Here’s one almost nobody is talking about:
Selling print-on-demand wall art for Airbnb hosts.
This quiet little niche is exploding—thanks to the rise of short-term rentals and the growing pressure for Airbnb hosts to stand out with curated, Instagram-worthy decor. And the best part? You can make $50–$100/day (or more) without holding inventory, shipping products, or even leaving your house.
Why Airbnb Hosts Are the Perfect Customer
The short-term rental industry has gone from casual side hustle to full-blown business. Hosts are competing for bookings, five-star reviews, and viral photos. That means:
- Every room has to look intentional
- Artwork needs to match the theme or vibe of the property
- Replacing art between guests (due to damage or wear) is common
- Hosts often want local, seasonal, or humorous pieces
These hosts aren’t shopping at Target or HomeGoods. They’re turning to digital wall art marketplaces like Etsy or creative print-on-demand platforms for affordable, ready-to-download art that fits their brand.
So What Exactly Are You Selling?
There are two options:
1. Digital Downloads (Instant Art)
You create the art file once (usually in Canva or Photoshop) and sell it as a downloadable file. The host prints and frames it themselves.
Pros: 100% passive after upload, no inventory, global reach
Platforms: Etsy, Gumroad, Creative Market
2. Print-on-Demand Physical Art
You upload your design to a POD (print-on-demand) site, and they handle printing, framing, shipping, and customer service.
Pros: Higher price points, less tech-savvy customers love the physical product
Platforms: Gelato, Printful, Society6, Redbubble
Both options are profitable. Many sellers offer both formats to cover all customer preferences.
Best-Selling Wall Art Themes for Airbnb Hosts
Here’s where this niche really shines: you’re not creating generic home decor. You’re creating art with a purpose—for a specific audience, setting, or experience.
Top categories include:
- City-specific art: Maps, skylines, coordinates (e.g., “Nashville, TN” in a vintage style)
- Local sayings: Regional quotes, slang, or humor
- Bathroom humor: Funny prints for guest bathrooms (“Have a nice poop”) sell like crazy
- Neutral modern aesthetics: Line drawings, minimal botanicals, geometric art
- Theme-based bundles: Coastal, cabin, desert, boho, modern farmhouse
- Check-in/house rules art: Stylish signs that say “Wi-Fi Password,” “No Smoking,” etc.
Airbnb hosts love buying in sets or bundles, so offering 3–6 matching pieces as a collection can instantly boost your earnings.
Can You Really Make $100/Day?
Yes—and many sellers do. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
- Digital downloads often sell for $5–$12
- Physical prints can sell for $20–$80+ each
- Bundles of 3–6 files can command $15–$40+
Sell just 4 bundles a day on Etsy at $25 each? That’s $100/day. And with digital files, there’s no limit to how many you can sell once it’s listed.
Getting Started (Even If You’re Not a Designer)
You don’t need an art degree. You don’t even need advanced software. Here’s how to launch your passive income wall art side hustle in a weekend:
Step 1: Choose Your Niche
Start with one category like:
- “Desert-themed Airbnb art”
- “Funny bathroom signs for rentals”
- “Scandinavian cabin wall prints”
Pick a style you like—or one you see trending on Etsy or Pinterest.
Step 2: Create the Artwork
Use free tools like:
- Canva Pro: Great for beginners, with commercial-use elements
- Creative Fabrica: Download fonts, SVGs, and clipart
- Photoshop or Illustrator: If you have the skills
Use standard art ratios like 2:3 or 4:5 so buyers can print in different sizes.
Step 3: List It on Etsy or a POD Site
Create a beautiful mockup using free tools like Placeit.net (e.g., your art hanging above a couch).
Write a clear, keyword-rich description (e.g., “Printable Boho Bathroom Art for Airbnb | 3-Pack Digital Download | Funny Guest Bathroom Wall Decor”).
Step 4: Promote (Or Let Etsy Do the Work)
Etsy has built-in traffic, especially if you:
- Use long-tail keywords
- Offer bundles and collections
- Get 5-star reviews
- Respond quickly to messages
You can also promote on Pinterest or create a simple Instagram page showcasing your decor bundles.
Why This Works in 2025
The Airbnb and short-term rental economy isn’t slowing down. In fact:
- There are over 7 million Airbnb listings worldwide
- Hosts are investing more in decor to increase their nightly rates
- Minimalist, modern, and location-themed art are top decor trends
- AI + tools like Canva make it easier than ever to create printable art fast
Hosts want to decorate affordably, quickly, and with personality. And if you give them art that matches their vibe, they’ll gladly pay you for it—again and again.
What Makes This Passive Income Stream So Good?
Here’s why this opportunity stands out, especially for creators over 30, 40, or 50:
- Low startup cost (you can start free with Canva and Etsy)
- No physical inventory, shipping, or customer service (if using POD)
- Appeals to a stable, professional audience (Airbnb hosts)
- Creative freedom—you choose the niche, style, and message
- Scalable: 1 product today can sell for years
You can even batch-create 10–20 pieces over a weekend and drip them out weekly to keep your shop fresh.
Common Questions
Q: Do I need to be a professional artist?
Not at all. Many top-selling Etsy shops use simple typography, line art, or stock illustrations. Clean, trendy designs win—over complexity.
Q: What if someone copies my art?
This happens in every digital business. Add a watermark to previews and use Etsy’s takedown tools if needed. Focus on staying creative and consistent.
Q: Can I really make $3,000+/month with this?
Absolutely—many sellers do. It depends on your product quality, niche targeting, SEO, and how often you post. But even a small shop can hit $100/day with a few viral listings.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a passive income stream that doesn’t involve flipping houses, managing 10 affiliate links, or becoming a YouTube star—this is it.
Print-on-demand wall art for Airbnb hosts is one of the most underrated opportunities in 2025. It’s creative, it’s scalable, and it’s built on a booming industry that isn’t going anywhere.
And yes—you can absolutely start this weekend.
Your next income stream might be hanging on someone’s guest room wall.
