How to Furnish your Holiday Let

Furnishing your holiday let in the right way is one of the first and most important steps of letting your property - so we have come up with a handy guide on how best to furnish your holiday home to help you along.

General Tips on How to Furnish your Holiday Let

There are 4 things that you should factor in when furnishing a living room:

• Comfort

• Style

• Affordability

• Durability

Finding a balance between these four factors will keep both you and your guests happy. Although the look of the room is important, the comfort of your guests is imperative, as this is one of the first things that people notice about a holiday cottage. Having a holiday let changeover checklist always comes in handy to keep up the standards from one booking to the next.

A few more holiday let furnishing tips include:

• Don't just buy cheap, random furnishings for your holiday let

  Think about what style your typical guest would prefer and try to make this flow throughout the property.

• Let your property do the talking

  If your holiday home has an interesting story or standout features, such as traditional stone walls or exposed beams, highlight these to make your holiday cottage stand out.

• Make the most of your location

  If your property is by the sea or in the heart of the countryside, showcase this through pictures or themed features around the property to remind your guests of their unique location.

• Picture your property in the eyes of the customer

  Imagine what the pictures of your holiday home are going to look like online and the likelihood of them convincing potential guests to book a stay.

• Little extra touches go a long way

  Thoughtful things such as welcome packs for holiday lets create a great first impression

Now you know the basics of how best to furnish your holiday let, discover some hints on how to furnish each room in your holiday let:

How to Furnish your Living Room

The living room is where your guests are going to spend the majority of their downtime, whether that be planning activities, reminiscing on their adventures or simply relaxing - having a comfortable space to do this is essential.

Here are a few more tips on how to furnish your living room:

• Position your seating in a 'U' shape to encourage conversation

• Choose furniture with storage space to reduce clutter. TV stands and side tables are perfect for this

• Seating and tables with space below them give the room a more spacious feel, rather than solid units that reach to the floor

• Provide ample seating for all of your guests, preferably some extra, with scatter cushions and throws to make it more homely

How to Furnish a Bedroom

Much like the living room, a lot of thought needs to go into furnishing a bedroom as a good sleep is key to a memorable cottage holiday. Furnishing your bedroom is not something to be frugal with, as having a comfortable bed and a warming ambience goes a long way towards a holiday to remember.

Discover some tips on how to furnish your bedroom:

• Choose a high-quality mattress and bedding

• Buy either thick curtains or blackout blinds to prevent light getting in

• Have a bedside table on both sides of the bed

• Make sure there is plenty of power sockets, preferably with USB ports

• Offer plenty of space for hanging and storage

How to Furnish a Bathroom

Furnishing a bathroom doesn't need to cost a lot of money, a minimalist approach can go a long way. Fresh, monochrome colours tend to work well when furnishing your holiday let bathroom.

Pick up some more tips on furnishing your bathroom:

• Use blinds rather than curtains to prevent mold

• Offer some form of power shower as these are often preferred to baths

• Provide power sockets for hairdryers, shavers etc.

• Ensure that the lighting is bright

• Storage for toiletries, towels etc. helps to reduce clutter

How to Furnish a Kitchen

Your kitchen may just be the most important room in the house when it comes to designing and furnishing your holiday let, as this sets the tone for the rest of the property.

It is very easy to strip the whole room and start again when furnishing your cottage kitchen, however a moment of careful consideration could save you a lot of money and create a wonderful cooking environment for your guests at the same time.

Here are some tips to use when furnishing a kitchen:

• Have a real think of how each fixture and fitting could be used before throwing it away. It could be that all it needs is a lick of paint to freshen it up

• Having table, breakfast bar or island allows your guests to socialise and have a rest whilst they are cooking

• When selecting where to store your utensils and crockery, choose somewhere that is easily accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Learn more about this throughout our guide to child-proofing your holiday home

• Do not skimp when buying pots and pans, high-quality equipment will be easy to clean and can withstand heavy usage

For more information on furnishing your holiday home, check out our holiday let inventory checklist.

Expert Tips for Furnishing your Holiday Let

Furnishing a holiday let involves a delicate balance between style, comfort, and functionality. Deirdre McGettrick, co-founder of ufurnish.com, the UK’s largest search and comparison website for furniture and furnishings offers valuable insights on how to set up a successful holiday let.

1. Embrace Practicality

Make sure your holiday cottage is furnished with durable, easy-to-clean furniture and fabrics. In a holiday let, furniture needs to withstand frequent use and potential spills. Opt for stain-resistant upholstery and solid, well-built furniture that can withstand wear and tear.

2. Think About the Space

Consider the size and layout of the holiday let when choosing furniture - space efficiency is key. Select multi-functional furniture, such as sofa beds or furniture with built in storage, to maximise the use of available space. This way, you can accommodate more guests comfortably.

3. Create a Cohesive Theme

To enhance the guest experience, establish a cohesive theme or design concept throughout the holiday let. Consistency in design creates a sense of harmony, so choose a colour palette and style that complements the property's surroundings or reflects the local culture. This can help create a memorable atmosphere for guests.

4. Pay Attention to Comfort

Comfort is non-negotiable in a holiday rental. Invest in quality mattresses, pillows, and linens to ensure a good night's sleep for guests. Soft furnishings like rugs and cushions can add warmth and cosiness to the space, making guests feel at home.

5. Focus on Functionality

Holiday let owners should consider the practical needs of their guests. Provide ample storage for luggage, hooks for hanging coats, and well-equipped kitchens. Guests appreciate thoughtful touches like a fully stocked kitchen, including utensils, cookware, and basic items such as tea and coffee.

6. Incorporate Local Elements

To create a unique and authentic experience, incorporate local elements into the decor. Highlight the local culture through artwork, crafts, or textiles. This not only adds character to the space but also connects guests with the destination, enhancing their overall holiday experience.

If you’re looking to improve the furniture and furnishings in your holiday let, ufurnish.com is a great place to start. You can search and compare furniture from 100+ different retailers and save up to 70%. From high street names such as John Lewis and Dunelm, to smaller independents such as Rockett St George and French Bedroom, you’ll find everything you’ll need to furnish your holiday home.