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Bed linens are a fundamental component of a great night’s sleep. We spend 6-8 hours a day in our bed, and the sheet’s quality can make all the difference for a comfortable sleep.
While there are other items that may contribute to the quality of sleep – from the mattress, noise levels, and the room’s general atmosphere – quality bed linen can almost exclusively elevate the guests’ experience and overall review ratings.
Choosing the right sheets may be challenging and sometimes borderline overwhelming, from selecting the right fabric material and thread count to choosing one that will prevail through multiple guests and high amounts of laundering.
As an experienced Airbnb Superhost, I’m sharing all my favorite sheets, from comfort to luxury sheets, with varying price points. My favorite Airbnb bedding, and the one I highly recommend, is the California Design Den cotton sheet set. Read on to check out the best sheets for Airbnb curated personally by an Airbnb Superhost.
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The Best Sheets for Vacation Rentals
California Design Den
The California Design Den sheet set is one of the best sheets for vacation rentals. They are popular among Airbnb hosts as they are soft, don’t pill, and thicker than most sheet sets. It is also 100% Cotton.
They are durable, bleachable, and wash well, allowing them to hold up for years. This sheet set is my top pick because it is a pure cotton sheet that looks and feels luxurious.
Another perk I love about these sheets is that they don’t attract or retain hair, rarely pill, and show signs of heavy wear.
They are available in a higher thread count, including 500 thread count and 800 thread counts, but I have personally not noticed a huge difference besides the price. This is one of the best sheets for Airbnb on the market. You won’t be disappointed with this purchase.
Buy at Amazon California Den DesignUtopia Sheet Separates
Utopia Fitted Sheet | Utopia Flat Sheet | Utopia Pillow Cases
You might like the Utopia sheet separates if you prefer to buy your best linens for Airbnb in bulk. The fitted sheet comes in a set of 6, the flat sheet in sets of 6, and the pillowcases in packs of 12.
I recently started buying the fitted sheets as separates because so many of my fitted sheets were getting worn out sooner than the flat sheets. So, instead of buying an entirely new sheet set, I purchased the fitted sheet as separates to replace worn sheets.
Buying the flat sheet and fitted sheet in bulk is also great if you prefer to use the triple sheeting method for your duvets instead of duvet covers or if you prefer to use flat sheets instead of fitted sheets in general.
Whatever your choice of Airbnb bedding, these separates are great. They are budget-friendly and made from brushed microfiber. They’re incredibly soft, breathable sheets that are resistant to fading and shrinkage.
The Big One Extra Soft Sheet Set
I absolutely love the Big One extra soft sheets by Kohls for my vacation rental. This, by far, is likely the most underrated set of sheets, likely because Kohl’s is a less popular brand. These microfiber sheets are of excellent quality and are made in green by OEKO-TEX certified.
They are cozy, soft, and feel amazing to the touch of the skin – almost sleek-like. I usually stock up on these when they go on sale a few times a year for nearly 50% off. They do not pill, wash really well, and dry quickly.
Buy at KohlsThreshold Solid Performance Sheet
The Threshold high-performance sheet set is OEKO-TEX certified and 100% Cotton. This 400 Thread Count sheet set is one that I use even in my personal home. These sheets are durable, soft, thick, and sturdy with premium stitching and are available in multiple colors. They even make orienting the sheets easy by putting tags on the top and bottom.
They come highly rated by other vacation rental hosts and have spectacular reviews online. And not to mention, you can’t beat the affordable price.
Buy at TargetMellanni Sheet Set
The Mellanni Microfiber sheet set prides itself on being wrinkle, fade resistant and stain resistant. They are quite a popular choice, with thousands of positive reviews and an unbeatable price praising how durable, breathable, and lightweight they are.
They also come in many colors and prints to fit any Airbnb design and guest bedroom style. If you are looking for a budget sheet set, this one is for you.
