Discover the best bedding for short term rentals to enhance guest comfort and satisfaction. Read our comprehensive guide to make informed choices.
Choosing the Right Bedding for Your Short-Term Rental: Why Bedding Matters
A high-quality bedding set is the key to a great night's sleep and an opportunity to make a lasting impression and ensure repeat bookings.
Furnishing your short-term rental space with the right bedding set will effortlessly upgrade the room's look and give it a crisp touch of freshness.
There are a few important steps to follow when choosing bedding for your Airbnb:
-
Climate and temperature of your rental space: Always pick the bedding made from materials that are suitable for your area - if your rental space is located in a zone with a warmer temperature, you should opt for breathable and cooling materials that will prevent overheating and sweating.
-
Easy maintenance: Choose bedding that is easy to clean and maintain. Also, take into consideration that Airbnb bedding is going to be washed more frequently than your regular bedding. That's why you should go for bedding materials made from blended fibers, which retain their shape, color, and texture.
-
Aesthetics: Pillow covers, duvet covers, blankets, comforter, and bed sheets should complement the guests room's style and add a touch of smoothness and comfort.
-
Thread count: Look for a sheet set with a high thread count for a comfortable and luxurious feel. Thread count is the number of threads in each square inch of cloth, showing how good the bed sheets are. The higher the thread count (TC) is, the finest the material is:
-
Basic quality bedding has a TC of 132 to 144;
-
Good quality bedding has a TC of 180 to 220;
-
Great quality bedding features a TC beyond 300;
-
Excellent quality bed linens have a TC beyond 400.
-
Keep in mind that linens with a higher thread count are more expensive.
-
Durability: Look for resilient bedding that can withstand frequent use and laundering. This will ensure cost-effectiveness over time.
-
Wrinkle-resistant bedding makes the bed look neat and more inviting, showcasing your professionalism and care for the guest's comfort.
Essential Bedding Items For Ultimate Comfort
The bed should be an oasis of comfort that helps your guests relax and have a good night's sleep. You will need a few basic bedding items to set the foundation for every comfortable and cozy bedroom.
Start with a premium-quality fitted sheet set, your bedding should be selected carefully.
White bedding is easier to maintain and can be washed at a higher temperature.
Having multiple sets of bed linens is essential for quick turnover in vacation rentals. A standard suggestion is to provide at least four pillows and 2-3 sets of sheets per bed to ensure cleanliness and availability.
Decide on your style, preference, and budget. The general advice is to choose flat sheets made from breathable and lightweight materials like cotton or linen.
Neill's Homestore is the perfect place to look for quality bedding that is suitable for every interior style.
For a touch of affordable luxury, get a classy Tencel sheet set. Silky soft and pure, Woven Tencel bed linens will ensure your sleep is refreshing and comfortable. The smooth fiber structure from environmentally-friendly resources pampers the skin with balanced moisture management and temperature regulation qualities to keep you cool in the summer and cozy warm in the winter. Stunningly soft fibers are perfect for sensitive sleepers.
Choose a brushed microfiber sheet set for softness and easy care. Extra-soft and long-lasting brushed microfiber bed linens by Woven offer a comfortable sleep environment for your guests. Stain- and wrinkle-resistant fibers make care effortless, without pilling or shrinking. Deep pockets create a perfect fit, while bold colors present a chic complement to any bed.
If you prefer high-end bedding, an Italian Artisan sheet set will certainly meet your expectations. Manufactured in the mountains of northern Italy, these 400 TC sheets are woven by Italian artisans from the best cotton grown in Egypt. Egyptian cotton is superior to most other sheet materials and is renowned for its soft drape, distinctive luster, and amazing durability. Combined with Italian craftsmanship, where linen-making has been a part of the culture for centuries. The unrelenting attention to detail provides a meticulous fit and finish for the highest quality and value. The perfect option for a top sheet.
PRO TIP: For extra convenience, buy deep-pocket fitted white sheets that stay in place during the night. Deep-pocket sheets fit mattresses between 14 and 22 inches wide. It is a best practice to keep spare sets of bedding on hand for unexpected spills or stains.
Duvet covers, blankets, flat sheets and pillowcases are another important part of the bedding family. Select a style that fits your rental space’s aesthetic.
Soft and super cozy, duvet covers come in various fill weights and materials. To maintain the consistency of the design, match your sheet set with a duvet cover.
For a cloud-like experience, pick a duvet cover made from natural materials like bamboo. The soft and silky bamboo fibers are both ideal for sensitive skin and breathability, creating the optimal sleep environment and temperature. Plus, the hypoallergenic rayon from bamboo fabric wicks moisture away from the body while sleeping to ensure a clean, crisp, and comfortable feel as the guests snuggle into this amazingly smooth duvet cover.
