Last Updated on June 19, 2023 by Rental Recon
As Airbnb Superhosts, we understand the importance of making your rental stand out from the competition. One of the best things about staying at an Airbnb is the immersive experience it can provide.
Designing your short-term rental around a theme can attract more guests to your property, increase reviews, and maximize revenue. Read on for some of the best themes for Airbnb.
How To Choose the Best Theme for Airbnb?
Choosing the best theme for your Airbnb can be difficult, especially with so many great options available. One of the first things you should think about is location.
If you are a coastal Airbnb, a beachy, surfer theme is a great choice. If your rental is located near a theme park, appeal to the tourists flocking to visit their favorite locale with a fan-themed Airbnb. Or if you are in a location with a popular sports franchise, filling your Airbnb with memorabilia will be a great way to attract traveling sports fans.
How To Make Your Airbnb Unique?
There are many ways to set your property apart from the rest but often it’s the subtle design touches that can impress guests the most. Pay attention to the little details to blow them away and include a few showstoppers to really drive it home.
For example, providing DVDs that match the decor or including board games that support the theme can help your guests immerse themselves more fully into the environment that you have curated for them.
Airbnb Themes for Your Vacation Rental
Themed properties can achieve more bookings, better reviews, and more publicity for your space. Consider your location and what theme would best benefit your listing for the guests you are looking to attract.
Design Style
Themes don’t have to be whimsical or kitschy, you can always choose one of these classics to appeal to the largest crowd.
Modern Chic
Modern chic conjures images of upscale boutique hotels with bold light fixtures and plush accent pillows. Transform your property into a unique trendy space with an upscale feel. Contrast bold black and white pieces and hang modern artwork on the walls.
Boho
Earthy and eclectic accents define the Boho Chic style. By combining modern sensibilities with a free-spirited aesthetic, the Boho style is a perfect theme for most short-term rentals. This design will appeal to all guests with a desire to find a ‘home’ in the journey.
Minimalist
Minimalism is defined by simplicity, utility, and elegance. Sleek lines, open spaces, and soothing colors will make any guest feel recharged and refreshed by their stay.
Industrial
A perfect mix of the old and the new, industrial designs combine architectural details with modern comfort. Exposed brick and metal piping fixtures give a home a steampunk feel, while warm accents and plush furniture ensure that all guests are as comfortable as possible.
Glamping/Rustic
Glamping is a new fun trend and if your space is a little rustic, you can take advantage of this adventurous outdoor theme.
Any simple space can be turned into a glamping dream with some string lights, simple camp furniture, and mosquito nets draped over the beds.
Beach House/Coastal
Whether you are on the beaches of California or landlocked somewhere in the middle of the country, bring a fun beachy theme to your guests.
Look for Hawaiian, tiki, and surfboard decorations for something exotic. For a subtler vibe, think about soothing blues and sand colors. Linen, nautical stripes, and woven pieces will give a coastal feel to any location.
Farmhouse
If you’re looking for a theme that is simple, chic, and welcoming, opt for the classic modern farmhouse. This theme mixes rustic comfort with a clean neutral palette for a home away from home feel for your guests.
WANT MORE DECOR TIPS? Check out our Airbnb Decor Tips article here…>>
Fandoms
Disney: The Happiest Place on Earth
Disney is one of the world’s largest and most popular media contributors and has some of the biggest fans of every age. This is a great choice for rentals located near theme parks or other popular family destinations.
You will have limitless options decorating for a Disney theme whether you want to stick to classic Mickey and Minnie or take inspiration from the newest Disney hits like Frozen and Moana.
Rental Recon Tip: Don’t forget to stock your rental with classic Disney movies!
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Harry Potter: A Magical Vacation
At some point, we all wished we received the letter to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
For a magical theme or an Airbnb near Universal, include a sorting hat and dedicate a room to each of the four houses. You can add a large wooden table to replicate the great hall dining room and even put a giant chess set in the backyard.
Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away
For a unique experience, consider taking your guests to a galaxy far, far away. Whether you want to decorate your space like the deserts of Tatooine or emulate the inside of the Millennium Falcon, Star Wars fans will flock to your creative rental.
Lord of the Rings
You don’t need an actual hobbit house to create a Lord of the Rings-themed dream home. You can transport your LOTR fan guests to the shire with some creative decorating ideas. Old maps, full bookshelves, and wood accents will give your property a middle-earth feel.
Game of Thrones
Are you House Stark in the North with plush fur blankets or are you House Tyrell with a rose-filled lavish Highgarden? This is a great theme for a house that features a fireplace. Play up the Game of Thrones theme with stone detail and sturdy wood furniture.
Superheroes (DC, Marvel, & Comicbooks)
Another family-friendly theme option for your space is superheroes. Dedicate each room to a different popular hero like Batman, Superman, or Spiderman. You can also opt for an overarching theme for the whole house like Avengers.
Sports
Some of the most loyal fans in the world are sports fans. Use team colors throughout the house and add sports jerseys and memorabilia to really play up this theme.
College Pride
Is your Airbnb near a popular college? Or do you just want to pay tribute to your alma mater? A college theme space is a fun, creative way to attract more renters. Decorate your space in your school’s colors.
Football
Is your rental near a popular NFL stadium? Pay homage to your local team and attract fans from all over for the game day. Include memorabilia, team colors, or even your favorite game day recipes to fully envelope your guests in the excitement of any given Sunday.
