The Ouch Couch

I had my second Airbnb experience this past week where this type of couch is the primary seating in the living room. Honestly, it’s the most uncomfortable piece of furniture I’ve ever encountered.

I know it’s expensive to furnish an Airbnb—but please, think of your guests. Have you actually sat on this couch to watch a movie or unwind? If not, give it a try—you’ll see what I mean.

The living room sets the tone for the whole stay, and small mistakes can ruin the comfort factor. Here are some of the most common pitfalls I see in STR living rooms:

👉 Not enough seating. If you list for 6 guests but only have a loveseat and one chair, guests will notice (and be frustrated). Match seating to occupancy—or rethink your max guest count. Additionally, make sure you have a place, with a coaster, where your guests can put down a drink. By the way, this couch does NOT seat THREE for a movie. It's small, not very deep (you're sitting bolt upright, and it's not easy to lounge) and three adults would feel as if they're in cramped (and uncomfortable) airline seating.

👉 Overcomplicated tech. Guests shouldn’t need a manual to turn on Netflix. One smart TV, one remote, simple streaming apps. Done.

👉 Hard-to-clean fabrics. Velvet, suede, or cheap faux leather don’t survive in a rental. Go for stain-resistant fabrics, removable covers, or durable leather.

👉 Too much furniture. A cramped living room is stressful. Scale down if needed—end tables instead of a bulky coffee table can work wonders.

👉 Harsh lighting. The living room lighting in the Airbnb I just left was some small string lights placed at the floor level behind the couch. I felt like I was in a nightclub. Take note. Daylight bulbs feel sterile. Warm bulbs or dimmers make a space cozy.

👉 Pillow overload. A few washable pillows = cozy. Twelve giant pillows = floor clutter.

👉 No easy outlets. Add a $15 charging dock on an end table. Your guests will thank you.

✨ Pro tip: Spend a night in your own STR. Sit on the couch, watch the TV, try to plug in your phone. If it drives you crazy, it’ll drive your guests crazy too.

Because no one books an Airbnb hoping to end up on the… Ouch Couch. 🛋️💥