Whether a bunk bed or sofa bed, king or a twin, every bed in your vacation rental should be a restful haven. In fact, sleep quality matters a lot to your guests and can influence whether they leave a good review, book again, or recommend your vacation home to their friends.
While choosing the right sheets and linens may seem minor, managing 40,000+ vacation homes across North America has taught us it’s not. That’s why we offer the Vacation Rental Linen Program, which gives you hotel-quality linens each year (2 sets for each bed) and a stock of fluffy white towels. Even better—we launder them, change them out between guests, and replace when needed.
Say goodnight to tossing and turning—here’s our expert tips for creating the bed of your guests’ dreams.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing the best linens for your vacation rental. It can be a challenge. You want them to be pleasing to many types of guests, stylish, durable, and easy to clean. Let’s break down all the components to think about before making your purchase.
Material matters, especially to your target audience. For instance, a soft cotton-poly blend is an ideal choice for guests who prioritize comfort. While Egyptian cotton or silk sheets can attract luxury travelers. There are loads of materials available, from linen, to microfiber, to cotton. Let’s review the most commonly preferred materials for vacation rental bedding.
Cotton is the most versatile and common textile that keeps guests cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. There are several types of cotton, including upland cotton (the most common cotton and the best value) and pima and Egyptian cotton (considered the most luxurious and durable).
Pros |
Cons |
---|---|
Cotton sheets are generally more affordable than other materials. |
Can shrink over time. |
Are soft and comfortable, and gets softer with age. |
May need to be replaced often. |
Are a good insulator, keeping you warm in winter and cool in the summer. |
Prone to discoloration and fading after washing or if left in sunlight. |
Made of natural fibers. |
Prone to damage by mildew and dampness. |
Dries slowly. |
Derived from bamboo plants, this material is an eco-friendly option for bedding. You have three weaves to choose from—sateen (smooth and silky, with a luxurious sheen), twill (strong and durable, with great breathability), or percale (lightweight, offering a crisp cool feel).
Pros |
Cons |
---|---|
Tends to be softer than cotton sheets. |
Prone to wrinkles. |
Moisture-wicking properties keep guests cool at night. |
Difficult to clean (gentle cycle in the washer and dryer). |
Hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. A great option for people with allergies. |
Takes longer to dry. |
They keep their shape more easily than cotton. |
More expensive than cotton sheets. |
Doesn’t pill over time. |
Considered one of the most durable of all the sheets on the market, linen sheets often feel stiffer and thicker than cotton. However, it’s an upscale material that comes with a higher price tag.
Pros |
Cons |
---|---|
Great durability. These sheets can hold up for years. |
More expensive than other fabrics. |
Gets softer over time. |
Starts off stiff and coarse. |
It won’t shrink in the wash; it doesn’t pill over time. |
Doesn’t have much stretch. |
One of the most breathable fabrics available, making it ideal for hot sleepers. |
Gets easily wrinkled. |
Resistant to stains. |
Unlike the natural fabrics mentioned above, microfiber material is synthetic and primarily made of polyester. Microfiber sheets tend to be ultra-soft, don’t wrinkle, and have the lowest prices on the market.
Pros |
Cons |
---|---|
Repels water and keeps sheets dry. |
More prone to stains because they’re highly absorbent. |
Fights against dust and keep allergies at bay. |
More likely to generate static. |
Highly breathable. They’re manufactured to regular body temperature and keep you cool. |
Due to its thinness, the sheets can easily bunch up at night. |
Often cheaper than other sheet fabrics. |
Not ideal for people with sensitive skin. |
PSA: Higher thread counts don’t mean higher quality. Those thread counts of 800 or higher that you see at the store are often a marketing gimmick. The truth? Experts recommend cotton bedding with a thread count between 300 and 500—that’s what’s typically used in hotels. Those figures balance breathability, softness, and durability. Thread counts below 200 will have a rougher texture and anything above 500 is an inflated number that won’t feel any softer.
You’ll be washing your sheets frequently, perhaps within fast turnovers, so durability is a priority. Pick strong sheets that won’t fray, pill, snag, or tear after frequent use. Low-quality and cheap fabric won’t suffice. They’re prone to losing softness, wearing thin, shrinking, and fading in just a few washes.
Because no one has time to hand wash sheets and wait for them to dry. Before purchasing bedding, read the care instructions and avoid details like sequins and tassels.. Some sheets can’t take bleach, fabric softener, or high heat. If your sheets are too high maintenance for you or your housekeeping crew, ditch them.
High-quality bedding can come with a high price tag. And, while luxury sheets may seem like a worthy investment, remember that you’ll have to replace them regularly (after a year or when they start showing signs of wear). A better option is to find the balance of comfort and price, without breaking your budget.
Known as moisture-wicking, breathable sheets allow hot sleepers to stay cool at night. Sheets can do this by absorbing moisture from the body and allowing air to flow through. Climate and location play a role too, plus whether or not your guests use the heater or air conditioner. Cotton, bamboo, and linen are considered the most breathable fabrics.
Simply put, white sheets are ideal. White bedding is a standard at hotels, resorts, and our own Vacasa Linen Program for good reasons:
Think white can be boring? You can always add in some color and texture with your throw pillows and blankets. Avoid any details that would make it difficult to launder (sequins, tassels, non-machine washable fabrics, etc.)
Your home is a success waiting to happen. We'll show you how.
You’ve invested in a great mattress and bedframe, then added bedside tables, lamps, and all the other must-have essentials for vacation rental bedrooms.
Now, let’s make the bed so guests have the best sleep of their lives (and write about it in their review).
Now, let’s think beyond the bed and focus on making things easier for you and your housekeepers. Some tips:
Call 844-518-0967 to speak with a Homeowner Consultant, who can answer preliminary questions and see if we’d be a good fit for you.
If you'd like to move forward, we’ll put you in touch with our market expert in your neighborhood to explore the financial potential of your home, outline our management fee, and introduce your local team.
California licenses
Vacasa Seasonals Inc.
California DRE #02160171
Vacation Palm Springs Real Estate, Inc.
California DRE #01523013
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