Basketball
Similarly, you can keep your rental booked solidly through March Madness with a basketball theme. Go with neutrals like orange, brown, and tan to emulate a court. For an extra special vibe, include a mini basketball arcade game for your more competitive guests.
Soccer
Soccer has risen in popularity in America over the last decade, and international fans will appreciate the recognition of their favorite sport. Instead of specific teams, you can focus on certain Cups or even go with black, white, and green to highlight the key colors of the sport as a whole.
Baseball
America’s favorite pastime, baseball is a great theme, especially for any rentals near popular stadiums. Provide nostalgic snacks like cracker jacks and include your favorite baseball-themed movies for an extra Superhost boost.
Hockey
Especially in the Northern states, hockey season is a time for travel and celebration. Include jerseys, iconic posters, or hockey-themed decor.
The Olympics
As an international phenomenon, Olympic-themed elements can be as explicit as featuring professionally framed pictures of previous Olympic events or as simple as incorporating multi-colored ring patterns into your featured fabrics.
Pop Culture/Television & Movies
Stranger Things: The Upside Down
Netflix’s hit show Stranger Things quickly became a cult classic. Attract the loyal fans of this show with a Stranger Things theme. Don’t forget the iconic Christmas Lights for guests to take photos in front of!
Friends: I’ll Be There For You
‘Friends’ is one of the most iconic TV shows and has a cult-like fan following. You can recreate the Central Perk café with an accent brick wall or get inspiration from one of the character’s creative apartments.
Barbie Dream House
Think pink. A Barbie dream house theme is sure to attract girls’ getaway vacations and bachelorette parties. This is an easy theme to pull off in any space. Keep the decorations young, fun, bright, and, always, girl-powered!
Super Mario Brothers
For classic video game fans, a Super Mario Brothers-themed space is fun and nostalgic. You can make your rental stand out with creative murals of Mario worlds and red and white polka dot décor. Include a Nintendo gaming system with original games for extra fun.
Bridgerton: Victorian Era Inspired
If you have an older-style rental, a Victorian theme might be perfect for your space. Decorate with lavish four-post beds and chandeliers. Opaque curtains and large wood furniture will also give your property a Victorian-era feel, perfect for attracting fans of the new Shonda Rhimes hit, Bridgerton.
Horror/Haunted House
If your property is near a popular ghost tour or theme park, a haunted house theme can cater to the haunted tourism trend.
Gothic décor, old black and white portraits, and ornate mirrors can establish a spooky vibe. Alternatively, you could decorate with nods to classic horror with matching set pieces or movie memorabilia.
Decades
Take your guests on trip back in time with fun and whimsical decade-themed decor.
The 50s: Swingin’ Retro
Recreate a mom n’ pop soda shop vibe with pastels and retro decor. Include a great sock-hop playlist and hearken back to the days of yore.
The 60s: Psychadelic Space Race
Beatlemania was sweeping the nation, men were walking on the moon, and fun psychedelic prints were ruling supreme. The 60s give a host so many different directions to go in that you could theme each room on a different aspect of the decade!
The 70s: Flower Power & Disco Fever
Bright colors, mixed textures, and (of course) flower patterns ruled supreme in the 70s. Upgrade old shag carpeting by replacing it with a plush modern rug.
The 80s: Rock n’ Roll
If you’re looking to stand out from the other Airbnbs in your area, an 80s theme may be the feature to set your property apart.
An 80s theme is fun and energetic and great for families or friends on a getaway. Use solid, bold, bright colors to decorate and incorporate some vintage games and relics from the 80s in your space. A neon sign can serve as a great centerpiece for any main room.
The 90s: Nostalgia
Take your guests on a trip down memory lane with a ’90s-inspired Airbnb.
Decorate with the best 90’s boy band posters, plenty of VHS tapes, and maybe even a Blockbuster sign. 90s kids who are all grown up these days will love to get away to a fun rental that reminds them of their childhood.
General Themes
Artists: A Work of Art
An art lover’s dream would be a getaway to a house that exhibits their favorite artwork. An artist-themed house allows you to be as creative as you want.
Bookworm: Literary-Themed Getaway
Attract bookworms and literature buffs to your Airbnb with a literary-themed space by providing bookcases with plenty of books and comfy reading nooks around your property.
Christmas Village
Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year so why only celebrate it for one day? A Christmas-themed Airbnb is sure to be booked every holiday season and will give your guests the perfect Christmas getaway without having to miss their own decorations at home.
Wild West
Draw inspiration from your favorite old western movies to transform your property into a wild west-themed property. You can include saloon accessories and utilize a southwest desert décor.
Animals
Whether you want to include cute dog or cat elements to invite renters with pets, go rustic with a farmhouse theme, or even exotic safari with wild animal prints, these are timeless options.
Man Cave
A man cave-themed space is a perfect getaway for a bachelor party or birthday party. Include a bar, big-screen TVs, and some fun games like pool or darts to finish off this space.
Pirates: Ahoy Matey!
A Pirates of the Caribbean theme rental is sure to garner attention.
Decorate with pirate flags, skull and crossbones, and plenty of hammocks outside to lounge in. This is a great theme if you are located near a Disney theme park or Pirate sports team.
Family Game Night
A classic board game theme will catch the attention of family vacationers from all over the country.
Decorate rooms using the themes from your favorite games like Clue, Scrabble, and Monopoly.
Conclusion
Whether you want to go classic and subtle, whimsical and cute, or elaborate and extravagant, there are so many different ways to go.
Consider the type of guests you want to attract, the location your rental is in, and the time, money, and effort you are willing to spend on your theme.
