Dubai’s real estate market attracts thousands of investors each year, many of whom purchase apartments for short-term rental income. However, an unfurnished unit, no matter how well-located, has little appeal to prospective guests. A fully furnished and well-designed apartment is not just a necessity—it’s a competitive advantage.
Investors often face a dilemma: should they furnish their unit themselves, or hire professionals to create a high-performing rental? The right approach can mean the difference between a vacant property and a fully booked, revenue-generating asset.
At Yield Interiors, we have helped investors transform unfurnished spaces into market-leading Airbnb rentals, increasing occupancy rates and maximizing financial returns. This guide walks through the most effective strategies to convert an empty apartment into a profitable short-term rental.
Step 1: Define Your Target Market
Before selecting furniture or décor, it is essential to define the target guest profile. The design choices for a short-term rental catering to business travelers will differ from those aimed at vacationing families.
Dubai’s rental market is diverse, with properties catering to various demographics, including:
• Business travelers who prefer modern, minimalist interiors with a dedicated workspace.
• Tourists and holidaymakers who look for comfortable, stylish accommodations with a resort-like feel.
• Digital nomads who value ergonomic workspaces, reliable Wi-Fi, and multifunctional areas.
A well-defined guest profile helps ensure that every design decision—layout, furniture selection, and amenities—aligns with the expectations of the intended audience.
At Yield Interiors, we recently worked with an investor who purchased a one-bedroom apartment in Downtown Dubai with the intent of attracting corporate guests. We incorporated a sleek, modern aesthetic with a neutral color palette, added a well-lit work desk, and installed blackout curtains to ensure a comfortable stay. Within two months, the apartment saw an 85% occupancy rate with extended-stay business travelers as the primary guests.
Step 2: Invest in Functional, Stylish Furnishings
Furnishing an apartment for short-term rentals requires a balance between style, comfort, and durability. Guests expect a well-curated space that feels both luxurious and practical.
Key considerations when selecting furniture include:
• Comfort and usability – Seating, bedding, and dining furniture should be chosen with guest comfort in mind. A high-quality mattress, for instance, can significantly impact guest satisfaction and reviews.
• Space optimization – Multifunctional furniture, such as sofa beds or extendable dining tables, allows the property to accommodate a wider range of guests.
• Durability and maintenance – Furniture must be able to withstand frequent use while remaining easy to clean and maintain. Materials like leather, stain-resistant fabrics, and high-quality wood finishes are ideal for high-traffic areas.
A Yield Interiors project in Dubai Marina involved furnishing an unfurnished two-bedroom apartment intended for short-term rental. By incorporating a modular sofa, extendable dining table, and high-end bedding, the unit quickly gained traction on Airbnb. The property’s nightly rate increased by 35%, and its reviews consistently highlighted the comfort and quality of the furnishings.
Step 3: Create a Cohesive Interior Design Theme
A well-designed apartment does not just look good—it tells a story. Guests are more likely to book properties with a consistent, visually appealing design theme that makes them feel immersed in an experience rather than just staying in a rental.
Some of the most successful interior design themes for Dubai’s short-term rental market include:
• Modern Luxury – Clean lines, high-end finishes, and a monochrome or neutral color palette with gold or metallic accents.
• Urban Chic – Industrial elements, exposed materials, and a bold mix of contemporary and vintage pieces.
• Coastal Retreat – Light colors, natural textures, and soft blue and beige tones for a relaxing, beachside feel.
A recent project by Yield Interiors involved redesigning a Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) apartment to appeal to tourists looking for a beachfront experience. The property was furnished with light wood finishes, rattan decor, ocean-inspired artwork, and plush fabrics, creating an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Within weeks of listing, bookings increased by 50%, and guests frequently commented on how the aesthetic enhanced their stay.
Step 4: Optimize Lighting and Ambiance
Lighting plays a crucial role in how a space is perceived. Well-lit properties look more inviting in listing photos and provide a better guest experience.
To enhance the lighting setup, we recommend:
• Layered lighting solutions – A mix of ceiling fixtures, table lamps, and floor lighting to create warmth and depth.
• Dimmable lighting – Adjustable brightness levels to allow guests to set their preferred ambiance.
• Accent lighting – LED strip lighting under cabinets or behind headboards to add a luxurious touch.
A Yield Interiors project in Business Bay involved upgrading the lighting in a previously dim, underwhelming studio apartment. By installing warmer LED fixtures, bedside pendant lights, and strategically placed mirrors, the space felt larger, brighter, and more inviting. The property’s Airbnb listing saw an immediate increase in views, leading to a higher booking conversion rate.
Step 5: Incorporate High-Quality Photography and Staging
Once the apartment is fully furnished and designed, professional photography is essential. Listings with high-quality, well-staged photos perform significantly better on Airbnb and other rental platforms.
Staging tips for maximum impact:
• Highlight key selling points – Ensure photos showcase unique features such as skyline views, high-end appliances, or statement furniture pieces.
• Use natural light – Photos taken during the day with ample natural light appear more vibrant and appealing.
• Show different angles – Capture the flow of the apartment, including living areas, bedrooms, and outdoor spaces, to give potential guests a comprehensive view.
Yield Interiors recently worked with an investor who struggled to attract bookings for a DIFC penthouse due to poor listing presentation. After a full redesign and professional staging, the listing saw a 70% increase in engagement, and the property secured bookings for three consecutive months within days of being updated online.
Conclusion: Why Professional Furnishing is Key to Maximizing Returns
Investors looking to convert an unfurnished apartment into a high-yielding short-term rental must go beyond basic furnishing. The most successful properties prioritize:
• A well-defined guest profile to tailor design choices.
• High-quality, durable furnishings that balance comfort and aesthetics.
• A cohesive interior design theme that enhances the guest experience.
• Optimized lighting and ambiance to create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Professional staging and photography to maximize listing visibility.
At Yield Interiors, we specialize in turning unfurnished apartments into high-performing short-term rentals. Our expertise in design, space optimization, and guest-focused interiors has helped investors throughout Dubai increase their occupancy rates, nightly rates, and overall profitability.
For those looking to maximize their rental income, professional furnishing is an investment that pays for itself. Contact Yield Interiors today to explore how we can help transform your property into a top-performing listing.
