Why Wall Art Is One of the Best Investments You Can Make in Your Holiday Rental
I've had quite a few holiday rental owners reach out to me over the years, and the conversation usually goes the same way. They've spent real money on furniture, linen, and appliances. Then they look at the walls and realise they're bare. Or worse, they've put up something generic that could be in any rental anywhere in the country.
One of my customers, Terry, was fitting out a house in Point Lonsdale for short-term rental and told me he searched "Point Lonsdale art" and found my site. He wanted something that felt local. Something guests would actually recognise and connect with. That's the whole point, really.
If you're setting up or refreshing an Airbnb or holiday rental, here's my honest guide to getting the wall art right, without wasting money or time.
Match the Art to the Location
This is the single most important thing you can do. Guests book a holiday rental because they want to be somewhere specific. Bells Beach. Point Lonsdale. Rainbow Bay. They've chosen that place on purpose. When they walk in and see a print of the very beach they came to visit, it lands differently. It says: this place knows where it is.
Generic coastal art from a homewares chain doesn't do that. It could be anywhere. Location-specific art makes guests feel connected to the place from the moment they arrive, and that connection is part of what drives five-star reviews.
If your property is on the Surf Coast, for example, something like the Bells Beach Art Print I does exactly that job. Guests who've driven past Bells that afternoon will stop and look at it. That's the reaction you want.
How Many Pieces Do You Actually Need?
For most holiday rentals, I'd suggest thinking room by room rather than trying to fill every wall at once.
- Living room: One large statement piece works best here. Go for an L or XL size (59.4x84.1cm or 84.1x118.9cm). This is where guests spend most of their time and where the art will get the most attention.
- Bedrooms: One print per bedroom is usually enough. An M size (42x59.4cm) works well above a bedhead or on a feature wall.
- Hallway or entry: A narrower print or a pair of smaller prints can work well here without crowding the space.
- Kitchen or dining: Optional, but a smaller print can add warmth without competing with the rest of the space.
If you're not sure about sizing, I've written a detailed guide on how to choose the right size wall art for an Airbnb or holiday rental that's worth a read before you order.
Which Frame Type Is Right for a Rental Property?
Durability matters when you're buying art for a rental. Guests aren't always as careful as you'd be in your own home, so you want something that's built to last and easy to maintain.
My floating frame canvas prints are a popular choice for rentals. They use museum quality 400gsm Hahnemuhle Daguerre stretched canvas, with no glass at all. That means no reflections in rooms with lots of natural light, and nothing to crack or break. The solid sustainably sourced timber frame is robust, and each one comes with a 10-year warranty.
If you prefer a framed print with glass, the classic frame is a great option. It comes in black, white, or oak, uses 250gsm art paper with giclee archival inks, and also carries a 10-year warranty. The archival materials mean the colours won't fade or yellow over time, which matters when you're buying art that needs to look good for years.
For properties where you want to go the extra step, the premium shadow box frame uses Tru Vue Museum Glass with 99% UV protection and virtually no glare. It's genuinely the nicest product in my range, and it shows.
Choosing Prints Guests Will Actually Love
I shoot all of my photos personally. I know these beaches because I've spent years at them, often out before sunrise to get the light right. That's not something you get with stock imagery, and guests can feel the difference.
For Gold Coast properties, the Rainbow Bay Art Print I has been one of my strongest sellers for exactly this reason. It's a place people have genuine memories of, and seeing it on the wall of their rental brings those memories straight back. Guests comment on it. Hosts tell me it gets compliments constantly.
For Bellarine Peninsula properties, the Barwon Heads Art Print I is another strong pick, and for Surf Coast properties there are options across Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne, and Apollo Bay.
All prints start from $89, are printed to order, and shipped free anywhere in Australia from Victoria. There's no pickup option, but free shipping Australia-wide means no nasty surprises at checkout.
Take Your Rental Walls from Blank to Brilliant
Holiday rental wall art doesn't need to be complicated. Pick the beach your guests are coming to visit. Choose a size that fits the room. Pick a frame that suits the style of the property. That's really it.
If you want help finding the right print for your specific location, browse the full range at localbreaks.com.au or check out the location-by-location guide to choosing wall art for a coastal Airbnb for more specific recommendations by area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wall art for an Airbnb or holiday rental in Australia?
Location-specific coastal photography works best for Australian holiday rentals. Guests respond to art that reflects the beach or town they've come to visit. Prints that show the actual location, rather than generic coastal scenes, create a stronger connection and tend to generate more guest compliments.
What size wall art should I get for a holiday rental living room?
For a living room, go for at least a Large (59.4x84.1cm) or XL (84.1x118.9cm) print as the main feature piece. These sizes read well from across the room and make enough of an impression to feel intentional rather than like an afterthought. If you have a very large wall, the EPIC size at 100x150cm creates a real statement.
Are framed or canvas prints better for holiday rental properties?
Both work well, but floating frame canvas prints are a popular choice for rentals because they have no glass to crack or break, and they handle natural light without reflections. Classic framed prints with glass are also a great option and come with a 10-year warranty. The right choice depends on the room and the style of your property.
Do you ship wall art to holiday rental properties across Australia?
Yes. All prints from Local Breaks ship free anywhere in Australia. Everything is printed to order and shipped from Victoria. There's no pickup option, but free Australia-wide shipping means the price you see is the price you pay, with no delivery costs added at checkout.
