Why Furnishing Matters More Than You Think

In short-term rentals, your furniture acts as your brand. It’s what guests see in the photos, use during their stay, and judge when leaving that important review.

At First Grand Property Management, our data shows that properties with well-designed interiors consistently:

• Achieve higher nightly rates — up to 25% more when furnishings are premium.
• Get booked faster and more frequently, with shorter gaps between stays.
• Receive stronger reviews and fewer guest complaints about comfort or aesthetics.
• Generate higher repeat bookings and referral traffic over time.

In Mauritius’s luxury short-let market — where competition continues to rise — investing smartly in interiors is a critical differentiator.

What’s the Total Cost to Furnish a Short-Term Rental in Mauritius?

Here’s a breakdown of actual budgets from First Grand’s 2024–25 projects, geared for mid- to high-end finishes targeting affluent travellers.

These budgets include: furniture (beds, sofas, dining sets, storage), appliances (fridge, oven, washer), soft furnishings (curtains, rugs, cushions, linens), lighting & décor, outdoor furniture (where applicable), installation and delivery.

Essentials You Cannot Skip

Quality Bedding and Mattresses

If there’s one place to overspend — this is it. Luxury travellers expect hotel-grade sleep quality. Consider the following real Mauritius pricing from local retailer [Espace Maison](chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0):

• A basic fitted sheet from Espace Maison starts around **Rs 1,458**. [oai_citation:0‡espacemaison.mu](https://www.espacemaison.mu/shop/decoration-and-lighting/beddings/bedding-sheets?page=5&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• Mid-to-high-end bed-linen sets (3-pieces) run at **Rs 3,472** or more. [oai_citation:1‡espacemaison.mu](https://www.espacemaison.mu/products/bed-linen-set-3-pieces-9?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
• A premium duvet and cover set goes above **Rs 3,700**. [oai_citation:2‡espacemaison.mu](https://www.espacemaison.mu/shop/decoration-and-lighting/beddings/duvets-and-covers?page=3&utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Based on these, for a guest-ready 2-bed unit you might allocate **MUR 40,000–60,000** just to bedding and mattresses, to ensure comfort, durability and visual appeal.

Durable, Easy-to-Clean Furniture

High guest turnover means furniture must stand up to wear and tear — stain-resistant fabrics, powder-coated frames, and solids over veneer. Expect:

• Dining table & chairs: MUR 30,000–50,000 for 4-6 seats with high-grade finish.
• Sofa & lounge set: MUR 60,000–120,000 depending on scale and fabric.
• Outdoor furniture (for terraces): MUR 25,000–45,000 for weather-appropriate aluminium/teak sets.

Fully Equipped Kitchen

Guests now expect more than a kitchenette. In Mauritius, premium apartments and villas stock full appliances and cookware. Typical budget:

• Fridge + freezer: MUR 80,000–120,000.
• Oven/hob/microwave set: MUR 45,000–70,000.
• Crockery, wine glasses, coffee machine: MUR 20,000+.

High-Speed Internet & Smart TV

Tech issues kill reviews. Our internal data shows listings that state “fibre Wi-Fi” and “55″ Smart TV” have 8–12% higher booking conversion than those with generic “Wi-Fi”. Good units budget:

• Fibre connection + router/mesh: MUR 25,000–40,000.
• 55″ Smart TV + mounting + streaming access: MUR 40,000–65,000.

Lighting & Ambience

Lighting isn’t decorative — it’s functional, comfort-driving and photo-centric. Many units budget MUR 15,000–30,000 for layered lighting (ambient + task + accent) to deliver “resort feel”.

Décor and Personality

To stand out, properties need character. A neutral base with local accents drives strong guest emotion and repeat stays. Budget here: MUR 20,000–40,000 across artwork, mirrors and styling. Avoid generic all-white looks — they underperform.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying everything from one store — your home will look generic and lack premium feel.
• Skimping on mattresses and linen — poor sleep directly depresses ratings and revenue.
• Too much personal clutter — remember, it’s a guest experience, not your home.
• Poor layout — always optimise for flow, light, guest ease and comfort.
• No outdoor furniture — in Mauritius, alfresco living is expected, not optional.

Bonus Tip: Consider a Furnishing Package

At First Grand Property Management, we offer fully managed furnishing packages that cover:

• Concept design tailored to your property and market segment.
• Full sourcing locally and internationally with vendor vetting.
• Assembly, installation, styling and final staging — ready for photography.

Clients who choose our furnishing package benefit from vendor pricing discounts, faster launch and guest-ready positioning — meaning higher yield, faster.

FAQs: Furnishing a Short-Term Rental in Mauritius

What’s the best style for a Mauritian holiday rental?

We recommend a modern tropical style — soft neutrals, wood textures and curated coastal accents — with clean lines and lighting that enhances calm. This style aligns with high-earning listings in Mauritius.

Can I furnish my short-let on a tight budget?

Yes — but you must be strategic. Focus first on sleep quality (beds, mattresses, sheets) and durable furniture. Then scale décor and extras as revenue grows.

Where can I buy furniture and linen for short-lets in Mauritius?

Many owners use local suppliers like Courts, Dodo Home, Meubles & Moi and Espace Maison for bedding and décor. Imported pieces often fill gaps in quality or uniqueness.

Do I need to provide linens and towels?

Absolutely. No less than two full linen sets per bed and separate bath, hand and pool towels are expected. Hotel-grade white linens get better reviews and last longer.

How quickly will I see returns from furnishing investment?

While every property is different, many high-performance listings see lift in nightly rate within 3–6 months once fully furnished, staged and listed — and ROI often exceeds the furnishing cost within 18-24 months when price, occupancy and guest reviews align.