A good quality duvet cover will add extra comfort to the Airbnb bed, making it more inviting and comfortable.
Pillowcases made from high-quality materials add a layer of coziness to the bed and a touch of style that enriches the bedroom decor. Choose a stylish pillowcase with a bold pattern to effortlessly upgrade the Airbnb bed's visual appeal. Pillowcases with a high thread count makes them resistant to pilling and are cool against the skin.
You want at least four pillows in each queen to king size bed for guests comfortability.
Bedding protectors
To keep your bedding fresh and neat-looking as long as possible, you will have to use special covers that provide a shield against sweat, drool, food spills, and makeup. A quality bedding protector is going to prolong the life of the bed linens and keep them clean, neat, and fresh for every new guest.
Mattress protectors are made from specialized and durable materials meant to protect your expensive mattress from all kinds of damage. Additionally, a good mattress protector adds a new layer of comfort to the Airbnb bed making it even more cozy and inviting for the guests.
For the ultimate comfort and mattress protection, choose one of the following:
-
The Five 5ided Mattress Protector with Tencel + Omniphase is the most advanced mattress protector on the market with three incorporated technologies—Tencel, Omniphase, and the H2Pro membrane. Omniphase phase change material promotes a comfortable sleeping temperature in any climate; Tencel fiber wicks away moisture from the body, and the laboratory-certified H2Pro liquid-proof membrane creates a quiet and breathable barrier against allergens. Every high-end vacation rental that cares about the guest's comfort can be sure that this protector will add to the overall guest experience.
-
Cooling mattress protector: The instant cooling effect of this protector helps manage the temperature as you fall asleep. The central layer is 100% polyurethane that provides a shield from spills and accidents while remaining quiet and cool to the touch.
-
Advanced Protector: Crafted with advanced moisture-wicking fabric, it keeps you dry and cozy while remaining cool to the touch. The result: a truly satisfying sleep experience that naturally helps regulate your body temperature for maximum rest. An invisible barrier repels liquids and protects against dust mites so you can truly rest easy. A great investment for every vacation rental property.
Pillow protectors are another great addition for your vacation rental bed. Designed to keep the pillows fresh and dry, these protectors also prolong the life of pillows and make them more comfortable.
-
The Ice Tech Pillow Protector offers reliable waterproof protection and cooling technology. Innovative Ice Tech fabric continually dissipates body heat for a comfortable sleep climate. The lab-certified H2Pro barrier protects pillows from fluids, stains, bed bugs, and allergens while allowing air to permeate for comfortable breathability. Ideal option for sensitive sleepers.
The main characteristics of a good pillow protector are resilience and breathability. As an Airbnb host, you should always look for quality pieces that will enhance the comfort of your guests and make a good lasting impression. Small details like pillow and mattress protectors showcase your service and care that guests will appreciate.
Bedding For Comfort And Style
Choose the best bedding set with a soft, luxurious feel to ensure a good night’s sleep for your guests.
Adding a mattress topper or mattress pad instantly boosts the comfort of every vacation rental bed. A gel-infused mattress topper offers superior cooling and provides relief from heat and sleeping pressures. Utilizing a pin-core design, the gel memory foam is ventilated to increase airflow and regulate sleeping temperature. The soft, supportive consistency of the memory foam quickly conforms to the body, cushioning hips and shoulders. This modern mattress topper is a super-soft, removable rayon from a bamboo cover, ensuring a cooler sleep temperature.
A stylish duvet cover with an eye-catching design will give the bedroom a chic look and instantly upgrade the style of the interior.
For more softness and a plushy feel, mix a few throw blankets into the design. The Tamish throw blanket is a perfect choice for contemporary vacation rental spaces. Whether draped over the arm of a chair or folded at the foot of a bed, the woven texture and knotted fringe give it a classy and chic look that's relaxed and inviting.
A vacation rental bed needs a high-quality comforter set that will give it a sophisticated look, making it even more inviting and comfy. Featuring a solid pinkish background with a stitched diamond pattern, the Lexann comforter reverses to a simple arrow design in pink, white, and gray—giving you the option to change up the bedroom decor whenever you want. Pair it with a white cotton fitted sheet set and get that classy look and a hotel-like experience.
Types of Bedding Materials: Features And Benefits
Understanding sheet materials
Breathable, moisture-wicking materials like cotton, silk, linen, or bamboo sheet sets are natural materials that give the a soft and luxurious feel.
Pure cotton is the most popular bedding material. Its unmatched breathability, softness, and durability make it a golden standard for fitted sheets and covers. A few types of cotton fabrics are often used for bedding, but the two most common are Pima type and upland cotton.
