Exhibiting Art in an airbnb

[Paul12389]

My wife and her family all produce interesting Art. None of it is commercial and visitors are unlikely to buy it but we were thinking of exhibiting some of this work to provide an interesting visitor experience. Does anyone have experience of using art to drive up visitor numbers? Are there problems associated with this approach?

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Paul12389 

Hi! I’m a visual artist myself, and one thing I’ve found fun and meaningful is incorporating small artworks into our Airbnb listing. I display them around the space with a tiny label noting they’re for sale. So far, I’ve only sold one haha but it’s a nice way to share my art with guests, spark conversations, and add a personal touch to the space. Who knows, you might end up selling more just by planting that seed of curiosity! Best of luck!

[Alex]

Hi @Patricia2526!

I love the way we are finding the artistic touch of each host. 😃

How long have you been painting? Could you share an example, just as Paul did? Let’s fill this post with art and creativity! 🖼️

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Alex 

I’ve been creating and selling my artworks for almost 14 years now. Over the years, many of my pieces have found new homes with collectors, while others have stayed close to my heart brightening up our Airbnb properties and adding a personal touch for our guests. Here’s a look at some of the artworks that have been sold, along with a few that now live in our spaces.

 

 

 

 

[Alex]

Wow, @Patricia2526! Your work is truly beautiful. I absolutely love how the vibrant colours play against the white walls,  it creates such a welcoming atmosphere. What inspired you to create these pieces? 🎨

[Patricia2526]

@Alex My coral series is inspired by the calm beauty and vibrant colors of the underwater world.

[Oksana127]

That's a great and creative idea — using non-commercial art to enrich the visitor experience can absolutely differentiate your space and create memorable emotional value, especially in short-term rentals, guesthouses, or unique stays. 

-Travelers interested in culture, art, or storytelling are often looking for more than just a place to sleep.

-If marketed right, you can attract creative travelers, writers, and solo explorers who crave uniqueness.

Even if guests never buy anything, what they remember and talk about is how the space made them feel. Original, heartfelt art — especially personal work — gives them something to remember and share. That alone can drive return visits, longer stays, and better reviews.

[Guy991]

Hello @Paul12389 ,

There was a post in this community about a host who complained that guests did not recognize their art on the wall and used it as a pinboard to hang a birthday banner.

First, you must understand that it might be ruined or damaged, just as you would not leave any other precious item in an Airbnb. For example, I would not leave an expensive grand piano in an Airbnb.

@Patricia2526 gave you a great idea, but I would like to elaborate a little to explain the reasoning. Some guests might find it difficult to understand that your work is art. You must frame it, either literally or conceptually. You can use frames or add a note, as she suggested, but you must explain this to guests.

I had a sculpture that I wanted to display in my space. I did not want to mount it on a pedestal because I thought it might be pushed over and break, so I hung it on the wall instead. My next concern was that people might think it was a coat hanger, a huge bottle opener, a punching bag, or come up with other creative ideas that were not part of my intention.

So I placed a big frame around it because it is not for sale. Guests might not fully understand the meaning of the art, but at least they would understand that it is art.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Paul12389 Have a look at a few listings and you will soon see the difference between cold, empty walls/rooms devoid of any features and inviting, warm spaces filled with stylish furniture/wall hangings etc.

You may also see dreadfully cluttered spaces that are impossible to keep clean or spaces that have inappropriate items wether they be overly religious/political/sexual.

So, to actually answer your question, yes use the art to make the listing inviting and you will get more bookings but don't overdo it or have anything too valuable/fragile in the space

[Greystone0 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Paul12389 ,

We don't have specific feedback on using art to drive up visitor numbers. But I love the idea of adding meaningful artwork and agree with the feedback from other hosts.

A listing without the warmth and energy from art and decor can be stale and unwelcoming so if you didn't have a listing that was already successful adding in this energy would probably make a boost.

We have a 'local artist' thing going on in our property. These have contributed to our decor and we really enjoy their presence in our home, they make us happy, as art should. And while we don't get specific feedback on the artwork, we did take a completely empty space and added something meaningful. One thing we haven't done but intend to do is make a page or two in our Welcome Guide that mentions the artwork name, artist and a little bio. 

We also have paintings done by our daughter. We have three pieces she produced and all are of vistas inspired by our location. She isn't a professional but her work is worthy of placing on the wall and since it is of area views, it fits (at least this is what we tell ourselves). We love it.

Good luck!

[Alex]

Hi @Paul12389! 👋

Thank you for sharing this with the Community. This is a brilliant idea, it will add an artistic touch to your listing and make it more personal. Do you have any examples of your art? I’d love to see them! 👀

It looks like this topic has attracted a lot of experienced hosts from the Community. Have you had a chance to go over their answers? 👇

[Paul12389]

Hi Alex,

I have found the response from the airbnb community very encouraging. This is the first time I have posted anything like this and I'm not really sure how to respond. I will paste one of my wife's paintings below. Paul

 

 

[Alex]

Hi @Paul12389!

Thank you so much for returning to the thread! I truly appreciate you sharing your art with us. I’d love to hear more about your inspiration for this painting, what inspired your wife to create it? 🖼️

[Paul12389]

Hi @Alex ,

Erika's friend took over a derelict shop in north Liverpool. Her intention was to turn it into a gallery but the building was full of pigeons, some of them dead. She called it the Dead Pigeon Gallery and the painting that I shared was part of a series the represent people from our community who have become pigeons.

Erika mostly paints about things that make her angry. I will post another one below. Its shows a friend of ours who was stabbed in the back by her boss.

Paul

 

[Alex]

I love the story behind every painting, @Paul12389. It's beautiful because with each one, you share little fragments of your life, which makes it even more special.

Please keep sharing more if you’d like, I’d love to hear them! 🤗