How to furnish and decorate a beach house rental

Waves lapping on the shore. Relaxing strolls on warm sand. Seagulls flying peacefully above. There are many reasons why travelers flock to the coast. Make your beach home an even bigger draw by bringing that sensory seaside experience indoors. So, how do you decorate a beach house rental to stand out from the competition and attract more guests? Here, we offer five ways they create beautiful beach vacation rental interiors that entice travelers repeatedly.

Modern design rules for decorating your beach house rental

1. Let your locale lead you

Every beach town has its own unique charm. What’s your beach known for? Are guests drawn to its quiet shores, perfect surfing conditions, or popular family-friendly boardwalk with a colorful ferris wheel? Focusing on what makes your beach destination special will help create meaningful and memorable experiences.

2. Choose materials and upholstery wisely

Sand, sunscreen, saltwater—these are just some of the elements that can wreak havoc on your beach house furniture (both indoor and outdoor) and its longevity. Because of the warm weather, your windows and doors are likely to be open much of the time, letting in moist, salty sea air. Invest in furniture made of durable materials that can withstand all types of weather, such as teak or POLYWOOD®. Plus, look for performance fabrics that are easy to clean, like Sunbrella®—a favorite ours. Resist the urge to simply purchase inexpensive plastic stacking chairs at a local hardware store. These are flimsy and can break and wear down easily.

3. Encourage fun with the right vacation rental amenities

Make sure every guest is beach-ready with added perks they’ll appreciate. Think marshmallow roasting sticks, plastic cups to take to the beach, lightweight folding chairs, beach towels, portable ice coolers, or a picnic basket. If you want your beach home to stand out from all the rest, details like these matter.

4. Set the scene with coastal hues

The perfect coastal color palette? Just look outside. You’ll see vibrant teals, soft blues, and neutral sand tones. We typically aim to strike a stunning balance of soft and natural hues. For example, she advises bringing in touches of blues, off-whites, grays, and tans. Then, balance with sleek wood furniture, clean lines, and metal finishes. The result? A sophisticated, luxurious look that makes every moment indoors feel like a day at the beach.

5. Avoid beach kitsch

You know the ones: seashells everywhere, pillows that say “Beach,” dolphin and starfish decor adorning every wall. What's our #1 rule for decorating a beach house rental? Don’t take coastal design literally. Instead, take a subdued approach. Evoke the seaside by bringing in coastal colors and natural textures (like stone and rattan), rather than overtly displaying beachy paraphernalia. Your design will look more high-end, sophisticated, and well worth the vacation rental price.