The Best Sheets for Your Airbnb and Short Term Rentals

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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 beds, and the sheet’s quality can make all the difference for a comfortable sleep.

While there are other factors that may contribute to the quality of sleep, such as 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 can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming, from selecting the right fabric material and thread count to finding one that will withstand 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.

The Best Sheets for Vacation Rentals

California Design Den

The California Design Den sheet set is one of the top sheet sets for vacation rentals. They are popular among Airbnb hosts as they are soft, don’t pill, and are 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 made from pure cotton, which 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 Design

Utopia 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 six, the flat sheet in sets of six, and the pillowcases in packs of twelve.

• Utopia Fitted Sheet
• Utopia Flat Sheet
• Utopia Pillow Cases

I recently started buying fitted sheets as separates because many of my fitted sheets were wearing out sooner than the flat sheets.  So, instead of buying an entirely new sheet set, I purchased the fitted sheet as a separate 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 generally prefer flat sheets over fitted sheets.

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 Kohl’s 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 – almost sleek. I usually stock up on these when they go on sale a few times a year, offering them for nearly 50% off. They do not pill, wash really well, and dry quickly.

Buy at Kohls

Threshold Solid Performance Sheet

The Threshold high-performance sheet set is OEKO-TEX certified and made of 100% Cotton. This 400-thread-count sheet set is one that I use in my own home as well. These sheets are durable, soft, thick, and sturdy, featuring premium stitching and 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 Target

Mellanni 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, making them perfect for when you’re in a bind and need something quickly. Overall, they are lightweight, smooth, soft to the touch, and likely one of the cheapest best linens for Airbnb out there.

Buy on Amazon

Other sheets to consider:

• Bare Home Sheet Set – Luxury 1800 Ultra-Soft Microfiber – Amazon
• Threadmill 100% Cotton Sheets – Amazon

If you like to touch and feel your sheets, check out stores like Ross Dress for Less, Homegoods, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx. While you may have to rummage through the shelves, you will be surprised at the high-quality and comfortable sheets you can find at a low price.

It is, however, vital 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, involving multiple brands of sheets, numerous Airbnb guests, hours of laundering, and guest feedback, to understand how to choose the right bed sheet. Deciding on bedsheets came down to the balance of 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 highest-quality sheets are made from cotton, making them an excellent choice for your short-term rental or Airbnb. Cotton sheets tend to be a bit pricier.

Microfiber: Microfiber is the second most popular style of bed sheet. Microfiber is made from synthetic materials, such as polyester or nylon, yet it remains 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 rentals. It is also quick-drying and strong, ensuring it lasts a long time without compromising quality.

Microfiber is a versatile choice if you want soft and smooth sheets without breaking the bank. Microfiber is an excellent fabric for styling your bed on a budget. While there are several misconceptions about microfiber, ranging from it running hot and making you sweat to staining easily and not lasting, it’s essential to note that, like all other fabrics, not all microfiber sheets are created the same. There are numerous high- and low-quality options available.

Bamboo: Bamboo sheets have been gaining popularity. Bamboo sheets are incredibly soft, silky, and breathable. 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 throughout the year.

Bamboo sheets possess antibacterial and deodorizing properties, making them 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 become 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 and possess cooling qualities. It is, by far, the most expensive and luxurious of all fabrics. 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 selecting the best bed sheets for an Airbnb is to look for a thread count ranging 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 factors, it will come down to your preference, budget, and style to determine 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 a great impression and effectively communicate cleanliness.

White sheets are also a standard used in many hotels worldwide. While vacation rental properties and Airbnb are not hotels, it is essential to understand what they offer, as they have successfully mastered the hospitality industry. Check out our full article on how to choose the best sheets for your vacation rental.

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 backups in case 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 them.

Additionally, depending on how often you change them, the sheets may become 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 to maintain cleanliness. 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 selecting the best sheets for your Airbnb, it’s essential to consider factors such as 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 prone to pilling.

To prevent pilling, wash your sheets in cold water with mild detergent and avoid bleach. Air drying is the preferred option, but low-temperature tumble drying can also be effective.

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

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