Buy at Walmart | Buy on Amazon
Bedsure Sheet Set
Made from Polyester microfiber, the Bedsure sheet set has a lovely ruffled hem design making these sheets a bit more stylish.
These sheets ship quickly overnight from Amazon, so if you are in a bind and need something quickly, these bed sheets are perfect. Overall, they are lightweight, smooth, soft to the touch, and likely one of the cheapest best linens for Airbnb out there.
Buy on AmazonZen Bamboo 1800 Series
This is the ultimate bamboo sheet set. It is eco-friendly and wrinkle-resistant. They are very lovely sheets with a silky feel to them.
Buy on AmazonOther sheets to consider:
- Bare Home Sheet Set – Luxury 1800 Ultra-Soft Microfiber – Amazon
- Threadmill 100% Cotton Sheets – Amazon
- Clara Clark Sheet Set – Amazon
- Charter Club Damask– 550 Thread Count 100% Supima Cotton – Macy’s
If you like to touch and feel your sheets, check out stores like Ross Dress for Less, Homegoods, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Tuesday morning. While you may have to rummage through the shelves, you will be shocked at the high-quality sheets and comfortable sheets you can find cheaply.
It is, however, important that you remain flexible as it is unlikely that you will find multiple matching sets of sheets to fit more than one Airbnb bed.
How to Choose the Best Airbnb Sheets
There are several factors to consider when choosing bed sheets for your Vacation Rental. As an Airbnb host, it took years of trial and error with multiple brands of sheets, numerous Airbnb guests, hours of laundering, and guest feedback to understand how to choose a bed sheet. Deciding on bedsheets came down to softness, breathability, and durability.
Similar to the best Airbnb towels, even the best bed sheets will still get ruined, lost, or stolen, and you may have to either replace them with new sheets or master the art of getting your whites whiter and stain-free. That said, Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best Airbnb bed sheets:
Fabric or Material
Cotton: Cotton is one of the most popular and traditional fabrics for bed sheets. From high quality, luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets to Pima and Supima cotton sheets, there’s a reason why most hotels choose cotton for their bedding needs. Cotton is often soft, comfortable, hypoallergenic, and sturdy.
Cotton is also a durable and breathable material. Some of the best-quality sheets are made from cotton, making them a great choice for your short term rental or Airbnb rental. Cotton sheets tend to be a bit more on the pricier side.
Microfiber: Microfiber is the second most popular style of bed sheet. Microfiber is made of synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon, yet it is soft and easy to clean. It is less likely to wrinkle and shrink and can easily withstand repeated use, making it a good choice for vacation rentals or short term rental. It is also quick-drying and strong, so it will last a long time without losing quality.
Microfiber is an all-around good choice if you want soft and smooth sheets but don’t want to pay a high price. Microfiber is a great fabric to use to style your bed on a budget. While there are several misconceptions about microfiber, from it running hot and making you sweat to staining easily and not lasting, it’s important to note that just like all other fabrics, all microfiber sheets aren’t created the same. There are plenty of high and low-quality options available.
Bamboo: Bamboo sheets have been rising in popularity. Bamboo sheets are incredibly soft, silky, and breathable sheets. Since our bodies release heat and body temperature increases while we sleep, bamboo bedding doesn’t trap much heat under the covers, allowing you to stay cool and comfortable year-long.
Bamboo sheets have antibacterial and deodorizing properties and are eco-friendly. They are perfect in warmer climates and higher temperatures. Bamboo sheets are more expensive, but some might argue that the quality outweighs the cost.
Linen: Linen sheets are typically rougher in texture at first but tend to get better and softer over time. They are made from a natural fiber of the flax plant and are known for being incredibly cooling to the body. While they require higher maintenance than cotton and other fabrics, they are virtually lint-free and hypoallergenic.
