Setting up a stylish yet comfortable Airbnb bedroom is key to wowing your guests and earning those coveted 5-star reviews. Thoughtful design goes beyond just furniture—it’s about creating a space where guests feel instantly relaxed and at home. Whether you're designing a new short-term rental or refreshing an existing one, we’ve got you covered.
This guide walks you through the must-haves, nice-to-haves, and next-level amenities that’ll transform your short-term rental bedroom into a cozy retreat your guests won’t want to leave. Let's dive into the Airbnb bedroom essentials that make all the difference!
What does an Airbnb bedroom need?
At a minimum, an Airbnb bedroom absolutely needs the perfect bed — including a comfortable mattress, a variety of pillows (firm and soft, so guests can use whichever they prefer), and cozy bedding — ample storage space, and adequate lighting.
When furnishing an Airbnb bedroom, comfort and convenience are key. Your goal should be to create a space where guests feel comfortable, organized, and able to relax. The right combination of furniture, bedding, and thoughtful extras can make all the difference in the guest experience.
Need to stock the kitchen, too? View our Airbnb kitchen essentials buying guide >
Airbnb bedroom essentials list
When outfitting an Airbnb bedroom, there are certain items that every space should have. These core elements ensure comfort and convenience for your guests, setting the foundation for a positive stay.
We’ve broken our recommendations into three categories: must-haves, nice-to-haves, and above and beyond amenities.
Must-haves
At the very least, your Airbnb bedroom should have high-quality basics to meet your guests’ primary needs for comfort, privacy, and functionality.
Bed frame
A sturdy yet stylish bed frame sets the tone for the entire room. It should be durable enough to withstand wear and tear, while also complementing the overall decor. Opt for a frame that elevates the mattress off the ground, making it easy for guests to get in and out of bed.
Minoan’s top pick for a bed frame:
Mattress
Your Airbnb mattress could make or break a guest’s experience. Providing good night’s sleep is vital to getting a five-star review. Invest in a high-quality mattress that meets the sweet spot of being not too firm but not too soft. Hybrid mattresses are a great option because they tend to offer the most benefits that sleepers seek.
Minoan’s top pick for a mattress:
Bedding
High-quality bedding is a non-negotiable in any Airbnb bedroom. Guests expect soft, clean, and comfortable linens, so investing in good bedding is a must.
As for pillows, make sure you provide at least four for any bed larger than a twin. It can’t hurt to store a couple extras in the closet, too.
Finally, it’s also a good idea to include a spare throw blanket for extra warmth.
Minoan’s top picks for Airbnb bedding:
Sheets: Parachute Hospitality Percale Sheets
Pillows: Casper Original Pillow
Throw blanket: Quince Organic Airy Gauze Blanket
Blinds or curtains
Window coverings are essential for privacy and light control. Whether you choose blackout curtains for a better night’s sleep or simple blinds to match your decor, make sure your guests can control the amount of light in the room.
Minoan’s top pick for curtains:
Wayfair Linen Textured Blackout Curtains
Nightstand
Guests need a place to set their personal items, so be sure to include a nightstand on each side of the bed. This adds balance to the room and gives both sides equal access to a surface for their phone, books, or a glass of water.
Minoan’s top pick for a nightstand:
Lighting
Good lighting is essential in an Airbnb bedroom. A pro-tip from designers: Use layered lighting. Layered lighting means having multiple light sources to suit different ambiances, allowing guests to set and adjust the brightness to their liking.
Bedside lamps are a must — opt for small table lamps on each nightstand, or wall sconces to maximize space usage.
Also consider adding a statement overhead fixture for an extra design element. Make sure there’s adequate light for both relaxing and reading.
Minoan’s top pick for bedside lamps:
Crate & Barrel Amaryllis Large White Ceramic Table Lamp
Dresser
A dresser provides essential storage for longer-stay guests. Choose a dresser that complements your overall decor while offering ample space for guests to organize their belongings.
