Get Inspired: Popular Themes for Airbnb Rentals

Key Takeaways

• Tailor your Airbnb theme to match your typical guests and reflect the ambiance and/or attractions of your location.
• Based on AirDNA’s analysis of property descriptions, popular short-term rental themes include beach, Disney, sports, gaming and Barbie, among others.
• Use vivid, narrative descriptions in your listing to bring your theme to life and make your property more appealing to potential guests.

Looking to make your Airbnb listing stand out? Themes are a great way to impress your guests and provide a memorable experience. However, choosing the right theme for your short-term rental can be challenging. 

That's why AirDNA analyzed thousands of guest reviews to find the best Airbnb theme ideas for short-term rentals. This list can provide you with some inspiration and help you choose a theme to fit your location and your typical guest demographic.

How to Choose the Perfect Theme for Your Airbnb

Themed rentals are about more than aesthetics. You’re creating an experience that resonates with your guests and sets your property apart in a competitive market. Choosing a theme for your Airbnb can transform a simple vacation rental into a memorable retreat, leading to increased bookings and glowing reviews.

Here are some key considerations for choosing your Airbnb theme:

Understand Your Target Audience

Different themes appeal to different types of people, so aligning your theme with your target audience is important.

For instance, if your Airbnb primarily attracts families, consider themes that are fun, safe, and engaging for all ages. Themes like "Adventure Safari" or "Enchanted Forest" can captivate children's imaginations while still appealing to adults.

If your property is a favorite among couples seeking romantic getaways, themes such as "Rustic Romance" can set the perfect mood for a love-filled vacation. Notice how even the name of your themed vacation rental can impact guests' perceptions and attract a specific audience.

In addition to considering who your guests are, ask yourself why they are coming to your area. Does your rental location have a main attraction? What type of vacation are most travelers seeking in your area? The best airbnb theme ideas align with the tourism in your area.

Leverage Your Location

Your location often serves as a great backdrop for a themed vacation rental. A coastal property located in a summer destination, for instance, is the perfect candidate for a nautical or beach house theme. A "Winter Wonderland" themed rental makes sense for properties in colder climates that see their highest occupancy during ski season.

If your rental is near a national park, a nature-inspired retreat with natural materials and earthy colors can complement the outdoor experience. Urban properties can lean towards modern or culturally inspired themes that reflect the city's vibe.

Consider seasonality, too. Updating short-term rentals with decorations for various holidays, for example, offers an excellent opportunity for you to refresh your decor style from time to time. Changing your interior design on a regular basis keeps your listing interesting and updated for repeat guests.

Stand Out in the Market

Don't shy away from bold or unconventional themes, especially if they tell a story or offer an unusual experience.

Unique themes, like "70s Disco" or "Under the Sea" makes your property memorable. Striking themes often motivate guests to share their experiences and, in turn, market your rental.

The Most Popular Airbnb Theme Ideas

AirDNA has created a list of the top Airbnb themes using our algorithm-based analysis of guest reviews. From classic favorites to trending themes, this list provides data-driven insights to help you make an informed decision about your own unique Airbnb theme. 

Tropical or Coastal Escape 

Ideal for properties near the shore, beach or coastal themes utilize visual elements like sandy tones, seashell or nautical decor, and ocean-inspired artwork to extend the joy of seaside adventures right into the living space. 

Fantasy and Adventure Themes

These themes are particularly appealing for properties near theme parks, fantasy landmarks, or in regions known for their magical folklore. They attract a wide range of guests, from families with children to adults who are part of franchise fandoms. This Ghibli Studio Howl's Moving Castle Airbnb, inspired by the cherished fantasy/adventure film, is a great example!

Pirates of the Caribbean

A Pirates of the Caribbean theme is an exciting way to immerse your guests in a swashbuckling adventure. Deck out your Airbnb with elements like weathered treasure maps, antique ship wheels, and rustic wooden furniture to evoke the charm of a pirate ship. 

This theme works exceptionally well for family-friendly rentals or properties that want to:

• Provide a unique and playful experience
• Reflect pirate or nautical related history or lore in their area
• Showcase local pirate-themed attractions

In Orlando, Florida, which is located in close proximity to Walt Disney World Resort and the Pirates of the Caribbean theme park, there are over 170 active Airbnb listings with reviews that mention the word, “pirate.”

Keep in mind that you’ll need to navigate intellectual property considerations carefully. Instead of directly referencing the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, focus on using more generic pirate-themed decor. This approach allows you to capture the spirit of a pirate adventure without infringing on trademarks.

Disney-Themed

AirDNA data shows a Disney-themed Airbnb can be a magical attraction, especially in areas close to Disney parks. In Orlando, Florida, for instance, there are 600+ active properties mentioning 'Mickey' and Minnie’ in their listings, 150+ with the word ‘princess,’ and another 60 that showcase Toy Story.

Think about incorporating whimsical decor, fairy-tale motifs, and color palettes that reflect the joy and wonder of Disney movies. However, it's crucial to avoid using official Disney trademarks or imagery directly. Instead, use generic fairy-tale elements that evoke the Disney spirit without infringing on Disney's intellectual property.

Star Wars 

Envision a galaxy far, far away right in your rental space. In Orlando alone, there are 350+ listings that mention Star Wars in their descriptions. 

This themed experience can include elements like space-inspired decor, futuristic furniture, and artwork depicting iconic Star Wars scenes. It's a hit among fans of the franchise and can be particularly successful in areas with a strong sci-fi or pop culture following. 