Silk: Silk sheets are soft to the touch with cooling qualities. It is by far the most expensive and luxurious fabric of them all. While it may not be a very popular material for your Airbnb, Silk sheets are ideal for hot sleepers and guests with skin sensitivity. The ultra-fine fibers, which come from silkworms’ cocoons, give silk its distinctive, slippery feel.
Thread Count
Thread count refers to the number of vertical and horizontal threads in one square inch of fabric. A high thread count is often associated with higher-quality material, determining how soft and breathable the fabric will be.
A good rule of thumb for the best bed sheets for an Airbnb is a thread count anywhere from 200 to 800. Often, sheets with low thread counts will pill fast and show signs of wear sooner.
Ultimately, once you have factored in these things, it will come down to your preference, budget, and style for the best bed sheets for your Airbnb.
How do you choose the best color sheets for Airbnb?
The color you choose for your sheets should reflect your Airbnb’s overall design and theme. Some Vacation rental hosts and property owners prefer to use colored sheets (as they are the most forgiving in the long run), but I believe that the best color sheets for Airbnb are white. White sheets make the best impression and communicate cleanliness well.
White sheets are also a standard used across many hotels across the world. While vacation rental properties and Airbnb are not hotels, it is vital to note what they do – as they have mastered the hospitality industry.
White sheets will give your rental properties a crisp, clean look. Crisp white sheets also assure the guest that the sheet is pristine and fresh with no stains and spots.
While I am a huge proponent of white clean sheets, I understand that white might not be feasible for some vacation rental hosts. Understandably, white sheets require work to keep clean and clear of spots and stains. Therefore, a lighter gray or tan-colored sheet is a good alternative if you choose dark-colored sheets.
How many bed sheets do you keep in stock?
At a minimum, at least three (3) bed sheets should be available for each bed and mattress in your Airbnb or vacation rental at all times. However, I keep at least four (4) handy for my own peace of mind and over-preparedness.
One sheet is used to spread the current bed, one is being washed simultaneously, and the other two sets serve as a backup if the sheets are stained, damaged, or missing. I also like to leave an extra set of sheets (spare set) for the guests.
How often should sheets be replaced?
Your sheets will experience a lot of wear and tear. I have had sheets that lasted a year, while other machine-washable sheets lasted for one turnover. Use your better judgment here. If sheets look dingy or the material starts pilling or tearing, it may be time to replace it.
In addition, depending on how often you turn over, the sheets may get worn and tired from frequent laundering in hot water in the washing machine. Good quality sheets can last anywhere from 6 months to a few years in a short-term or mid term rental.
Care Instructions for Bed Sheets
Like the Airbnb towels, all bed sheets and other bedding should be washed with mild detergent before first use and between guests.
Ensure your cleaning company inspects the Airbnb bed sheets for any spots and stains before laundering them between guests. The cleaning company can use a spot cleaner or bleach to remove such stains.
For a natural alternative, use distilled white vinegar. Wash your white towels in hot water for the best results.
How to Prevent Sheets from Pilling?
When choosing the best sheets for your Airbnb, it’s important to consider factors like durability and comfort. One thing to watch out for is pilling, which can happen when fibers break and curl into balls due to friction. While even high-quality bedding can pill without proper care, sheets made with synthetic materials and harsh chemicals are more likely to do so.
To prevent pilling, wash your sheets in cold water with mild detergent and avoid bleach. Air drying is the best option, but low-temperature tumble drying can also work.
Other Airbnb hosting ideas you might like:
- Best Mattress for Airbnb
- Best Towels for Airbnb that Guests Will Love
- Gift Basket Ideas for Airbnb
- How to Furnish your Airbnb Home Rental on a Budget
- 15 Simple Airbnb Bedroom Ideas to Guarantee 5-Star Reviews
I hope you have found this article helpful. Bedding plays a massive role in your guests having a good night’s sleep. So invest in Airbnb bedding for your rental property to guarantee excellent reviews and improved guest experience.
Happy Hosting!
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Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.