Minoan’s top pick for a dresser:
Walker Edison Sloane 6-Drawer Modern Solid Wood Dresser with Metal Handles
Nice-to-haves
Adding a few extra touches can take your Airbnb bedroom from functional to fantastic. These nice-to-haves elevate the guest experience without requiring a huge investment:
Luggage rack
A luggage rack gives guests a convenient spot to place their suitcase without cluttering the floor. It's an easy, inexpensive addition that makes a big difference for comfort and organization.
Wayfair Folding Wood Luggage Rack
Charging station
A charging station is a thoughtful addition, especially if outlets aren’t easily accessible in key areas like next to the bed or by the work station. This is another easy and inexpensive touch that can be really impactful for guests.
Rug
A soft area rug adds warmth and texture to the room while making it more comfortable underfoot. Choose a rug that ties together the colors of your space and enhances its cozy feel.
Minoan’s top pick for a rug:
Tumble Sable Washable Rug + Cushioned Rug Pad
Arm chair
If space allows, adding an armchair can give guests a place to sit that isn’t the bed. This makes the room feel more versatile and comfortable for activities like reading or putting on shoes.
Minoan’s top pick for an arm chair:
TOV Rachelle Cream Velvet Lounge Chair
Space heater or tower fan
Climate control is crucial to guest comfort, especially in rentals without central heating or air conditioning. A small space heater or tower fan allows guests to adjust the temperature in the room to their liking.
Wall art
Adding some personality to the bedroom with wall art makes the space feel more curated. Whether you choose local artwork or simple prints, art adds character and style to the room.
Desk or workspace
Whether you cater to digital nomads, business travelers, or artists, there are so many different kinds of guests who will appreciate having a workspace.
A small desk and office chair can be a great addition if your vacation rental’s bedroom has enough space. Make sure there’s enough surface space for a laptop and adequate lighting to create a functional work area.
Minoan’s top picks for a workspace:
Above and beyond amenities
If you want to go the extra mile, these above-and-beyond amenities will impress your guests and make your Airbnb stand out.
Alarm clock
It’s a nice touch to add an alarm clock, giving guests an alternative to using their phones. Consider investing in a smart alarm clock, like the Hatch Restore Alarm Clock, to create a more relaxing wake-up experience.
Minoan’s top pick for an alarm clock:
Full-length mirror
A full-length mirror is a thoughtful addition that’s highly appreciated by guests. It’s a step up from the typical small wall mirror and adds both practicality and style to the bedroom.
Minoan’s top pick for a mirror:
Wayfair Shatterproof Metal Full Length Mirror
Nightlight
A small nightlight can be a helpful touch, especially for guests unfamiliar with the layout of your space. Opt for a stylish nightlight that complements the overall decor while offering soft lighting for the evenings.
Plants
Incorporating greenery into the bedroom adds life and freshness to the space. Faux plants are low-maintenance and still offer that same aesthetic, while real plants can make the room feel more vibrant.
Minoan’s top pick:
Birch Lane 66'' Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree in Wicker/Rattan Basket
Pillow and linen spray
To really go above and beyond, spritz the pillows and bedding in bedrooms with a calming linen spray. Leave the bottle on the nightstand or in the bedroom closet so guests can refresh linens as they please!
Minoan’s top pick for pillow and linen spray:
Koala Eco Natural Pillow & Linen Spray
Need to stock the bathroom, too? View our Airbnb bathroom essentials buying guide >
How do you style a bedroom on Airbnb?
Styling an Airbnb bedroom is about more than just the essentials—it’s about creating an environment that feels warm and inviting.
- Start by picking a theme that aligns with the overall vibe of your Airbnb.
- Then, focus on consistency with colors, textures, and materials throughout the room.
- Incorporate local art and decor to add a unique, personal touch that helps your space stand out from the competition.
By focusing on these Airbnb bedroom essentials and adding thoughtful design touches, you’ll create a space that guests will love—and one that keeps them coming back for more.
Shop Airbnb bedroom essentials on Minoan
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