Greenwich has a very particular vibe: historic streets, big open green space, river walks, proper cafés, and a steady mix of weekend visitors, families, and professionals popping over to Canary Wharf. If your short let feels like it could be anywhere, you’ll miss what people are coming for.

Here’s a quick, no-fluff way to furnish your Airbnb so it photographs well, wears well, and feels right for Greenwich.

1) Start with the “review makers”

If you nail these, guests relax immediately — and reviews tend to follow.

Bed setup

• A genuinely comfortable mattress (don’t cheap out here)
• Two pillows per guest + spares
• Blackout blinds/curtains (London mornings are bright)
• Bedside lamps + somewhere to charge phones

Sofa + dining

• A sofa you’d happily sit on for a film (not a stiff “show home” one)
• A dining table that fits your guest count properly (even a small one is fine if it’s stable and usable)

Storage

• Enough hangers, a drawer or two, and a clear spot for a suitcase
  Tiny detail, big impact.

   

  

2) Make it feel “Greenwich” without going nautical

No anchors, no ship wheels. Greenwich style is calmer and more grown-up than that.

What works:

• Warm neutrals (soft whites, stone, warm greys)
• Natural materials (oak, linen, wool textures)
• One local nod: a print of Greenwich/river/architecture, or a simple piece from a local maker (One statement piece beats lots of clutter.)

A good rule: it should feel like a well-kept London home with quiet character — not a themed rental.

3) Design for real life, not just photos

Short lets get used hard. Choose things that survive.

• Washable or wipeable surfaces where possible
• Mid-tone upholstery (very light shows marks; very dark shows dust)
• Rugs that can handle foot traffic
• Lamps in the living room and bedroom (soft lighting = instant comfort)

And please: avoid “decor-heavy” shelves. It looks nice on day one, then becomes something cleaners have to dust and guests have to work around.

4) Add two “Greenwich-friendly” extras

These aren’t expensive, but they make your place feel thoughtfully set up.

• A simple work spot (desk or console + a comfortable chair)
  Even holiday guests end up doing emails.
• A great entry moment: hooks, a mirror, and a little tray for keys
  It makes arrivals smoother and your place feels organised.

   

  

5) Quick checklist before you go live

Walk through your property like a guest who’s just arrived:

• Can I charge my phone next to the bed?
• Where do I put my suitcase?
• Is there somewhere to sit comfortably as a group?
• Does the place feel calm and uncluttered?
• Would I personally sleep here?

If any answer is “hmm…”, fix that first.

Need a hand? Pass the Keys Greenwich & Bexley can help

Furnishing is where lots of hosts lose time (and money), especially when you’re trying to get live quickly.

At Pass the Keys Greenwich & Bexley, we help owners set up and manage short lets in a way that suits the local market — from practical furnishing guidance to full management, guest comms, cleaning/linen and ongoing maintenance.

If you want your Greenwich Airbnb to feel like a real home (and run like a professional short let), we’re happy to advise.