Ah, the million-dollar question! If I had a rand for every time I’m asked this by clients how much it costs to furnish a two bedroom unit in Cape Town, I'd be set. Truth is, there’s no single answer because furnishing depends on a few factors, like the size of the space, the quality of furnishings you’re after, and the kind of guest experience you want to create. But I’ll do my best to break down the essentials.
First, the cost thumbsuck
Many clients want a ballpark figure before I’ve even walked through the door of their new Airbnb. “Can I furnish my 2-bedroom space for R150,000?” they ask, armed with a list that stops at "two beds and a sofa.” And technically, yes, two decent queen beds (around R12,000 each) and a 3-seater sofa (R15,000 to R25,000) might get you halfway there. But only halfway – and that’s if we’re really talking basics.
The “bare minimum” bedroom checklist
Here’s what owners don't calculate . Each bed doesn’t just need a bed frame. You’ll also need:
A bed wrap to protect the base
Mattress protectors
Fitted and flat sheets
A duvet cover and an all-season duvet inner
Pillows with pillow protectors
A throw and two scatter cushions
That’s before we even touch on a laundry set to keep up with guest turnovers. With just those basics, the average bedroom setup runs up to over R25,000 for mid-range quality, not the poorest quality but also not top-of-the-line.
BELOW: To attract guests online and then make them feel completely comfortable, a bedroom needs finishing touches: scatter cushions, a plant, lamps, a throw...
Beyond the basics in the bedroom: creating a guest-worthy experience
If you’re aiming for consistent bookings and positive reviews, your guests need more than just a bed. Adding these elements can make all the difference:
A headboard... Honestly, a bed looks unfinished without one... and think of all those heads against your wall
Curtains or blinds for privacy and style
Hooks for hanging bags or jackets
Luggage racks so suitcases aren’t strewn across the floor
Bedside tables and lamps
A rug to add warmth
Artwork or decor on the walls
And, of course, if you’re furnishing an Airbnb in an upmarket area, consider adding a little luxury. Good-quality bedding, like 400-thread count sheets, can make guests feel like they’re in a boutique hotel and helps you stay competitive.
BELOW: Adding interesting art, a mirror, a vintage ornament and table are thoughtful touches that Airbnb guests appreciate.
Apart from the bedrooms...
I haven't even got to the costs of the living area, dining area, bathrooms (at least two sets of towels per guest), entrance, desk, and patio. And don't forget the kitchen. A 2-bedroom apartment implies 4 guests. Property marketing agents require you to provide double of everything: so 8 wine glasses, 8 drinking glasses, 8 dinner plates. You get the picture.
The grand total
A solid estimate for furnishing a 2-bed Airbnb in Cape Town that will wow your guests? You’re likely looking at more than R150 000 if you’re aiming for quality that lasts and makes an impression and offers more than the absolute basics.
Airbnb in Cape Town: A competitive market
And you need to have a competitive offering. Cape Town had 23,564 active Airbnb listings – far far more than many top tourist destinations, including:
Barcelona: 18,925 listings
Tokyo: 16,518 listings
Berlin: 13,759 listings
Sydney: 15,548 listings
Below: Getting a decorator (me, for instance), spending more than the minimum to allow for creature comforts will make you an Airbnb Superhost!
Decorator fees: so worth it
Now, some may wonder if they need a decorator. “Can’t I just design the rooms myself?” Well, are you sure? Decorating isn’t just about picking pretty things—it’s knowing how to put them together so your Airbnb looks curated, not a mishmash.
Can you choose a cohesive colour palette?
Can you measure correctly so your sofa fits in the living room without overwhelming the space?
I’ve seen plenty of oversized sofas in tiny apartments. They looked great in the showroom, but because no one measured, they end up dominating the room and making it feel cramped. That’s just one example of where a decorator can make a huge difference.
The hidden time costs of furnishing an Airbnb on your own
Sourcing every item is time-consuming. You might think it’s a matter of visiting one store to get all the linen for a bed, but there’s always something out of stock. Then you’re back on the hunt to fill in the gaps elsewhere, which eats up more time. Plus, every item needs checking to make sure it’s the correct size, colour, and quality.
Decorators know the suppliers, where to get the best things, who gives the best service delivery, whose items last and whose fade, get scratched etc... We ensure you get a durable Airbnb, so that you don't have to keep buying stuff year after year.
Then there’s the admin. If a supplier sends the wrong colour, you’ll have to arrange a return, which often involves a long wait and more paperwork. Coordinating every delivery, big or small, is a job in itself, especially if you don’t have a secure place to store the smaller items. And if you’re furnishing from a distance, storage becomes another headache.
BELOW:
Setting up an Airbnb means managing at least 20 deliveries—waiting, storing, coordinating…it’s a headache. Decorators have streamlined systems to handle it all seamlessly.
A decorator like myself has storage and staff to receive deliveries, check quality, and keep items safe until it’s time for the full installation. On a typical project, I might coordinate with over 20 suppliers, which means every delivery needs careful timing and planning.
When deciding to invest in your Airbnb setup, remember: an appealing, comfortable space not only attracts guests but keeps you competitive in this market. It may cost you more than R150 000 initial investment, but you'll get it back in bookings at high rates.
Call me to start a conversation: Liesa +27 848432426 or send a mail to homestagerscapetown@gmail.com
Comments