Items in my Midterm Rental that Surprised me (in the best way)
Written by: Rene
For this midterm rental, I did a lot of research and tried quite a few new things throughout the renovation and furnishing process. Some of those new things were intentional…and some were because my tried-and-true favorites were out of stock and I had no choice but to pivot.
A few of those experiments ended up being unexpected wins. These are three products I was a little unsure about when I ordered them, but completely wowed me with their quality. These will officially become staples for my future midterm rental properties.
While I may receive a small commission from purchases using my links, I will only ever recommend products that I have personally tried and genuinely love. I’ll always share my true perspective with you. The good, the bad, and the mixed.
1. Cooper Low Profile Walnut bed frame from Article
When I was looking for a bed frame, I had a few non-negotiables. I wanted solid wood so it would be easy to clean and wipe down. Upholstered headboards are a pass for me for sanitary reasons and I wanted something sturdy. Nothing ruins a guest experience quite like a creaky, wobbly bed.
A bed frame is also one of those areas where I think investing in quality upfront can save you money in the long run. There are plenty of inexpensive frames online, but if you're constantly tightening, repairing, or replacing them, that bargain isn't such a bargain anymore.
I had never purchased furniture from Article before. Long-time online stalker, first-time purchaser. And WOW, did this bed impress me.
The wood is solid and beautiful, the design is gorgeous, and the entire frame feels incredibly sturdy. It was also surprisingly straightforward to assemble—even by myself.
One of my favorite details is the slat system. Instead of the usual dinky individual slats that you screw in one by one and hope survive, these are solid wood and come pre-built in three panel sections. They feel substantial and durable.
For me, this bed hits the sweet spot of style, quality, and durability. I will absolutely be looking at Article beds again for future properties.
2. Nolita 85” Leather Sofa from Poly and Bark
If you’ve followed along on social media, you know my rule for furnished rentals: it needs to be washable or wipeable. If it’s neither, I go into the purchase assuming I may need to replace it regularly.
For sofas, that usually means either fabric with removable, washable cushion covers or leather.
The living room in this rental is on the smaller side, so I needed a sofa that was big enough for a guest to actually stretch out and relax, but not so big that it overwhelmed the room. Additionally, I still wanted it to feel elevated and high quality.
After hours and hours of scouring the internet…enter the Nolita 85” Sofa.
She is the Goldilocks of sofas.
Not too big. Not too small. Easy to wipe down and care for. Beautifully designed with soft, quality leather. All at a very reasonable price point for a leather sofa. Who could ask for more?!
Poly and Bark also offers a great warranty package, which gives me some added peace of mind when putting a piece of furniture into a rental.
Check. Check. Check. Add to cart.
3. Cream Faux Merino Wool Vant Panels
My original plan for the breakfast nook was an L-shaped banquette, but once I saw the beautiful deep windowsills in the finished space, I couldn't bring myself to cover them with the back of a seat. So, as renovations tend to go, I pivoted.
Instead, I used an L-shaped bench with pillows along the windowsill side. I still wanted something comfortable for guests to lean against on the solid-wall side of the nook.
Everything I found that was actually marketed for dining spaces screamed “cheap diner,” so I had to get a little creative.
That’s when I came across Vant Panels. They’re technically designed to be used as a bed headboard, but they ended up making the perfect upholstered back for the dining nook.
What I especially love for a rental is that each panel snaps individually into the frame and can easily be removed. So if a guest dramatically trips and spills an entire glass of wine and a plate of pasta all over one panel, I don't have to replace the whole thing. If it can't be cleaned, I can simply replace that individual panel.
The material also really surprised me. It’s incredibly soft, provides just the right amount of cushion, and gives the nook a much more finished, intentional look. It was definitely an unconventional use for the product, but it ended up being exactly what the space needed.
Sometimes the products you’re the least sure about end up becoming the ones you’ll buy again and again.
These three made my future rental staples list and I’ll keep sharing the products that hold up in real-life furnished rentals, not just the ones that look good online. You can use the links below to shop the products.
(Some of these are affiliate links. I may receive a small commission from purchase.)*