Choosing Furniture for Airbnb in the Philippines: A Host's Perspective

As a frequent traveler, I've noticed a common issue in Airbnb spaces in the Philippines: many of them have poor-quality furniture. I'm talking about flimsy side or coffee tables, plastic chairs and dining tables, and sofa beds or couches that quickly lose shape.

As an Airbnb host, I've wondered why many of these furnishings are of poor quality. I wanted to make better choices for my guests because I know what it's like to stay in places with, pardon my language, "crappy" furniture.

My first Airbnb experience in a lovely part of Makati was far from comfortable. The bed was a pull-out with no extra bedding, emitting a musty odor. The dining table and chairs were flimsy plastic. During later trips to the city, we even tried more expensive Airbnb options nearby, but they still lacked the comfortable and durable furniture we wanted.

That's why I made it my mission to keep my guests at Issa Suites from going through the same thing. I remember how bad it was when my child hit his head on the floor because the bedside table he was using for support collapsed.

It was frustrating when furniture choices became a danger for guests, especially kids.

As a host, I've learned a few things about choosing furniture for your Airbnb in the Philippines:

• Invest in quality. Even though cost is a concern, spending a bit more on sturdy and comfy furniture can save money in the long run. We learned this lesson ourselves when our cheap couch didn't last. We bought it for P12,000, but it ended up being broken in less than 6 months. The next sofa we got, the one we're still using for our Airbnb, was around P22,000, but it has lasted for more than three years. That's a return on investment right there. Sturdier furniture might cost more, but it can handle wear and tear better. This saves money in the long term.
• Choose a cohesive style. Your Airbnb should have a cohesive style that reflects your personality and conveys a vibe you want guests to feel when they enter your home. Consider the colors, textures, and patterns of your furniture when making your selections. You don't want your Airbnb to look like a mismatched collection of pieces from different stores.
• Customize for small spaces. Finding furniture pieces that fit right for a small space can be tricky. It could take several shopping trips, or you can opt for custom furniture. We did this for our bed, work desk, and dining table and chairs. Opting for custom-made furniture that's tailored to the specific dimensions of your unit can make it look more spacious.
• Don't forget the details. Aside from large pieces of furniture, it's also important to pay attention to the details. Things like rugs, lamps, and artwork can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your Airbnb.

I get it; running an Airbnb can be challenging. Hiring an interior designer is not always possible, and that's okay. For me, Airbnb is about "sharing my home with strangers to earn extra cash," not competing with hotels. It's a way for regular folks like me to make money while being with our families.

In Airbnbs like mine, picking furniture often boils down to money and what guests want. But here's the thing: hosts should also consider how good furniture can make guests happy. It's all about finding that sweet spot between spending wisely and making guests feel cozy and content.

That's the recipe for a thriving Airbnb business, giving guests a comfy and stylish space they'll love.

Here are more tips for choosing furniture for your Airbnb space:

• Choose pieces that are durable and easy to clean. This is especially important in a tropical climate, where mold and mildew can be a concern.
• Consider the size of your space and the number of guests you expect to host. You want to keep the space manageable, but you also want to make sure that guests have enough seating and storage space.
• Choose furniture that is comfortable and stylish. Guests will be more likely to leave positive reviews if they enjoyed their stay in your Airbnb.

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