A video capturing the struggle between style and practicality in an Airbnb has struck a chord with millions of viewers on TikTok.
Shared by user @amiggastef, the clip -- which has surpassed over 2.7 million views since being posted on October 10 -- shows the millennial interior designer carefully navigating a striking but unconventional staircase inside her rental.
Text overlaid on the video reads: "POV [point of view] you booked the aesthetic Airbnb but didn't think through the functional part."
In the clip, the woman, wearing heels, moves slowly down a sculptural spiral staircase set in a modern living room. Her caption echoes the dilemma many guests face when choosing design over comfort. "Me: I want the aesthetic Airbnb. Also me: can't walk down the stairs without risking my life in my shoes," the poster wrote in the caption.
The poster, who did not share her name or location, told Newsweek she works as a millennial interior designer, "so, aesthetic and design is very important to me."
The Airbnb featured in the video is located in the sixth arrondissement area of Paris, the French capital, where the poster has been staying for nearly two months.
While viewers were alarmed by the staircase's unusual form, the woman said she has "not fallen, and it is quite secure."
She added: "It's a lovely stay and, while the stairs are not 'standard,' they are famous design stairs."
The stairway shown in the clip is the "M400" modular spiral staircase designed by the late Roger Tallon, whom she described as "one of France's most-important industrial designers."
Although the piece may appear intimidating, the poster said that it is safer than people assume.
"While it's probably not suited for the elderly or children, it's an easy staircase to go up on and has grips on the steps," she added. "You can also hold on to the middle column for stability. We have stayed for almost two months here. The main bedroom and second bathroom are upstairs while the rest of the living area is downstairs.
"At first glance, it looks scary," the poster said,"but it's great, artful design -- ultimately what people want in Airbnbs."
Design-driven rentals continue to help fuel Airbnb's global growth. According to data compiled by Statista, "as of 2024, over five million hosts listed their properties on Airbnb, recording as many as 1.5 billion guest check-ins" and "in 2024, over 490 million Airbnb nights and experiences were booked worldwide, resulting in Airbnb's revenue reaching over $11 billion that year."
Airbnb's popularity also reflects shifting traveler preferences. The company's Compact Survey, conducted from October 2023 to March 2025, found that 1 in 5 guests worldwide choose Airbnb specifically for a more-local travel experience.
Despite the designer's assurances, many TikTok viewers remained unconvinced that the stairs were safe -- especially in heels.
User @user1276034365510 wrote: "I would definitely fall down."
Another viewer, @minasagebooks, posted: "the way I'd just live downstairs out of fear of slipping."
Some said they wouldn't attempt the second floor at all. "I would simply never go upstairs that's terrifying," commented @superstar_4eva.
Others were impressed by her confidence. One viewer, Michael, commented: "I already was impressed, but it’s crazy that you’ve done that with heels."