Bedroom in a Box: Recipe for Furnishing Your Guest Room or Airbnb Bedroom for $1,500 or Less
- Joan Greene
- Sep 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 28
Today more and more home owners are looking at ways to create revenue streams through investment properties or creating areas of their own home to Airbnb. Also, the holidays are coming fast and many of us have family or friends who will be visiting. This is the perfect time of year to refresh those additional bedrooms with simple, comfortable and welcoming furnishings, artwork and touches that say, “Welcome Home.”
Recently, I have been working on a project for an investor to furnish a two bedroom condo from pots and pans to chairs on the porch. I am often challenged to find beautiful and functional solutions at cost effective prices. OK, in fairness, I am a farmer’s daughter and I always try to be cost aware.
So, walk with me through the process for three of the bedroom designs that I designed with a $1,500 budget in mind. We are buying all new for this project, but you can also look at what you already own and how to take bits and pieces for this plan to create a cozy room. Also, I love to thrift, so in some cases we might add a piece of artwork found on Facebook Marketplace or a chair from a local thrift store.
These are the things that I always consider when designing a new space:
Budget
Consider painting an ACCENT or FEATURE WALL. I like to paint the wall behind the bed or another wall to consider is the wall you can see looking in from the door.
Keep it simple - think about comfort, storage, style.
These are the basics:
Bed and mattress - I like platform beds because they are offer a modern, clean look and only require a mattress.
Night stands - This can be most anything from cute tables to chest with drawers for storage. My friend who practices Feng Shui says that in order to have balance always place a bedside table on both sides of the bed. I like two for the simple reason that it makes it more convenient for more than one guest.
Dresser or chest of drawers
Lighting within reach of the bed
A rug is optional
If there is room a chair or bench
I love low rectangular wicker baskets to slide under the bed for extra storage. Homegoods has great options. (Keep it to a couple.)
Small touches give the room your unique personality. A lovely vase for a handful of fresh flowers, a good book on the bedside table, a clear glass decanter with a glass for water or a warm throw to add color and comfort.
One of my favorite Airbnbs leaves a note on the bed welcoming me back. It feels good that they remember that I was there before.
Hosting guests—whether as an Airbnb owner or simply for family and friends—doesn’t have to break the bank. With thoughtful choices, you can transform an empty room into a welcoming retreat for under $1,500. The key is balancing comfort, style, and function while keeping costs in check. Here are some examples of rooms that I have designed.
BEDROOM ONE — $1177 for all the furnishings as shown + one gallon of standard Sherwin-Williams paint $50. Total $1227.00 That leaves you $275 for linens and accessories.
Total - $1,177 plus $50 in paint = $1,227
This leaves you approx. $250-$300 for linens and accessories. I love Homegoods, Marshalls and Target to complete the look.
BEDROOM 2: Total $1297 Leaves around $200 dollars to purchase a gallon of paint for the feature wall and linens.
Another good source is Kirkland’s if you have a Kirkland’s near you.
Total $1297
Leaves around $200 dollars to purchase a gallon of paint for the feature wall and linens.
BEDROOM THREE: TOTAL $1,350 $150 left for linens and paint
TOTAL $1,350
$150 left for linens and paint
Whatever your budget, whatever your space, I can help you transform your home, rental or investment. Through both virtual and in-home consultations and design services. Let's talk today.
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