The living room is where guests spend the most shared time during a short-term rental stay. It’s where they relax, watch TV, play games, and gather at the end of the day. When the living room is comfortable, functional, and easy to use, guests settle in quickly — and that comfort consistently shows up in reviews.
This STR living room essentials checklist is designed for hosts who want a space that works for real guest use, not just listing photos. Instead of decorative extras or trendy furniture, the focus here is on durability, comfort, and layouts that hold up to repeat stays.
Everything below reflects what we’ve found works best in real short-term rentals — items guests actually use, setups that reduce wear and tear, and choices that make the space feel complete without feeling cluttered.
How to Use This STR Living Room Essentials Checklist
This page is designed to function as a working setup guide, not inspiration or décor advice.
Use this checklist when:
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Equipping a new short-term rental from scratch
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Replacing worn or underperforming furniture
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Reducing guest questions and complaints
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Standardizing your setup for easier turnover
This guide focuses on:
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Guest comfort and expectations
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Durability and ease of maintenance
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Practical quantities based on occupancy
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Simple setups that don’t require instructions
Core STR Living Room Essentials (Must-Haves)
If you only focus on one section, make it this one. These are the items that create a functional, guest-ready living room without overthinking the space.
Core essentials include:
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Comfortable, durable seating for your maximum occupancy
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Appropriately sized TV with a guest-friendly system
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Coffee table and side tables for everyday use
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Lamps for evening and nighttime lighting
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A simple layout that allows guests to move and relax easily
Seating: Comfort First, Durability Always
Seating is the most important part of the living room. Guests may forgive dated décor, but uncomfortable seating almost always leads to dissatisfaction.
What works best in STRs:
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Sofas and chairs with firm but comfortable cushions
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Upholstery in neutral, forgiving fabrics
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Seating that supports your full guest count
Avoid furniture that:
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Shows stains easily
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Has delicate fabrics or finishes
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Looks good but isn’t comfortable for long periods
Sectionals can work well in larger spaces, but only when they don’t block walkways or make the room feel crowded.
TV & Media Setup: What Guests Expect
A TV in the living room is non-negotiable for most short-term rentals. Guests expect it to be easy to use, appropriately sized, and consistent with the rest of the home.
Best practices:
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Use the same TV system throughout the house
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Roku TVs are ideal because Guest Mode protects accounts and resets automatically
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Mount or place the TV at a comfortable viewing height
Recommended TV size for living rooms:
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65″ TV for most common spaces
Consistency matters. Using the same system across rooms reduces confusion and guest messages.
Tables & Surfaces Guests Actually Use
Guests need places to set drinks, phones, remotes, and snacks. When surfaces are missing, furniture gets damaged.
Living room surfaces to include:
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One coffee table or ottoman with a tray
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Side tables next to seating
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Durable finishes that resist scratches and spills
Avoid:
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Glass tables
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Unstable or lightweight pieces
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Sharp edges that pose safety concerns
Lighting: Comfortable Day and Night Use
Living rooms should feel usable at all times of day, not just during daylight hours.
Lighting essentials:
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At least one lamp per seating area
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Warm bulbs that create a comfortable atmosphere
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Overhead lighting supplemented by lamps
Lamps are especially important for evening use and help the space feel more inviting and functional.
Storage & Organization
Simple storage keeps the living room tidy without over-styling.
Helpful storage includes:
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A basket or drawer for remotes
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Space for board games or cards
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A designated place for manuals or house guides
The goal is to make items easy to find without cluttering surfaces.
Living Room Electronics & Accessories
A few small details can prevent unnecessary guest messages.
Recommended items:
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Extra remote batteries
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A backup remote when possible
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Surge protectors or power strips tucked out of sight
If instructions are needed, keep them minimal and intuitive.
Decor: Keep It Minimal and Intentional
Decor should support the space, not overwhelm it.
What works best:
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Neutral artwork
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Simple accents
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A few throw pillows and blankets
Avoid:
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Fragile décor
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Overly personal items
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Too many pillows that guests immediately remove
Less décor usually means less damage and easier cleaning.
Living Room Essentials Quantity Guidance
Use your maximum occupancy to guide quantities.
General guidelines:
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Seating for at least your maximum guest count
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Side tables within reach of each seating area
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1–2 throw blankets per seating zone
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A reasonable number of pillows that don’t overwhelm seating
Comfort and usability matter more than filling every corner.
Common Living Room Mistakes to Avoid
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Furniture that looks good but isn’t comfortable
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TVs that are too small for the space
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No place to set drinks or devices
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Too much décor and not enough function
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Inconsistent tech setups across rooms
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Complete Short-Term Rental Essentials (Room by Room)
Use the links below to access the complete checklist for each space.
Short-Term Rental Essentials Hub
STR Kitchen Essentials Checklist
STR Bedroom Essentials Checklist
STR Outdoor Essentials Checklist
STR Game Room Essentials Checklist
STR Coffee Bar Essentials Checklist
STR Security Essentials Checklist
STR Furniture Essentials Checklist
STR Household Essentials Checklist
Final Thoughts
The living room sets the tone for the entire stay. When it’s comfortable, intuitive, and thoughtfully equipped, guests relax faster and enjoy the space more.
Use this checklist as a foundation, adapt it to your property’s layout, and revisit it as your short-term rental evolves based on guest feedback.
Last Updated 1/6/2026