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Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by Sarah
When setting up a new Airbnb, it’s important to have a vision in mind. This allows you to create a cohesive, inviting space that photographs well and sets you apart from other Airbnb listings. But do you need a themed Airbnb? Today, I will share some tips on tastefully incorporating one, along with some themed Airbnb design inspiration ideas from Wayfair.
So, use any of the following links to shop Wayfair and browse my other blog posts for ideas on specific Airbnb furniture pieces.
And if you are just getting started as an Airbnb host, my FREE AIRBNB SETUP CHECKLIST is a great place to start. It’s not only full of valuable first-hand Airbnb hosting tips, but also provides a room-by-room breakdown of what to buy for your Airbnb!
QUICK LINK: Are you ready to create your new Airbnb listing? Click here to get started on Airbnb!
Themed Airbnb Design Inspiration
When it comes to Airbnb design, functionality still reigns supreme!
But it’s still fun to find ways to tastefully incorporate a theme at your new short-term rental property. These typically stem from the location of your Airbnb, for example, a mountain escape or a beach house.
Other times, you may want a bright, bold look to help you stand out in a saturated urban market.
However, I often see Airbnb listings that either go overboard or don’t execute right, making the themed decor look tacky. These often catch my eye, and not in a good way.
So, how should you best incorporate a theme into your Airbnb design in 2026?
3 Tips For Incorporating a Theme in Your Airbnb
I want to be brutally honest here! Why? Because what you think is cute may actually turn potential Airbnb guests off.
Remember, most modern-day Airbnb guests want a rental to be maintained at hotel standards. Typically, that means clean, fresh white linens, limited clutter, functionality, and a place that doesn’t feel like someone else’s home.
So, here are three of the main things to keep in mind when decorating your themed Airbnb!
#1 Avoid Themed Quilts and Shower Curtains
I know they are tempting, but unless you are 100% sure you’ll hire a professional photographer with great lighting who can make your bedrooms and bathrooms look like a Pottery Barn catalog, this is usually a terrible idea.
When looking for rentals for my own family, I often see dimly lit rentals with themed bedding, and I move on to the next one.
They give the impression that the place is outdated, lived-in, and not crisp and clean.
This is why I still recommend white (or possibly a solid color) Airbnb bedding in all rentals. Save your theme for wall decor and other accents!
However, if you do want themed bedding, I think cute white sheets with a themed print, paired with a white duvet, would be a better idea.
You could also do a colored or contrast-stitched quilt. Just avoid busy nature-scene prints on your Airbnb sheets, quilts, and duvet covers.
#2 Keep a Similar Color Palette
Next, pick a set of 4-5 colors for your Airbnb design and stick to those!
For example, if you have a coastal beach house, you can opt for white, cream, and turquoise, or a more nautical theme with rich navy and red.
Don’t mix and match items just because they share the same “theme,” especially if they don’t match or create a cohesive look. I’ll cover this more below when I share my beach house and nautical design boards.
#3 Limit the Knick-Knacks
Knick-knacks are generally frowned upon at rental properties, as they can potentially gather dust and serve no purpose.
So, when incorporating a theme, look for items that serve a purpose, or use them sparingly. For example, at our beach rental, I chose these cute mermaid bookends below and sunshine coasters in an earlier photo to add a little interest while still serving a purpose. I also include these beach-themed books.
Themed Airbnb Design Inspiration
To help give you an idea of what types of themed Airbnb decor I think are good ideas, I put together six lists full of non-tacky Airbnb-themed design and decor ideas!
In those lists, you’ll find all of my top Wayfair finds for your Airbnb by theme. Click any image in this post to shop for those exact items!
I do want to note that since I first wrote this Airbnb-themed design idea post, some items in the collage photos may be out of stock, but I added a whole bunch of new ones to those lists. So, still click on the images, because each themed list has around 50 items to browse!
