Renting Unfurnished in Bali? Here’s How to Make It Feel Luxurious
By Des Res Bali
If you’re planning to stay in Bali for the long haul but aren’t quite ready to dive into a leasehold or freehold, renting an unfurnished villa can be one of the smartest moves you’ll make. Most expats are chasing fully furnished rentals (with the same grey couch and rattan mirror you’ve seen a hundred times), which means unfurnished villas often sit empty — and landlords are happy to negotiate.
You’ll save on rent, get way more space, and actually get to make it yours. Plus, everything you buy — from rugs to lamps to that perfect teak bed — is an investment you can take with you when you move. It’s like building your future Bali home piece by piece, without the commitment headache.
Whitewashed walls, high ceilings, that signature Bali light — perfect, except there’s one problem: your villa is a blank canvas. Echoing. Impersonal. Waiting for you to breathe life into it.
Furnishing a space in Bali can be a rabbit hole of workshops, showrooms, and markets. But it doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job. Think layers, textures, and a few smart splurges that make the place feel yours — not like a generic holiday rental.
Here’s how to do it without losing your mind — while investing in pieces that’ll actually last.
1. Start with the Bed — The Real MVP
Beds are everything. The wrong mattress or frame can ruin a rental’s vibe (and your sleep).
Mattresses: For breathable, tropical-friendly options, Heveya is a lifesaver (yes, it’s a bit of a splurge, but we swear ours is worth every night of sleep). Natural latex, long-lasting comfort, and they actually survive Bali humidity.
Custom Beds: For frames, Java Pillar Furniture in Jimbaran and Mumbul (a tiny, tucked-away workshop we love) makes gorgeous teak and suar-wood beds. We had ours made there — it’s like they read your mind about what feels both luxe and low-maintenance.
Headboards & Accents: If you want a touch of design flair, Kim Soo offers interesting headboards, benches, and statement pieces to elevate your sleeping quarters without feeling like a showroom.
Tip: Bali rentals often have bulbs so bright they could signal aircraft. Swap them for soft, matching wattage bulbs — instant upgrade.
2. Layer in Rugs and Textures
A rug is more than floor coverage. It’s a statement, a comfort boost, and a design cheat sheet all in one.
- Farah’s Carpets has generous service and a range of textures (think hand-knotted carpets, Kilims, and Sumaks) that make your floors feel intentional. They’re our go-to for rugs, and we may or may not have a mild rug addiction.
- Layer different textures — a large jute base with a smaller patterned piece on top — to create zones and warmth.
Check our Insider’s Guide to Rugs in Bali for sourcing, sizing, and styling tips.
Sofas, chairs, tables — these are your statement pieces. You don’t need everything; just pick a few that define the space.
- Sofas & Daybeds: Low-slung, linen-covered, versatile. Great for indoor/outdoor flow.
- Coffee & Side Tables: Check Kerobokan workshops or bespoke orders at Java Pillar — teak, suar-wood, or reclaimed wood.
- Accent Chairs: Cloth by Medina has beautiful handwoven, botanically dyed pieces, plus sculptural wooden lamps. Perfect for adding soul.
Quick tip: Side tables, hangers, and smaller hardware are easy upgrades from Azko (ex-Ace Hardware) without looking like you went bargain-hunting. Informa is another good one-stop shop for items like guest-room futons, shelves, and organizers. There’s also a small Ikea in Kuta.
Tiny touches make a villa feel curated:
- Wall Art: Bali Art Supplies is great for frames, canvases, and DIY art.
- Candles & Decor: Drifter Surf Uluwatu stocks subtle luxuries like candles and wall prints.
- Textiles & Small Homewares: Cloth by Medina and Kim Soo are great for cushions, throws, and heirloom-quality accents.
- Kitchen Accessories: Art on the Table is another great option for tablewares, and Dapur Prima is a one-stop-shop for kitchenwares and electronics like blenders, toasters, hot plates and more.
The rule? One or two statement pieces, not a cluttered showroom.
5. Plants = Instant Life
No Bali space feels complete without greenery. Palms, monsteras, trailing vines. Cluster pots, stagger heights, or grab something wild from the Bedugul outdoor market if you’re on a roadtrip. Even a few well-placed plants instantly make a rental feel considered.
6. Kitchen & Practical Upgrades
7. Final Tips for Living Like a Local in Luxury
- Humid-proof everything: Avoid MDF or particleboard.
- Measure your space: Bali villas have quirky doors, stairs, and nooks.
- Plan for outlets: Nothing kills a vibe faster than messy cords. If you need help, there are plenty of trusted electricians in South Bali — and for locals who come recommended, you can always reach out to us via the contact form.
- Embrace imperfection: A chip here, a patina there — it adds character.
- Invest, don’t overspend: Focus on mattresses, beds, seating, rugs, and key accents. Everything else can layer in slowly.
8. The Feeling of Home
Luxury isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. Cushions that sag slightly, the subtle scent of frangipani, wood that glows with use. Bali rewards the thoughtful imperfection. Layered textures, curated objects, plants, and light — these small things are what make a villa yours.