Expensive and luxurious bedding sets are made from Pima cotton, giving the fabric an ultra-soft feel and silkiness compared to regular cotton.
Linen is another natural material from the flax plant often used for sheets and duvet covers. Known for its amazing durability, breathability, and strength, linen is classified as an eco-friendly material. Linen is ideal for bedding sets thanks to the cool and crisp feel it leaves on the skin.
Silk is a synonym for luxury. Featuring amazing softness and smoothness, silk is a natural material ideal for people with sensitive skin. However, it is quite expensive and requires special care.
Eco-friendly and moisture-wicking, bamboo is a relatively new material used for sheets. It is soft and durable, ideal for with a limited budget.
Rayon from bamboo is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking for a fresh sleep environment, and the polyester fibers create a strong fabric that resists daily wear and tear.
Tencel is a newer, synthetic material made from wood pulp. It is durable, strong, and environmentally friendly.
Silky-soft and pure, Woven Tencel bed linens will ensure your sleep is refreshingly comfortable. The luxuriously smooth fiber structure from eco-friendly resources pampers the skin with balanced moisture management. Temperature regulating qualities keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Stunningly soft fibers are perfect for sensitive skin.
The weave type and texture are important factors to consider when buying new bedding for your vacation rental. Different weaves can affect the sheets' feel, durability, and breathability:
-
Sateen Weave: Crafted using a satin weave, the threads are carefully woven in a way that allows them to be on the surface and create a soft and lustrous feel. Sheets with this weave type are silky smooth but less breathable, making them perfect for colder months.
Check out Neill's Homestore for ultra-fine sateen weave sheets!
Made exclusively of 100 percent American-grown extra-long staple cotton, Supima sheets are the perfect premier sheeting option for your vacation rental. Featuring a lustrous sateen weave, these new 600-thread-count sheets drape beautifully. Supima cotton is finely woven and mercerized to create a fabric that is softer, more vibrantly colored, breathable, and remarkably pill-resistant.
-
Twill Weave: If you prefer heavier and cozier sheets and covers, then Twill Weave is the right bedding choice for you. It features a unique and stylish diagonal pattern that adds texture and visual interest to your vacation rental bed.
-
Jersey Knit: Thanks to the special weaving technique, jersey knit sheets are stretchable and extra soft. Ideal for a casual bedroom look.
-
Flannel: Featuring fuzzy and soft surfaces, flannel sheets are associated with coziness and warmth and are a great choice for colder months.
Quality Bedding - Common Indicators
When shopping for new bedding, you have to keep a few quality indicators in mind and get the best value for your money. Pay attention to:
-
Thread Count: The higher the thread count is, the more luxurious and soft the sheets will be.
-
Ply: Sheets that have a higher ply count are thicker and more durable compared to the ones with a lower ply count. Keep in mind that thicker sheets are not breathable and thus not suitable for summer weather.
-
Longevity: Choose bedding made from Egyptian cotton or bamboo fibers, materials that are extra durable and less likely to pill and develop holes over time.
Fitted VS Flat Sheets
There are two main types of sheets: flat and fitted.
Fitted sheets have elastic edges that "hug" the mattress and stay in place thanks to the secure fit.
A flat sheet is simply draped over the mattress and can be used as a light cover during the summer months. Flat sheets are also known as top sheets.
PRO TIP: Buy a set of fitted sheets and get both sheets for the guest bedroom.
Shopping Spots for The Best Bedding
Online retailers like Amazon, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond offer a wide selection of bedding, something for every style and budget.
Many of your local furniture stores like Neill's Homestore will carry mattress protectors and high quality fitted sheets designed for your mattress.
Explore specialty stores like Pottery Barn and West Elm, which offer stylish and luxurious bedding.
Consider shopping during sales or using coupons.
Proper Care And Maintenance: Laundering Tips
Proper care and maintenance of bed sheets will keep them fresh and neat for longer. Here are the basic laundering tips you need to follow:
-
Mild detergent: Use a gentle detergent without bleach and other harsh chemicals to prevent material damage.
-
Gentle cycle: This washing setting preserves the quality of delicate materials by using less agitation.
-
Drying: Dry bedding on a low heat setting to prevent shrinkage and color fading.
-
Consider opting a fabric steamer to remove wrinkles and odors.
-
Do not overload your washing machine, as too much laundry will cause your sheets to become tangled and wrinkly.
-
Ironing: Avoid using high heat as that will damage the fibers and cause them to burn or melt.
-
Storage: Fold the sheets neatly and store them in a cool and dry place, away from the direct sunlight.
-
Rotate the sheets regularly to prevent wear and tear.
