rug should be big enough that at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs sit on it. If it floats in the middle of the floor like a bath mat, it’s too small.
• Under the bed, make sure it extends at least 60cm on each side. Waking up and stepping onto something soft is a good feeling. Place the rug so it peeks out around the bed, not completely hidden.
• Use rugs to separate zones. In studios or open layouts, place one under the couch and coffee table, maybe another near the dining area or reading corner. It helps your rental feel organized, even if it’s small.

5. Bedding & Linens

You might not think about linens much, but guests do, especially when it comes to the bed. Crisp sheets, fluffy pillows, and clean layers all signal one thing: comfort. And comfort leads to good sleep, good reviews, and repeat bookings. Simple.

But linens don’t stop at the bed. Tablecloths, cloth napkins, and even neatly folded kitchen towels are the little details that elevate your rental from basic to beautiful, and they show up well in photos, too.

So yes, investing in good-quality linens pays off both in how your Airbnb looks and how your guests feel.

How to Use Linens in Your Airbnb

• Stick to white or neutrals for bedsheets and duvet covers. They always look clean, match any color scheme.
• Layer the bed like an expert. Sleeping pillows at the back, then 1–2 smaller decorative cushions in front. Add a folded throw blanket across the foot for contrast and texture.
• Iron or steam linens before listing photos; rumpled bedding doesn’t give “professional.”
• Use table linens in dining areas.
• Leave a folded tea towel or two in the kitchen. Not only are they useful, but they help make the space feel lived-in and guest-ready.

Homevy Tip: This one’s from Fatima, our linen officer, and it’s golden. Guests always mention how clean and cozy our beds feel, and this right here is part of the secret.

She recommends the 3-set rotation rule for every bed:

• One set in use.
• One in the laundry.
• One clean and ready to go.

Make sure each set includes sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. It’s a simple system that keeps you covered, especially when bookings come in back-to-back.

6. Towels

Photo by Homevy

Towels might not seem like a big deal until you offer the wrong ones.

They’re part of your guest’s daily experience. It’s literally one of the first things they use after a long flight or hot shower. That’s why you have to be extra intentional about how your towels look and feel, because they say a lot about your standard of hospitality and cleanliness.

Now, you don’t have to break the bank to get it right. A clean, fluffy towel can instantly elevate your bedroom, bathroom, and even the kitchen, making everything feel more thoughtful and put-together.

How to Use Towels in Your Rental Property:

• Stick to white or soft neutrals. They always look clean, match any colour scheme, and are easy to bleach if needed.
• Provide enough for each guest. At the very least: 2 bath towels, 1 hand towel, and 1 face towel per guest. Got a pool or beach nearby? Throw in a couple of beach towels, too.
• Style them with intention. Stack them neatly on shelves, roll them into a woven basket, or fold one across the bed like a hotel touch.

7. Styling Pieces

This is where your personality shows up.

We’re talking wall art, vases, candles, trays, framed prints, books, baskets, all the little extras that bring your Airbnb to life. These items don’t just fill empty corners; they tell a story and sure look good in photos.

They make guests feel like they’re staying somewhere thoughtful, not just “another” rental.

You don’t need to overdo it either; just a few well-chosen pieces that match your theme or colour palette go a long way.

How to Use Styling Pieces in Your Airbnb

• Pick a style and stick with it. Whether it’s calm neutrals, earthy boho, or modern and bold, make sure everything feels like it belongs in the same world.
• Use trays to group items. A candle, a book, and a mini plant on a tray instantly look styled.
• Add wall art that fits the mood. No need for anything expensive; prints or framed local photography work just fine.
• Decorate in layers. Mix soft textures like woven baskets with hard surfaces like ceramics or mirrors for balance.

Homevy Tip: You can even frame the name of your Airbnb and place it somewhere visible. It’s a subtle way to reinforce your brand and make the space feel more intentional (plus, guests will remember the name when they’re telling friends about it later).

Choosing the Right Textiles for Your Vacation Rental in 2025

Homevy Tip: “If your Airbnb is a 1-bedroom, go for a neutral palette. The best colour schemes for small rentals are always natural – browns, beige, and creams, with a subtle pop of colour like green.”

— Our KHDA-certified interior designer, Shinnel.

