Over the past four years, I’ve furnished multiple Airbnb units and—after plenty of trial and error—I’ve found a system that works. My go-to sources have been Wayfair, along with local stores like Walmart, HomeSense, and Amazon.
Shopping on Wayfair is a bit of a hit or miss: photos and reviews often look better than the actual products, and I usually end up returning or exchanging about 30–40% of the items. Delivery can also be unpredictable—every item has its own schedule, which makes it hard to plan a tight furnishing window.
That said, I recently discovered a feature on Wayfair that lets you choose one consolidated delivery window for all your items, which could be a game changer for hosts like me.
This post isn’t about giving up on Wayfair. Instead, it’s about sharing what I’ve learned with anyone furnishing their first Airbnb—so you can avoid the same mistakes and start off strong.
Wayfair Still Has Its Charm
Wayfair remains my favorite online destination for unique, design-forward furniture. Recently, I bought two gorgeous queen bed frames that I’ve never seen anywhere else.
As an interior designer, I often browse Wayfair just for inspiration—their staged photos are stunning and spark endless ideas. And after 4–5 years as a customer, I can say their customer service is consistently exceptional. Every interaction I’ve had has been helpful and courteous, and it’s clear that customer satisfaction is their top priority.
But there are a few downsides:
- Quality can vary. Reviews help, but they aren’t foolproof. Unusual color options are especially risky.
- Delivery is fragmented. Items come on different days, which is tricky if you don’t live locally. The new consolidated delivery feature may solve this.
- Prices aren’t always competitive. If you don’t comparison-shop, you can easily pay 10–50% more than elsewhere.
- Returns now come with fees. It used to be free, but Wayfair has started charging depending on the item and reason for return.
In short, I still love Wayfair for their eccentric, stylish pieces—but I no longer make them my first stop.
My New Favorite: Structube
I recently discovered Structube, a Canadian-owned, Montreal-based company founded in 1974, and it’s quickly become a favorite. Most of their furniture is made in China, India, and Vietnam, but their prices are competitive—and often more affordable than Wayfair.
I especially love that they have physical stores across Canada, including here in Windsor. Being able to see and feel the furniture in person is invaluable when designing interiors. It saves me from the frustration of returns and gives me confidence in my choices.
As a Canadian, I also appreciate supporting a homegrown company—it just feels good.
The main drawback: delivery can be slow. If an item isn’t in stock, you have to reserve it and wait for it to arrive from overseas, and supply chain delays can extend that wait unexpectedly.
The Perfect Blend: My Secret Windsor Location
Here’s my secret furnishing heaven: the intersection of Cabana Road E and Walker Road in Windsor.
Within a short walk, you’ll find Structube, Bouclair, and HomeSense—what I call my “golden trilogy.” This has become my first stop before browsing online at Wayfair or Amazon.
- Structube is where I go for stylish, well-priced core furniture pieces like sofas, beds, and coffee tables.
- Bouclair is my top choice for décor—pillows, candles, lamps, plants, artwork. Their designs are meticulous and inspiring (though be warned: it’s easy to spend hundreds or even thousands here without realizing it).
- HomeSense is my reliable all-rounder—affordable, stylish, and good quality. I always find gems here.
Shopping at these three stores takes time. I usually spend 2–3 full days planning and selecting items. But once I’ve chosen my main pieces and themes, I can then shop online (Wayfair, Amazon, Walmart) to compare prices and ensure I’m getting good value.
My General Airbnb Furnishing Tips
Over time, I’ve learned a few lessons the hard way. If you’re furnishing an Airbnb, here’s what I suggest:
- Avoid glass, upholstery, and white furniture. Guests aren’t always careful, and Airbnb’s coverage for damages has become stricter.
- Think durability first. Choose furniture that’s hard-wearing and easy to clean.
- Stay pragmatic. This isn’t your dream home—you don’t live there. Keep emotion out of it.
Your goal is to create a stylish, comfortable space that’s also practical and low-maintenance.
In a nutshell: For design inspiration and unique statement pieces, Wayfair is still unbeatable. For quality and value you can see in person, Structube is my new go-to. And for that perfect balance, nothing beats my golden trilogy in Windsor.
At CoHostsCircle, we help homeowners and property investors transform their spaces into fully Airbnb-ready rentals—from concept to completion. Our services include interior design, furniture selection, and full setup, so you don’t have to lift a finger. With our experience managing and furnishing multiple successful Airbnb units in Windsor, we know exactly what appeals to guests while staying budget-conscious and durable. Get in touch with us today for a personalized quote—we’ll help you turn your property into a beautiful, guest-ready space that starts earning income from day one.
Happy furnishing—and happy hosting!