Creating Comfort: Insights from Jen Sexton on Mid-Term Rental Design August 2026

TLDR:

• Use contract-grade and performance-grade furniture for core pieces like sofas, beds, and dining chairs to reduce replacement costs.
• Multipurpose furniture, including expandable dining tables, storage ottomans, and convertible coffee tables, solves space and storage in smaller rentals.
• Invest more in high-use pieces; save on low-use items like nightstands and console tables to manage furnishing budgets.
• Replace contractor-grade light fixtures and use 3000K bulbs to improve ambiance without a full renovation.
• Neutral tones on walls and large furniture let you adjust color through art and decor as guest profiles shift.

1. Design Philosophy: What is your design philosophy when furnishing mid-term rental properties?

Our design philosophy for furnishing mid-term rental properties revolves around creating comfortable and functional living spaces that serve as a home away from home for guests staying for extended periods. We focus on furnishings that are contract-grade, performance-grade, and built to withstand the rigors of mid-term rental use. A laundry area, a well-stocked kitchen, and ample bedding and linens are all important. Adding features like a private workspace is also key for business travelers seeking a comfortable and productive environment during their stay.

2. Durable Furniture: What are your recommendations for durable furniture that can withstand frequent use in rental properties?

When furnishing rental properties, we advise choosing contract-grade furniture, particularly for frequently used core pieces. The Zander Leather Sofa is a superb option, boasting a clean-lined modern design that combines comfort with exceptional durability.

The Zander Leather Sofa from West Elm

Choosing performance-grade fabrics guarantees easy maintenance and resilience against frequent use and cleanings. The Carlo Mid-Century Chair from West Elm is available in several performance fabrics while being compact in size and works great in tight spaces. It’s contract grade for durability that has no equal.

Never settle for cheap dining room chairs. We recommend always choosing a durable chair. If it's upholstered, make sure it's a performance fabric. A good example is the Finley Low-Back Dining Chairs from West Elm. They are contract grade and available only in highly durable fabrics.

The Carlo Mid-Century Chair from West Elm

3. Space Optimization: How do you maximize space in small apartment rental units while keeping comfort and style?

For maximizing space in small apartment rental units, it's important to strike a balance between practicality and aesthetics. The key is to keep comfort and style intact while making the most of limited space. Multifunctional furniture, such as a coffee table with storage, can serve dual purposes, making it an excellent choice. Opting for furniture with a clean, simple design will help create a sense of openness. To keep the space organized, clever storage solutions like wall-mounted shelves or under-bed storage are a must. Mirrors can also enhance the perception of space by reflecting light and creating an illusion of depth. Selecting a cohesive color palette and adding versatile pieces will bring about a stylish yet functional living environment.

4. Budget Management: What strategies do you use to stay within budget while sourcing quality furniture and decor?

When looking to furnish your home within a budget, it's important to invest in quality, durable pieces for core furniture like sofas, beds, and dining tables, as these are the items that get used the most. Investing more upfront results in an extended product lifespan, leading to long-term cost savings by reducing the frequency of item replacements. You can include more affordable pieces for less used items like nightstands or console tables.

You might also consider purchasing decor from local stores, which supports your community and is also cost-effective. Mixing and matching different styles can help you achieve a more personalized look while accommodating different price points. So, don't be afraid to mix and match styles to create a unique and eclectic aesthetic that suits your budget and taste.

5. Color and Texture: What are your tips for using color and texture to enhance the visual appeal and comfort of rental spaces:

Understanding your target guest shapes how you use color and texture to enhance rental spaces. For mid-term rentals, it is best to go for a broad appeal instead of a unique design. Opt for neutral tones in larger furniture and walls, providing a backdrop for you to add color and texture through artwork, throw pillows, and decor. If your mid-term rental is larger and may be sleeping families, consider warm and inviting colors, while a minimalist palette may be suitable for business travelers.