Harry Potter (Wizard-Themed)

A wizard-themed Airbnb, inspired by the world of Harry Potter, can offer a magical and immersive guest experience. Incorporate elements like potion bottles, spell books, and a cozy, Hogwarts-like ambiance. To navigate intellectual property concerns, avoid direct references to Harry Potter characters or specific items from the books and movies in your themed vacation rental. Instead, create a generic wizarding world that hints at the magical universe without directly replicating it. Check out this Harry Potter Quidditch tent Airbnb property!

Sports Themes

Sports themes are a fantastic choice for Airbnb properties located near sports complexes, stadiums, or in cities renowned for their sports teams. 

Area Sports Team

Sports team-themed vacation rentals are a great way to celebrate the local culture, especially if your property is in a city with a passionate fan base for a particular team.

This theme could include decor in the team’s colors, artwork depicting the sport, and memorabilia that celebrates local sporting heroes. However, it's crucial to avoid using official logos or merchandise of the sports teams directly, as this could infringe on intellectual property rights. Focus on generic representations that capture the team spirit without using trademarked material.

F1 Racing 

For an F1 Racing-themed Airbnb, think high-speed and high-energy. This theme is perfect for properties near racing tracks or in cities that host Grand Prix events. 

Decor can include race car models, checkered patterns, and artwork that captures the thrill of racing. Given the niche audience, this theme can offer a unique experience for motorsport enthusiasts. Be mindful of using official F1 branding or team logos. 

Specific Sport Highlight 

Tailoring your Airbnb to a specific sport like baseball, basketball, or hockey can attract fans and players traveling for games or tournaments.

Airbnb owners can Incorporate elements like vintage sports equipment, framed photos of iconic moments in the sport’s history, and themed game rooms (like a mini basketball hoop or a small putting green). This approach allows guests to immerse themselves in their favorite sport during their stay. 

Nostalgic Themes

Nostalgic themes in Airbnb properties offer guests a unique opportunity to step back in time and relive cherished memories and iconic eras.

Barbie Dream House

A Barbie Dream House rental is a popular theme for Airbnb hosts looking to create a fun, vibrant, and playful atmosphere. According to AirDNA research, there are currently 70+ active Airbnb properties in the United States with “Barbie” mentioned in the description. 

Include bright, pastel color palettes, chic and stylish decor, and whimsical furnishings that capture the essence of the iconic Barbie lifestyle. This theme is perfect for bachelorette parties, family stays, Barbie movie lovers, or anyone who wants a touch of glam and nostalgia. 

While embracing this theme, avoid directly using Barbie trademarks or dolls. Instead, focus on recreating the stylish, glamorous vibe associated with Barbie.

Retro Video Game Theme

For gaming enthusiasts and lovers of nostalgia, a retro video game-themed Airbnb can be a big hit. Think classic arcade machines, decor inspired by popular video games from the 80s and 90s, and vibrant, pixel-art style decorations. Boost your rental’s appeal by offering unconventional entertainment options.

This theme is great for properties aiming to attract families, groups of friends, or guests who grew up in the golden era of arcade gaming. 

Old Hollywood Theme

An Old Hollywood-themed rental offers classic glamor and elegance, perfect for properties that want to evoke the golden age of cinema. Decorate with black-and-white movie stills, vintage film equipment, and Art Deco-inspired furnishings. 

As you’ve likely figured out by now, furniture plays a big part in creating the right atmosphere for your theme. Be sure to check out AirDNA’s guide on how to choose the right furnishings for your Airbnb. 

Highlight Your Theme in The Property Description

The best airbnb theme ideas need to be paired with a well-executed description in the listing in order to drive up bookings. Showcases the specific aspects of your theme and set up the right expectations in your description:

• Be Descriptive: Use vivid language to paint a picture of the experience. For example, instead of saying "pirate-themed room," describe it as "a swashbuckling pirate's den, complete with a treasure map and a ship's wheel."
• Tell a Story: Create a narrative around your theme. If you have a beach-themed Airbnb, talk about the soothing sounds of waves and the serene beachside ambiance that awaits the guests.
• Keep it Concise: While details are important, make it easy for potential guests to grasp the essence of your theme quickly by hitting the highlights in your description.

Need a little inspiration? Here are some examples of descriptions of themed Airbnb rentals that AirDNA found to have great ratings:

Orlando, Florida:

“Cool off in our magical ice castles bedroom, slide into the levels of your favorite video games, defeat your enemies in our superhero bedroom, bring your toys to life with your favorite cowboy and space captain or cast a spell in the world of wizardry bedroom. Whether you’re a princess, superhero, or gaming fan, we’ve got you covered.”

“Congratulations. You’ve discovered an airy and delightful five-bedroom property at the exclusive Encore Resort—just minutes from Disney’s iconic theme parks. In addition to upscale modern furnishings, it boasts a sparkling pool and spa, a game room, home theater, and bedrooms that can sleep up to 12 including galactic- and snow princess-themed rooms for your space hero and royal highness!”

Salem, Massachusetts

“Ever wanted to stay at the Haunted Mansion? This centrally-located and newly renovated historical home offers the perfect setting to complete your Salem Witch experience”

Maximize Impact With Themed Airbnb Vacation Rentals

Choosing a theme for a short-term rental is not simply an artistic choice. Themes can play a role in your overall strategy by influencing your pricing strategy and market position. A well-executed theme can justify higher price points, as guests are often willing to pay more for a themed rental experience.

You don’t necessarily need to come up with over-the-top Airbnb ideas. Consider your location and what is drawing your guests to that area. Choose a theme that resonates with your target audience and enhances their overall experience. Then have fun with it!