Top 5 Airbnb Decor Ideas Guests Will Love (South Africa Edition)
Running a successful Airbnb takes more than just clean sheets and fast Wi-Fi. Décor plays a massive role in how guests remember your listing - and whether they come back or recommend it to others.
South African hosts are uniquely positioned to offer guests something more: a stay that feels local. By using decor items that showcase the country’s beauty, style, and charm, you’re offering something no chain hotel can match.
Here are five simple but powerful ways to decorate your Airbnb and create a guest experience worth talking about.
1. Scatter Cushion Covers That Tell a Story
Plain décor is forgettable. A cushion cover with personality is not.
When a guest walks into your Airbnb, the first thing they usually see is the bed or seating area. Scatter cushions are an easy way to make that first impression count.
Protea landscape- Scatter cushion cover
Why they work:
- They add quick colour and interest
- They’re easy to change seasonally
- Guests often use them for comfort - on the bed, couch, or even on the floor
At Lily Grace Design, we offer exclusive scatter cushion covers you won’t find in stores. Designs include:
- Proteas - iconic and instantly recognisable
- Ballet themes - ideal for family stays with girls
- South African wildlife - elephants, leopards, buffalo
- Vintage seaside girls - for quirky, retro-style guest rooms
Guests love them because they’re different. Hosts love them because they’re durable and easy to wash.
Pro tip: Leave an extra one in a drawer. Many guests ask where to buy them. You can offer them for sale, or even include one as a loyalty gift for repeat visitors.
Table mountain scatter cushion cover
2. Luxurious Super Soft Fleece Blankets for Cozy Comfort
Comfort matters. Even in warmer months, guests appreciate a warm, soft layer they can pull over themselves while watching Netflix or enjoying a morning coffee on the balcony.
A fleece blanket looks inviting on a bed or lounge chair. More than that, it signals care. It tells your guest: “You’re welcome to relax.”
What makes ours different?
- They’re printed with exclusive Lily Grace Design artwork
- They’re soft enough for luxury listings, but washable and tough enough for regular turnover
- They’re available in sizes to suit single, queen, and king beds
Popular prints include proteas, South African birds, seascapes, and animal designs. They’re ideal for Airbnb cottages, garden flats, and coastal homes.
Fleece blankets are also helpful in cooler parts of the country where the nights drop below 10°C. But even in Hermanus or Durban, they’re often used during the off-season or rainy afternoons.
Luxurious Super Soft Throw fleece blankets
Pro tip: Fold one over a wicker basket near the bed or lounge. Guests will grab it without hesitation - and feel at home while doing it.
3. Tablecloths and Table Runners That Set the Mood
The table is where most guests eat, unpack laptops, and sit to chat. Don’t leave it bare.
A quality tablecloth or runner adds texture and warmth. It’s also an easy way to tie the room together - especially if your other décor features similar colours or patterns.
Our table décor options include:
- Tablecloths in 100% cotton or easy-care poly blends
- Table runners with locally inspired prints
- Matching napkins for those wanting to go the extra mile
Popular uses:
- Small round cloths for breakfast tables in garden cottages
- Long runners for farm-style tables in group-friendly homes
- Bright patterns to bring colour to minimal, modern spaces
Many guests take photos of their meals, especially international travellers. Make that photo stand out with a beautiful print underneath.
Pro tip: Rotate tablecloths regularly to match the seasons or events - florals in spring, deeper colours in winter. A quick swap keeps the whole place feeling fresh.
4. Custom Wallpaper and Wallpaper Murals That Add Wow Factor
One wall. That’s all you need.
Instead of repainting an entire room, use a wallpaper mural to give it a point of focus. A striking protea design, a beach path, or a scene from the bush turns a boring bedroom into a standout space.
Wallpaper murals are especially effective behind beds, in dining areas, or in passageways. Guests love them because they’re unexpected.
Why choose custom wallpaper?
- You choose the print - nothing mass-produced
- Durable, easy-to-clean material
- Makes your Airbnb memorable and photogenic
Whether you're located in Hermanus, the Midlands, or a Joburg suburb, a mural can help reinforce your location’s appeal. Coastal listings often go for ocean scenes or fynbos. Inland homes might use wildlife or traditional patterns.
Pro tip: Mention your wallpaper in your Airbnb listing. Use phrases like “features a locally printed mural of Hermanus cliffs” or “bold protea wallpaper in master bedroom.” It increases your listing’s visual interest and click-through rate.
5. Custom Printed Fabrics That Tie the Look Together
Small details matter.
Once your bigger décor elements are in place, think about finishing touches:
- Lampshades
- Headboards
- Curtains
- Small ottomans
- DIY napkins or placemats
These are often overlooked, but they’re the things guests mention in reviews. If you want your Airbnb to feel consistent and well designed, custom printed fabric gives you the freedom to match everything without using mass-market prints.
We offer custom prints on several types of fabric:
- Cotton Twill – great for upholstery, ottomans, and headboards
- Poly Twill – ideal for durable cushions and outdoor use
- Velvet – perfect for luxe touches like scatter cushions and bedroom benches
You don’t need to print 50 metres to get started. Our low minimums allow you to update small items without blowing your budget.
Pro tip: Pick one signature print and use it in 3 places. For example: one cushion, one runner, and one small stool. The room will feel intentional and professionally styled.
Final Thoughts: The Guest Experience is in the Details
A memorable Airbnb is built from the small things. When you combine comfort, colour, and a hint of local flair, guests feel like they’re staying somewhere special - not just sleeping over.
By using high-quality scatter cushion covers, fleece blankets, table linens, wallpaper, and custom fabrics, you can create a guest-ready interior that reflects your area - and your attention to detail.
Whether your listing is a luxury beach villa or a small flat in the city, these five elements help you stand out and secure those 5-star reviews.
Want to Add These to Your Airbnb?
We supply:
- Scatter cushion covers
- Super soft fleece blankets
- Tablecloths and runners
- Custom wallpaper murals
- Small-batch printed fabric
All made in South Africa. All exclusive to Lily Grace Design.
Let’s help you create something your guests won’t forget.
Lily Grace Design: A South African Gem for Unique Home Décor
Locally Made vs. Mass-Produced: Why Choosing Handmade Decor Matters
Luxury Scatter Cushions South Africa
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