6. Multipurpose Furniture: What are some clever multipurpose furniture pieces you recommend for rental properties?

For your mid-term rental, consider pieces that maximize space, functionality, and style. Here are some recommendations:

West Elm Mid-Century Expandable Dining Table

• Expandable Dining Tables: Opt for dining tables that can be easily expanded when in use. This saves space and allows guests to use the table when needed for entertaining. This West Elm Mid-Century Expandable Dining Table comes in a variety of size options, perfect for all spaces.
• Storage Ottomans: You can enhance storage by choosing ottomans with built-in storage compartments like the Bowman Leather Storage Ottoman from West Elm. This is perfect for storing extra blankets, pillows, or other items.
• Nesting Tables: Nesting tables provide flexibility and can be separated for individual use or grouped together as needed. They are versatile and can serve as coffee tables, side tables, or nightstands.
• Consoles doubling as a workstation: For those who may need a workspace, a multi-functional console is an excellent solution. We especially like the West Elm Bridge Entry Console. Remember if you are including a multi-function console / workstation, this needs to be a high-quality piece as it will be used frequently vs. just a console table.

Delaney Kitchen Console from Pottery Barn

• Compact Kitchen Islands: If the rental property has an open kitchen, consider a compact kitchen island with built-in storage like the Delaney Kitchen Console from Pottery Barn. It can serve as a dining table, additional counter space, and storage.
• Convertible Coffee-to-Dining Tables: Convertible coffee tables can be extended to create a dual-purpose piece of furniture that serves as an eating area or workstation. One of our favorites is the Industrial Storage Pop-Up Coffee Table from West Elm.
• Poufs: poufs offer a combination of comfort, style, and practicality, making them a versatile and appealing addition to various living spaces. Whether used for seating, as footrests, or as decorative elements, poufs contribute to a welcoming and flexible environment. We especially like the Striped Indoor/Outdoor Poufs from Rugs USA, which also add pattern to the space.

Industrial Storage Pop-Up Coffee Table from West Elm

7. Lighting Solutions: How do you approach lighting in rental properties to enhance both functionality and ambiance?

When handling lighting in rental properties to improve both functionality and ambiance, it's important to replace standard contractor-grade lights, often known as "boob lights" with fixtures that match your desired aesthetic. Choose lights that complement the overall style of the space, such as statement pendants or stylish chandeliers, to lift the visual appeal. The color of a light bulb can greatly impact the ambiance of a space and even alter the appearance of paint colors. For the perfect soft feel, we recommend using a 3000K light bulb.

8. Local Inspiration: Do you bring local styles or themes into your designs? If so, how?

To enhance the guest experience, it is important to bring local styles and themes into the design of the space. This can be achieved by using elements that are specific to the region, such as artwork and decor that reflect the natural surroundings. Society6 is great for finding local art. Supporting local artisans by featuring handmade furniture and adding unique decor items from the area adds to the character of the space. Browse Rove's curated homes to see local-inspired design in action.

FAQ

What type of furniture should you buy for a mid-term rental property?

For core pieces (sofas, beds, and dining chairs), contract-grade or performance-grade furniture is the right call. These items absorb daily use across back-to-back guest stays, and replacing them frequently costs more than the upfront premium. Reserve budget for lower-contact pieces like nightstands and console tables.

West Elm vs. Pottery Barn for mid-term rental furnishings?

Both work well, but they serve different needs. West Elm carries a broader range of contract-grade seating and multipurpose pieces (expandable dining tables, storage ottomans, convertible coffee tables), making it a stronger fit for smaller rentals where furniture needs to do more than one job. Pottery Barn is worth considering for kitchen-adjacent pieces like compact islands where durability and counter function matter more than space flexibility.

How do you use color in a mid-term rental without alienating guests?

Keep walls and large furniture in neutral tones, then layer color through art, throw pillows, and decor. Neutral foundations let you swap accents as your guest mix changes: warmer tones for family-focused stays, a cleaner palette for business travelers, without repainting or replacing furniture.

What lighting changes make the biggest impact in a rental without a full renovation?

Replacing standard contractor-grade ceiling fixtures and switching to 3000K bulbs delivers the most noticeable improvement for the least investment. Contractor fixtures flatten a space and undercut the ambiance that guests paying mid-term rates expect; a statement pendant or chandelier that fits the room's style closes that gap without touching the walls.

How do you bring local character into a mid-term rental without overdoing it?

Use locally sourced art and a handful of handmade or region-specific decor items to reflect the destination, then stop. The goal is a space that feels connected to where it is, not a themed property. Platforms like Society6 make it practical to find original local artwork without commissioning custom pieces or paying gallery prices.