Soft Furnishing Trends to Elevate Your Vacation Rental in 2025

“People want their homes to feel alive and personal, with pieces that have history, character, and personality,” says AD100 interior designer Brigette Romanek. The same applies to vacation rentals; guests are drawn to spaces that feel thoughtful, calm, and stylish.

Here are the soft furnishing trends we’re loving in 2025:

1. Warm Minimalism:  Minimalist design is shifting from cold and stark to soft and inviting, as it prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing design.
2. Texture Is the New Pattern: Instead of bold prints, designers are layering textures like waffle, boucle, linen, and ribbed cotton to make spaces feel rich without overwhelming the eye.
3. Brown Is the New Black: Brown is making a quiet comeback as a grounding, timeless color. Whether it’s soft caramel, mocha, or deeper chocolate tones, they pair beautifully with other neutrals.
4. Layered Neutrals: The goal is to add depth to a space while keeping it calm. People are moving from being basic to trying different shades of the same tone.
5. Multisensory Design:  Soft furnishings now serve more than just visual appeal. Rugs help reduce noise, plush throws add a sense of comfort, and fabric-covered lighting creates a softer, more inviting atmosphere. Even scented candles are now part of the design, enhancing the guest experience through sight, touch, and scent.

Keep these trends in mind as a guide when deciding what soft furnishings to bring into your space. You don’t have to follow every trend, just choose what aligns with your rental style, your guests’ needs, and what feels right for the space.

How We Used Soft Furnishings to Create a 5-Star Guest Experience: A Case Study

Photo by Homevy

When Anthony handed us the keys, his apartment was a basic rental unit with zero personality.

Anthony’s apartment wasn’t unfurnished, but it lacked soul. It had the basics: a bed, a couch, and a table. What it didn’t have was comfort or personality. That thing guests walk into and immediately feel: “I want to stay here.”

We knew soft furnishings would be the difference between another generic listing.

Instead of filling the space with random decor, we layered it with thoughtful textiles:

1. Cushions and throws that made the sofa more inviting and cozy for movie nights.
2. A woven rug to soften the hard floors and define the living area.
3. Neutral curtains framed the windows and added warmth without blocking natural light.
4. A vanity mirror with soft lighting that doubles as functional + atmospheric.
5. Wall quotes and styled corners for an Instagrammable, shareable look.
6. Neutral bedding layers with a pop of texture, so the bed didn’t just look good; it felt premium, too.
7. A sofa bed for flexible sleeping, covered with washable throws and cushions for comfort.

For us, soft furnishings aren’t just about style, they’re about how guests feel in your space. We made sure every detail had a purpose… It’s like the icing on the cake.

Photo by Homevy

Once the soft furnishing refresh was complete, guests started leaving reviews that mentioned how “comfortable,” “thoughtful,” and “homely” the rental felt.

Anthony was able to increase nightly rates, attract longer stays, and ultimately grow his annual ROI by 15% in just 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions on Airbnb Soft Furnishings

1. Why Are Soft Furnishings Important for Airbnb Rentals?

Soft furnishings improve guest comfort, enhance listing photos, and help create a memorable experience. Well-chosen textiles can lead to better reviews, longer stays, and higher rental income.

2. Can Soft Furnishings Help Increase Rental Income?

Yes, soft furnishings can increase rental income by improving guest satisfaction, boosting reviews, and allowing you to charge higher nightly rates. A well-styled space attracts more bookings and longer stays.

3. How Do I Maintain Soft Furnishings in a Vacation Rental?

You can maintain soft furnishings in an Airbnb by choosing machine-washable fabrics, using protective covers, and rotating items regularly. Wash bedding, throws, and cushion covers between stays, and spot-clean curtains and rugs as needed.

4. What Are Some Budget-Friendly Tips for Buying Soft Furnishings?

Buy cushion covers instead of full cushions, shop for sets or multipacks, and stick to neutral basics you can style up with seasonal accents. Focus on high-impact zones like the bed and sofa, and repurpose older pieces when possible.

In a Wrap: How to Make Your Airbnb Look Good With Soft Furnishings

Soft furnishings are the secret sauce. They turn an ordinary rental into a space that feels warm, lived-in, and worth coming back to.

It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated; just intentional. Start with one room, one throw, one set of curtains. Then build from there.

Make it feel good first, then make it look good. Your guests will love you for it.

And if you need help furnishing your Airbnb in Dubai, all you need do is contact us  :))