The Luxenest Blog  /  Interior Design
Interior Design

Furnished or Styling-Only? Which Airbnb Setup Do You Need?

September 2026By the Luxenest Design Team5 min read
Bedroom styled with layered neutral textures

Not every Airbnb needs new furniture. Some units need a full furnishing, some only need styling, and choosing the wrong one costs you either money or bookings.

Clients often ask us whether they should buy a full furnishing package or just “make what's there look better”. The honest answer depends on what is already in the unit, what condition it is in, and whether it is safe for guests. Here is how we help clients decide.

Two services, two different jobs

Furnishing package

For an empty apartment. We supply the furniture, appliances and décor, deliver and assemble everything, and stage the unit ready for its listing photos. Packages start from R45,000 for a studio or one-bedroom, R75,000 for two bedrooms and R110,000 for three, plus a fixed R10,000 setup and sourcing fee, and bedding and bathroom essentials. All prices include VAT.

Airbnb Styling Package

For a unit that already has furniture. It starts from R15,000 and includes a property assessment, guest experience strategy, furniture selection and arrangement, décor styling, premium linen selection, a welcome setup and guest pack, professional staging and photo-ready room preparation. It is not needed on top of a furnishing package, where styling and staging are already included.

Living area styled with layered textures and lighting
Styling can transform what's already there

Which one do you need?

Your situationBest option
The unit is emptyFull furnishing package
Furnished, safe, good condition, but plainAirbnb Styling Package
Partly furnishedStyling plus the missing pieces and add-ons
Furnished, but worn, mismatched or unsafeReplace the key pieces, then style

Final recommendations and quotes follow a property assessment.

Is your existing furniture worth keeping?

Before you decide to style what is there, check it honestly. Guests will judge it, and in a busy Airbnb it will be used much harder than in a home.

Where the missing pieces come from

When a unit needs new pieces, we source through a supplier network that includes Luxenest Maison, Decofurn and @home, and inspect every item on arrival. Our bedding, bathroom and décor add-ons let you fill gaps without buying a complete package, and a laundry and appliances pack and smart lock are available as optional extras.

“Styling makes a good unit look its best. It cannot make an unsafe one be safe.”
Work with Luxenest

Not sure which one you need?

Send us photos of the unit and a few details. We will tell you honestly whether styling is enough or whether replacing some pieces will earn more over time.

Enquire Now
theluxenestproperties@gmail.com  ·  +27 74 760 0513