did it come furnished? I have a beach condo in NC and used most of the furniture that came with it and just bought some accessories. Check craigslist in the area. Check furniture stores in the area. I bought some stuff from the pottery, hobby lobby, tj maxx, marshalls, cb2 for my place. No point in decorating it perfectly until I move down there permanently in retirement. Plan on anything you put into it eventually getting messed up so just stage it to look good in the rental photos - bright and open and airy and beachy but not with a lot of tacky stuff.

Pictures would help. Which rooms are you trying to decorate?

It depends on lots of different variables of which we don’t have info on! Where is it, what is the rent ( high end; mid range?) size of rental, is it a cottage or condo, etc..? Will this cater to young families and will it be pet friendly? We need more info. I have several beach rentals and they are furnished comfortably but practically! Keep in mind that people are on vacation and there will be sand and the occasional wet bathing suit ! Not everyone will be as careful as you would like so nothing that is too valuable! If you are near salt water wood and plastic work better than metal( rusts !).

As a frequent vacation home renter, I want comfort -- good mattresses and bedding, comfortable sofa and chairs, good lighting, a well-equipped kitchen. I love the beach but am not a fan of beach-related decor such as lighthouses, anchors or seagulls. Instead I'd stick with beach-related colors and hard-wearing surfaces. For good quality at affordable prices I suggest consignment stores, estate sales and CraigsList.

I agree einportlandor. Spend $$$ on the best mattresses you can afford. People really appreciate a good nights sleep. Older, well built furniture that is made of solid wood that can be painted will take a beating much more than newer less well made stuff! A very well stocked kitchen is so important especially if your renting to families! We provide outdoor areas with grills also as people love to cook out when at the beach!

Ooh I would love links to see the rentals of you Houzzers.

For a beach rental, choose ease care finishes that will stand up to salt and sand. Providing a foot washing station near the door is a great addition to protect the interior.

An outdoor shower is even better;)!

Ours is does have hot & cold water but is really meant for rinsing off! Saves a lot of cleaning of the inside shower!

One of my pet peeves with some rental homes is too many do-dads siting around in the name of decor. I want space to put MY items. And I don't want to have to find space for the do - dads up high out of reach from the kids or out of my way. . And please keep couch pillows to a minimum. I stayed at one place that had so many pillows that we couldn't sit down and had to shove them in a closet. Keep the decor to the walls.