How to Stage your Vacation Rental For Perfect Photos

Photo: Chastity Cortijo.

When it comes to your listings on Airbnb, Vrbo, or other booking platforms, there are few things as vital as your photos. The level of staging and decor can make or break your listing, determining if guests are going to book your home…or not. If you’re ready to make the leap and invest in professional photos for your rental, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top things to consider when staging your rental for perfection. 

Below are some tips to go over with your photographer.

Clean and Clear Out the Clutter 

Whether the rental space is well-loved by your family, or is strictly for guests — you’ll want to ensure your space is professionally cleaned prior to taking photos. You want your space to shine — if there’s one thing that instantly turns off guests, it’s a dirty, cluttered space. Be sure to mop, vacuum and dust thoroughly because it can be pretty apparent in photos if you skip this step. You’ll also want clean, crisp bedding and towels out, similar to what guests can expect when visiting. If you have any family belongings out, like a pile of ski gear in the garage, it’s time to find a new home for your clutter. When cleaning out your space, look for small moments to brighten up the room — maybe a new pillow, a living plant, or even a candle can make a space look homey and welcoming. 

Remove Personal Items 

No matter how much you may love your family photo hanging above the mantle, all personal items should be removed or stored away in a rental home. While guests love the personal touch of staying in someone's home, they probably don’t need a constant reminder of the hosts. Store away all photos, toothbrushes, perfumes — anything that wouldn’t be appropriate in a hotel, probably isn’t appropriate for your rental either. 

Let in the Light 

For photos, there is nothing better than natural light. Before your photographer arrives, be sure to open all the curtains in your home and let in the light. To take things one step further, you may want to consider giving your windows a good scrubbing on both the inside and the outside. For rooms without much, or any, natural light, try and distribute warm lamps throughout the room to give the space a cozy feel.

Photo: Loren Cutler.

Aim at the Corner 

One pro tip for your photographer, or if you’re choosing to take photos yourself — always aim at a corner when possible. This adds depth and dimension to your interior photos, opening up the space and making it appear bigger than it is. When you shoot a room square on, everything falls flat and can make a room feel tiny and cramped. Even better, if you can combine a corner shot, along with a window or door, you’ll likely have a winning photo on your hands thanks to the light.

Focus on the Details 

Don’t let the big moments overshadow the small details. You can provide guests with a greater sense of your space when you take detailed shots, such as a cozy reading nook, a favorite vignette, or even a close up shot of the luxury bath products you offer. Highlight all the things that make your space special and let it shine. As the age old saying goes, the devil is in the details. 

Don’t Forget the Outdoor Space 

One often overlooked space in host photos is the outdoor space. Consider giving your backyard a little makeover with new outdoor pillows, colorful plants, a firepit and cozy chairs. Guests love to spend time outdoors, especially as the months get warmer. Having a backyard, deck, or patio can be an added feature that you can charge more for — so don’t forget to snap a photo or two. 

Upload Photos in a Logical Order 

Once you’re done taking the photos, or receive them from your professional photographer — it’s time to upload them to the site! Be sure to take time to upload the photos in a logical order, similar to how a guest would move through your space. Typically, you would start with foyer images, moving through the rest of the main floor, and ending with the bedrooms (or newly revamped backyard!). Also, be sure to add description text along with your photos, this helps guests know exactly what to expect upon arrival. 

While staging your home and getting the photos just right can take some work, your efforts will pay off almost immediately. Sometimes a small investment in time and money can take your short-term rental to the next level — leading to a whole lot of bookings.