Getting Wall Art Right in a Holiday Rental (It Matters More Than You Think)
I've had a few Airbnb hosts reach out after buying prints for their properties, and the feedback is always the same: the right piece on the wall genuinely changes how a space feels. Guests notice it. They comment on it. One host in Point Lonsdale told me his guests kept mentioning the local print in the lounge room. That kind of detail sticks.
But getting the size wrong? That's where things go sideways. A print that's too small on a big wall looks like an afterthought. Too large in a tight hallway and it feels cramped. If you're fitting out a coastal property and searching for holiday rental wall art or Airbnb wall art in Australia, this guide is for you.
Why Size Is the First Decision You Need to Make
Before you even think about which print to buy, measure the wall. I know that sounds obvious, but a lot of people skip this step and regret it. Here's how I'd break it down by room:
- Living room feature wall: Go large. My L size (59.4x84.1cm) is the minimum I'd suggest for a main living space. If you've got a big open-plan area, an XL (84.1x118.9cm) or even the EPIC (100x150cm, which is 1.5 metres wide) will fill the space properly and make an impression.
- Bedroom: An M (42x59.4cm) works well above a bedside table or in a smaller room. For above the bed, I'd go L or XL depending on your bed size and wall width.
- Hallway or entryway: A portrait-orientation print in S (29.7x42cm) or M is usually the sweet spot. Something that says "welcome" without blocking the path.
- Bathroom or laundry: XS (21x29.7cm) or S is plenty here. A small coastal print can do a lot of work in a tight space.
For more detail on sizing for specific rooms, I wrote a guide that covers this properly: What Size Wall Art Should You Choose? A Simple Guide to Getting It Right First Time. Worth a read before you order.
Match the Print to the Location (Guests Actually Love This)
This is the part most people don't think about until someone points it out. If your holiday rental is in Point Lonsdale, hang a Point Lonsdale print. If it's in Torquay, hang a Torquay print. It sounds simple but it makes a real difference to how guests feel in the space. They recognise the view. They talk about it. It connects them to the place they came to enjoy.
My Barwon Heads Art Print I is a strong pick for properties on the Bellarine Peninsula. It's one of my bestsellers, and I can see why. The colours are bold, the composition is clean, and anyone who loves that stretch of coast will immediately know exactly where it is.
For Surf Coast properties, Bells Beach Art Print I is a go-to. Bells is iconic. Every surfer and coastal traveller knows it. Hanging a print like that in a Torquay or Jan Juc rental just makes sense.
What Frame Works Best in a Rental?
I'd steer most holiday rental owners toward either the classic framed print or the floating frame canvas. Here's why.
The classic frame comes in black, white or oak, uses solid FSC certified timber, and includes a metal hanger and steel wire. It's ready to hang straight out of the box. No fiddling around. The XL size uses shatterproof acrylic instead of glass, which is actually a practical bonus in a rental.
The floating frame canvas uses museum quality 400gsm Hahnemuhle Daguerre canvas with no glass at all. That means zero reflections, which is great in rooms with big windows or lots of natural light. It also looks clean and modern, which works in most coastal interiors. Both options come with a 10-year warranty, so you're not buying something that needs replacing every couple of years.
If you want to know more about the difference between these two formats, I covered it in detail here: Floating Frame Canvas vs Framed Print: Which Is Right for Your Coastal Wall Art?
Take the Coast Home (Or Your Rental Property)
Every print I sell is shot by me personally at real locations I know well. No stock imagery. No generic coastal scenes. If it's a Point Lonsdale print, I was standing at Point Lonsdale with my camera when I took it. That authenticity is something guests pick up on, even if they don't say it out loud.
Prints start from $89, free shipping anywhere in Australia, and everything is printed and shipped from Victoria. If you're fitting out a whole property and want to talk through what might work room by room, feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to help.
Browse the full range at Point Lonsdale Art Print IV or check the size guide to lock in the right dimensions before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size wall art should I get for an Airbnb living room?
For most Airbnb or holiday rental living rooms, an L size (59.4x84.1cm) is the minimum I'd recommend for a feature wall. If the room is large or open-plan, an XL (84.1x118.9cm) will look more proportionate and make a stronger impression on guests. The goal is for the art to anchor the space, not disappear into it.
Should holiday rental wall art match the location of the property?
Yes, and it makes more of a difference than most hosts expect. Guests who recognise a local beach or landmark in the artwork feel an immediate connection to the place. It also signals that the host has thought carefully about the space, which guests remember and mention in reviews.
What type of frame works best for a holiday rental?
A classic framed print or a floating frame canvas are both solid choices for rental properties. Both come ready to hang, use FSC certified timber frames, and carry a 10-year warranty. The floating frame canvas has no glass, which means no reflections in bright rooms and one less thing to worry about in a rental environment.
How long does it take to receive a print ordered for a holiday rental?
All prints are made to order and shipped from Victoria with free delivery anywhere in Australia. Lead times vary, so if you're fitting out a property to a deadline, it's worth ordering with some buffer time. I can also answer any timing questions directly if you get in touch before ordering.
