Ultimate Guide to the Best Airbnb Bed

Ultimate Guide to the Best Airbnb Bed

The bed is where your guests spend the most time—so why not make it the best part of their stay? A great night’s sleep is the key to a great Airbnb experience, and a well-chosen bed can be the difference between a one-time guest and a repeat visitor. From the mattress to the linens, every detail plays a role in making your bed as inviting and comfortable as possible. 

In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best bed for your Airbnb, making sure your space is ready to deliver the kind of sleep your guests will rave about.

Top Picks for the Best Airbnb Bed

What Is the Best Size Bed for Airbnb?

The best bed size for Airbnb depends largely on the space you’re working with, the other furniture in the space, and the type of guests you cater to. For example, a two-bedroom Airbnb that caters to families might want to provide a variety of bed sizes — perhaps a queen bed in one bedroom and two twin beds in the second.

In an average-sized bedroom, opt for a queen bed over a full bed. Why? Queen beds take up only slightly more space but offer more room for two adults to sleep comfortably.  

King-sized beds are great for larger bedrooms and luxury Airbnbs but can feel a bit over the top for smaller spaces, while full beds may leave guests feeling cramped. A queen-size bed will likely provide the best balance between comfort and functionality.

How Much Should I Spend on an Airbnb Bed?

Expect to spend anywhere from $800 to $2,000+ for the best Airbnb bed (including mattress, bed frame, and bedding).

Investing in the right bed for your Airbnb doesn’t mean you need to break the bank, but you want to strike a balance between quality and affordability. A bed is the most essential component in the bedroom, and a comfortable, high-quality bed can lead to better guest reviews, repeat bookings, and fewer maintenance issues. At Minoan, we like to say “buy it nice or buy it twice!”

If you’re outfitting a guest room in a luxury property, a higher-end mattress and a premium bed frame may be worth the investment. However, if you’re working within a more modest budget, there are still plenty of affordable, quality options available that will meet your guests’ needs.

Here’s how you can break down the cost:

  • Mattress: This should be your largest investment. Plan to spend at least $500 for a high-quality mattress that will last for years.
  • Bed frame: While bed frames can cost as much as $1-2K, it’s smarter to put more money towards the mattress (unless you’re furnishing a luxury rental). For a low- to mid-range bed frame, expect to spend at least $300, depending on the material and style. Platform bed frames, which don’t require a box spring, are a cost-effective choice.
  • Bedding: Quality sheets, comforters, and pillows are vital to the guest experience. Expect to spend $50 to $200 per set of sheets and around $100 for a nice duvet. Choosing durable, easy-to-wash materials like cotton or linen can extend the lifespan of your Airbnb bedding.
a beige colored Airbnb bed
Brooklyn Headboard

What You Need to Build the Perfect Airbnb Bed

Giving your guests the best Airbnb bed requires more than just buying a mattress and throwing on a set of sheets. Attention to detail, like selecting the right bed base and coordinating bedding with the bedroom decor, will leave a lasting impression and make your rental stand out.

The best bed for an Airbnb requires a:

  1. Bed base
  2. Bed frame
  3. Headboard
  4. Mattress
  5. Bedding
  6. Pillows

Bed Base

No one wants to sleep on a mattress on the floor. That’s where the bed base comes in.

A bed base is a foundation for your mattress to rest on. Bases keep your mattress off the floor and provide underlying support while promoting airflow to prevent mold and dust from collecting around the mattress. Ultimately, bases play a big role in both the comfort and aesthetics of a bed. 

When purchasing a bed base, you have a few options to choose from: box springs, foundations, and platform beds.

Box Spring vs. Foundation vs. Platform Bed: What’s the Difference?

Box Spring 

A box spring is essentially a large wooden box filled with wire coils, usually covered in fabric. Box springs serve as a flat, stable surface on which to place a mattress. They also absorb shock and provide support. 

Keep in mind that many new styles of mattresses — like memory foam and latex — aren’t particularly compatible with box springs. You should opt for a box spring if you have an innerspring mattress.

Foundation

A mattress foundation is similar to a box spring but doesn’t have coils. Instead, foundations tend to have a solid piece of wood or wooden slats across the top. Foundations offer support ideal for modern memory foam or hybrid mattresses.

Platform Bed

Platform beds are more of an all-in-one package, as they usually come with a frame and headboard. They typically have wooden slats running from side to side, which serves as the base for the mattress to rest on. Keep in mind that some platform beds aren’t designed to accommodate large or heavy mattresses. 