-
Bleach can be used for stain removal on bedding, provided it is tested first on a small area. White bedding is easier to clean and can be sanitized with bleach without fading.
Bedding for Specific Needs
Cooling Sheets: If your vacation rental property is located in a warmer climate zone, you should consider investing in cooling sheets designed to wick away the moisture. The best cooling sheets are made from bamboo and eucalyptus fibers. This will maximum breathability for exceptional comfort and a cooling feel.
Hypoallergenic sheets: Ideal choice for sensitive sleepers.
These sheets are made from materials that are less likely to cause skin irritation and allergies (organic cotton, Tencel, and bamboo). Having hypoallergenic bedding shows the guest you go the extra mile for their comfort and instantly improves the rating of your vacation rental.
Moisture-wicking: Look for bedding with a waterproof treatment for guests with pets or young children.
High-quality moisture-wicking bedding treated with antimicrobial agents to prevent the growth of bacteria and odors.
PRO TIP: Consider using heated mattress pads or electric blankets and comforters for cold climates.
The Benefits of Investing in High-Quality Bedding
High-quality bedding can improve the overall comfort and luxury of your rental. It shows your guest that you care about their comfort and well-being, which can lead to better reviews and increased bookings.
On the more practical side, high-quality bedding can also help to reduce maintenance and replacement costs. It is an investment in long-term comfort and value.
Although it may come with a higher price tag, the longevity far outweighs that of cheaper alternatives, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Top Bedding Brands for Short-Term Rentals
If you're an experienced Airbnb host, you have heard about some bed linen brands that stand out thanks to their quality, durability, and longevity. Here is the list of brands that deserve your attention for the best bedding :
-
Mellanni - offers high-quality, affordable bedding options. Their products are specially made for busy people who value comfort as much as their time. Another plus for the Mellanni brand is that it offers a Lifetime Warranty that covers every product.
-
Threadmill - provides luxurious, breathable bedding materials. Their products have a top-quality finish that guarantees a superior level of customer satisfaction.
-
California Design Den - offers stylish, comfortable bedding options. Their products meet the highest standards of quality, comfort, and sustainability.
-
Zinus - provides affordable, durable bedding options.
-
Malouf- Sleep between layers of luxury with sheet sets in all your favorite fabrics and finest materials.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations: The Recap
When buying new bedding, the guest comfort should be your priority. You need to consider the needs and preferences of your guests when selecting bedding and make the vacation rental bed feel like their own bed at home.
Invest in high-quality bedding and pillows to improve the overall comfort and luxury of your rental. Good bed linens are a crucial part of providing guest a comfortable stay.
PRO TIP: Don’t forget to use a mattress protector and pillow protectors to protect your bedding and extend its lifespan.
FAQs
What bedding is required for Airbnb?
Your vacation rental needs to have at least one duvet cover, lightweight blankets, a comforter, a bed sheet, memory foam, pillows and pillowcases.
Be sure to have extra pillowcases and a spare set of white sheets and covers.
One guests needs at least 2 pillows.
Having three sets of sheets per bed allows for quick turnover between guests.
Experts recommend bedding with a thread count between 200 and 400 for durability and comfort. Investing in reliable bedding can help to reduce the operational costs of running an Airbnb.
What are the best sheets for a VRBO or Airbnb?
Experienced hosts will tell you that 100% cotton sheets are the best choice for every vacation rental, preferred by guests. Durable bedding is essential in vacation rentals due to frequent washing after each guest.
Do vacation rentals wash comforters?
Some hosts wash the comforters or duvet covers after every guest, while others do it every 2-3 weeks.
Laundry processes should ensure that all bedding is machine washable to facilitate quick turnovers.
Are mattress protectors and pillow protectors necessary?
No, but they are a great investment that will protect your expensive mattress from damage and bed bugs.
What is the best bedding for Airbnb?
Your bedding should nicely complement the rest of the interior and the overall decor of the vacation rental bed. Bedding with neutral tones and hypoallergenic.
White bedding is easier to clean and maintain compared to colored bedding.
Duvet covers are preferred over comforters in vacation rentals for their ease of cleaning.
What is the main purpose of a duvet cover?
A duvet cover serves as a removable and washable protection for the comforter. Also, it can be a statement piece that will add a pop of color and texture to the room.
How to maximize beds in Airbnb?
Invest in quality bedding sets, blankets covers, mattress protectors, and pillow protectors that will ensure a restful night's sleep for the guests.
Offering two types of pillows per bed—firm and soft—accommodates different guest preferences. Many guests appreciate the option of adjustable pillows for personalized comfort.
Having extra blankets available allows guests to adjust their bedding to their preferred warmth.
It is a best practice to keep extra sets of bedding on hand for unexpected spills or stains.