Furnishing Your Central Oregon Vacation Rental: A Guide for New Owners

Congratulations on your new vacation rental in Central Oregon! Whether your home is in Bend, Sunriver, or any of the beautiful surrounding areas, furnishing your property thoughtfully will set you up for success. A well-designed, comfortable, and fully stocked rental will attract more guests, garner positive reviews, and keep visitors coming back year after year. Here’s your guide to furnishing your vacation rental with quality, style, and functionality in mind.

1. Invest in Quality Furnishings

When it comes to furnishing your vacation rental, quality matters. Guests appreciate comfortable, stylish, and durable furniture that enhances their stay.

• Sofas & Seating: Opt for high-quality, easy-to-clean materials. Consider sectionals or sleeper sofas to accommodate extra guests.
• Dining Area: Choose a sturdy dining table with ample seating that fits the occupancy of the home. Bench seating can be a great way to maximize space.
• Bedrooms: Comfortable mattresses, supportive bed frames, and stylish yet durable nightstands are key. Provide bedside lamps with charging ports for guest convenience. Ensure each bed has four pillows for added comfort.
• Living Room: Provide enough seating to match the home’s maximum occupancy so all guests can relax comfortably.
• Outdoor Furniture: Since Central Oregon is known for its outdoor beauty, provide quality patio seating, dining tables, and possibly a fire pit for cozy evenings.
• Lighting: Ensure good lighting throughout the home, including reading lamps and easily accessible charging plugs.
• Cozy Extras: Supply plenty of cozy blankets to enhance guest comfort.
• Smart TVs: Provide at least two smart TVs to enhance entertainment options for guests.

2. Elevate Your Space with Local Art

Give your vacation rental a unique touch by incorporating local artwork. This adds character and supports Central Oregon artists.

• Lindsay Gilmore: Known for her stunning watercolor and nature-inspired artwork, Gilmore’s pieces add a serene and artistic flair to any home.
• Sheila Dunn: A Central Oregon favorite, Dunn’s bold and colorful portraits and landscapes make a striking statement in any room.
• Other Local Artists: Visit art galleries in Bend, Sisters, and Redmond to find unique pieces that reflect the beauty of the region.
• Instagrammable Spot: Consider adding a mural wall or decorative focal point that guests will love to photograph and share.

3. Stock Up on High-Quality Linens & Towels

One of the easiest ways to improve guest satisfaction is by providing soft, luxurious linens and an abundance of towels.

• Sheets & Bedding: Opt for high-thread-count cotton or linen sheets. Provide extra blankets and pillows for ultimate guest comfort.
• Towels: Keep at least double to triple the number of towels needed for the maximum guest capacity. This prevents mid-stay laundry issues.
• Extras: Provide bathrobes, makeup-removing towels, and plush bath mats for an added touch of luxury.

4. Create a Standout Kitchen

A well-stocked kitchen can set your rental apart from the competition. Guests love the convenience of being able to cook full meals, especially for holidays and family gatherings.

• Cookware & Bakeware: Provide high-quality pots, pans, baking sheets, and mixing bowls.
• Appliances: A coffee maker, blender, toaster, and slow cooker are must-haves.
• Utensils & Dishes: Offer more than just the basics. Stock sharp knives, measuring cups, cutting boards, and plenty of dishware.
• Spices & Pantry Staples: Supply essentials like salt, pepper, olive oil, sugar, and coffee. Owners should also consider providing a variety of spices, foil, plastic wrap, sandwich baggies, sugar, and flour to make guests feel at home.
• Serving Dishes & Glassware: Include large serving bowls, platters, wine glasses, and champagne flutes for celebratory occasions.
• Coffee Variety: We always suggest having multiple choices for coffee, such as a French press, Keurig, or drip coffee maker, along with ground coffee, whole beans, decaf, and a selection of teas to cater to different preferences., such as ground coffee, whole beans, decaf, and a selection of teas to cater to different preferences.

5. Extra Touches to Impress Your Guests

• Smart Home Features: Provide a smart lock for keyless entry, a smart thermostat, and high-speed WiFi.
• Entertainment: Stock board games, books, and streaming services for cozy nights in.
• Guidebook: Central Oregon Vacation Homes provides a digital guidebook to walk guests through the home before they arrive, ensuring a smooth check-in experience.
• Complimentary Items: Guests staying with Central Oregon Vacation Homes will find complimentary coffee, oil, and salt & pepper upon arrival.
• Pet-Friendly Amenities: If your rental allows pets, provide dog bowls, towels, waste bags, leashes, and dog beds.
• Fresh Paint & Updated Furnishings: Keeping your home freshly painted and furnished with modern décor helps set it apart from the competition.
• Outdoor & Specialty Features: Adding amenities like bikes, hot tubs, river toys, and lawn games can make your rental more attractive and increase bookings.

By thoughtfully furnishing and stocking your vacation rental, you’ll provide a superior experience that keeps guests coming back. Investing in quality furniture, supporting local artists, and ensuring your home is well-equipped will set your rental apart in the competitive Central Oregon market. Happy hosting!