Mountain Airbnb Design Inspiration
I love the mountain-themed decor ideas that I found at Wayfair. Whether you are catering more toward ski guests or general mountain travelers, these bright and welcoming decor items don’t feel dated or too homey.
Personally, I especially like the idea of incorporating your theme in the coffee cups and other Airbnb kitchen extras. These are fun and create a nice Instagram photo opportunity for your guests. I also love this ski-themed hook board for jackets because you can never have enough hooks in your Airbnb rental!
Click here to shop the mountain-themed Airbnb finds in this photo and more!
Beach House Airbnb Design Inspiration
In the next two photos, I am sharing a nautical-themed board and a beach house-themed board.
As I mentioned earlier, sometimes people try to have a general theme, but it just doesn’t coordinate well. So, these are examples of what I mean when I recommend not mixing color palettes too much in your Airbnb design.
For these beach house ideas, I love the soft blues and the use of rattan, oyster shells, and other materials to bring the outside in. And I think this four-foot-tall Beach House Paddle may be my favorite find in this whole post!
Click here to shop the beach house Airbnb finds in this photo and more!
Nautical Airbnb Design Inspiration
For the nautical design ideas, I added some more red and seafaring-themed accents. If you have an outdoor area, the navy blue Polywood Adirondack chairs are just so classy and high-quality.
My other favorite on this board is the regatta-themed cups. This is another example of how drinkware makes a nice themed addition. Furthermore, here are some rope bookends that incorporate a theme as I recommended above.
Click here to shop the nautical Airbnb finds in this photo and more!
Lake House Airbnb Design Inspiration
In this post, the lake house, cabin, and mountain-themed boards are all options for similar properties. However, each has a unique color palette, and they all go together really well.
For this lake house Airbnb design board, I love the pops of color against the rich browns and blues!
In addition, I find that this oar side table/nightstand is a really tasteful piece of themed furniture. And we can’t forget some cute lake house coasters and a themed hook board!
Click here to shop the lake house Airbnb finds in this photo and more!
Cabin Airbnb Design Inspiration
This is about as rustic as I can go, but for this Airbnb cabin design board, we went a little darker and a little more themed.
And while the bears may be on the border of fun and tacky, I think they lean more fun, and kids would get a kick out of them. Here, I use a unique cabin bed for kids. This would be such a wow-piece in a kid’s room at your rental!
Also, adding fun accents such as this lamp gives your place a little extra personality!
Click here to shop the cabin Airbnb finds in this photo and more!
Bright & Bold Airbnb Design Inspiration
Before wrapping up, I want to point out that themes don’t have to run along a specific animal or destination!
Often, choosing a bright, bold color palette that pops yet stays cohesive can help your listing stand out among similar Airbnbs. This is especially important in an urban condo-type situation where many options are, quite frankly, the same.
In this Airbnb design inspiration board, I use bright florals and funky accents to create visual interest. These flamingo wall hooks are really cute! This is another unique lamp that most guests will love!
Click here to shop the bright and bold Airbnb finds in this photo and more!
Shop These Themed Airbnb Design Ideas At Wayfair
All of these items are from Wayfair, one of my favorite places to shop for Airbnb furniture and decor.
Shipping is fast and free on most orders over $35. As always, read the reviews and ensure that each item is a perfect fit for your new Airbnb. And, as always, happy hosting!
More Airbnb Hosting Tips
If you are looking for more practical, first-hand Airbnb hosting tips beyond design inspiration, you are in the right place! Whether you are a new Airbnb host or a seasoned Airbnb superhost, I have Airbnb tips on so many topics, from choosing the best smart TVs to putting together a useful Airbnb House Manual for your guests.
Here are some popular Airbnb hosting topics that you may enjoy:
- Getting Started on Airbnb
- Where to Buy an Airbnb
- Top 10 Tips For New Hosts
- Outdoor Furniture for Rentals
- Airbnb Buying Guides
- Browse All Airbnb Posts
PIN: Airbnb Design Inspiration For Later
