Furnishing an Airbnb on a budget: my $5K setup for a 2BR

Category: Design & Furnishing

By: James Wu

Posted: 2025-12-25T02:44:50.714Z

Just closed on a 2BR/1BA condo that I want to furnish for Airbnb. My budget is $5,000 for EVERYTHING — furniture, decor, kitchen stuff, linens, the works. Is $5K realistic for a 2BR? Where should I splurge vs save? And where do you all shop for STR furnishings? I'm in a mid-market city (Indianapolis) if that helps with comp expectations.

Reply by Jessica Morales:

$5K is absolutely doable for a 2BR. I've done it twice. Here's my exact budget breakdown: **BEDROOM 1 — Queen ($900)** - Mattress: Zinus 10" memory foam on Amazon ($250) — surprisingly good for guests - Bed frame: Amazon metal platform ($80) — no box spring needed - Sheets: 2 sets of Amazon Basics microfiber queen sheets ($25 each) - Pillows: 4 standard + 2 king decorative ($60 total) - Comforter: white duvet + duvet cover ($80) - Nightstands: 2 from Facebook Marketplace ($40 total) - Lamp: Target ($20) - Curtains: blackout from Amazon ($30) - Mattress protector: waterproof ($20) **BEDROOM 2 — Twin or Full ($600)** - Same formula, slightly smaller scale **LIVING ROOM ($1,200)** - Sofa: IKEA FRIHETEN sleeper ($500) — or Facebook Marketplace for less - Coffee table: Target or IKEA ($80) - TV: 55" TCL Roku ($280) — built-in streaming, no Fire Stick needed - TV stand: IKEA KALLAX ($70) - Area rug: 8x10 from Amazon ($120) - Throw pillows + blanket ($50) - Floor lamp ($30) - Wall art: 3-4 prints from IKEA or Target ($70) **KITCHEN ($600)** - Dishes/bowls: 8-piece set from Target ($40) - Glasses: 8 drinking + 4 wine ($30) - Silverware: 8-place set ($20) - Pots and pans: T-fal nonstick set ($60) - Utensil set: spatula, whisk, tongs, etc. ($25) - Knife set: basic 8-piece ($30) - Cutting boards: 2 ($15) - Keurig coffee maker ($80) - Toaster ($20) - Baking sheet + mixing bowls ($25) - Storage containers ($15) - Cooking spices + olive oil ($20) - Dish towels, oven mitts, sponges ($20) - Trash can ($30) **BATHROOM ($400)** - Towels: 8 white bath + 8 hand + 8 washcloths from Costco ($80) - Shower curtain + rings ($25) - Bath mat: 2 ($30) - Toilet brush + plunger ($15) - Wall-mounted soap/shampoo dispensers ($40) - Mirror (if needed) ($40) - Shelving/storage ($30) - Bathroom accessories ($20) - Cleaning supplies ($30) - First aid kit ($20) **MISC ($500)** - Iron + ironing board ($40) - Hangers: 30 ($20) - Welcome signage/guidebook ($30) - Smart lock: Schlage Encode ($280) - Fire extinguisher ($25) - Flashlight ($10) - Tool kit ($20) - Luggage rack ($30) - Door mat ($15) **TOTAL: ~$4,200** — leaves $800 buffer for things you forgot For a more detailed framework, check out this guide: https://strspecialist.com/airbnb-amenities-that-wow-guests-without-breaking-the-bank

Reply by Omar Hassan:

Two tips to stretch your budget further: 1. **Facebook Marketplace and estate sales** for furniture. I furnished my first Airbnb for $3,200 by buying a nearly-new leather sofa ($150 vs $800 retail), a solid wood dining set ($80), and bedroom dressers ($40 each) from Marketplace. Just make sure everything is clean and in good condition. 2. **Buy white linens ONLY.** White towels, white sheets. They can be bleached when stained, they look clean and hotel-like, and you can replace individual pieces without matching colors. This saved me hundreds on linen replacement over the years.