Bed Frame

A good bed frame not only enhances the appearance of the room but provides structural integrity for your mattress. Without a bed frame, your mattress would sit directly on the floor, which could make the room feel less inviting and less comfortable for your guests.

A sleek wood Airbnb bed

Best Bed Frames for Airbnb:

Castanho Grady Solid Wood Platform Bed - AllModern

A sleek headboard with extended posts and tapered legs give this gorgeous bed frame a mid-century modern vibe. Made of solid wood, this frame is built to last.

Details: 

  • 9.625” clearance from floor to bottom
  • Center support legs
  • Slat kit included
  • Box spring not required
A linen Airbnb bed

Tilly Upholstered Bed - Joss & Main

This solid wood frame is wrapped in beautiful linen upholstery to add a soft, modern touch. The tall wingback headboard gives it a stately appearance and makes this frame the perfect centerpiece for any bedroom.

Details:

  • Slat kit not included
  • Box spring required
  • Center support legs
  • 4'' clearance from floor to bottom
metal Airbnb bed

Lenia Spindle Bed in Black Ash - Article

The Lenia is a modern take on classic Shaker design, with beautiful details in the form of tapered legs and spindles. This frame will complement a wide range of decor styles, from quaint cottage to minimalist modern.

Details:

  • Solid and veneered wood construction
  • 8 - 12"H mattress recommended
  • No box spring required
  • Wooden slats included
bunk bed for Airbnb

Decimus Queen Over Queen Bunk Bed - Wayfair

Maximize space and accommodate more guests by opting for bunk beds! This queen-over-queen frame comfortably sleeps 4 — and looks stylish while doing so.

Details:

  • Built-In ladder included
  • Slat kit included
  • No box spring required
  • Can be separated into 2 free-standing beds
canopy bed for short-term rental

Canyon Arched Canopy Bed with Upholstered Headboard - Crate & Barrel

This show-stopper bed is perfect for luxury rentals and grand master bedrooms. The dramatic, barrel-shaped canopy makes it an incredible focal piece for your Airbnb bedroom.

Details:

  • 6'' clearance from floor to bottom
  • Slat support system
  • No box spring required
  • Iron tubing

Types of Bed Frames

  • Platform bed frames: Sleek and modern, platform bed frames support your mattress without a box spring.
  • Floating bed frames: These bed frames are mounted to the wall or attached to the floor, creating a floating effect.
  • Panel bed frames: These frames typically feature a panel headboard, offering traditional and clean lines.
  • Sleigh bed frames: With curved edges, sleigh bed frames bring a classic, luxurious touch to the room.
  • Four-poster bed frames: These beds offer dramatic flair and make a bold statement in your rental.
  • Trundle frames: Trundle frames have a second mattress stored underneath, which can be rolled out as needed.
  • Bunk bed frames: Perfect for families or smaller spaces, bunk beds are functional and space-saving.

Bed Frame Materials

  • Wood: A classic choice that offers warmth and durability.
  • Metal: Sleek, modern, and durable. Ideal for a contemporary aesthetic.
  • Upholstery: Soft, plush, but not easy to clean.

Bed Frame Heights

  • Low profile: Best for modern spaces or minimalist aesthetics, low-profile beds are also easy to get into.
  • Standard profile: A solid, traditional height that works well in most spaces while providing some under-bed storage.
  • High profile: Provides a grand, elevated look and can be great for larger bedrooms.

Headboard

The headboard is often the visual anchor of the bed, setting the tone for the entire bedroom design. Beyond aesthetics, a headboard can also provide practical benefits, like supporting guests who like to sit up and read or use devices in bed. Headboards can be part of a bed frame or mounted directly on the wall.

Popular headboard materials

  • Wood: Timeless and sturdy, wood headboards suit nearly any style and are durable for busy rentals.
  • Rattan or Cane: Lightweight and eco-friendly, these headboards bring a relaxed, boho vibe, ideal for casual or beach-inspired spaces.
  • Leather: Sleek and easy to clean, leather (or faux leather) headboards provide a luxury look without the upkeep of fabric.
  • Metal: Strong and minimalist, metal headboards work well in modern or industrial spaces and are low-maintenance, making them a practical choice for high-traffic rentals.
  • Upholstery: Fabric headboards are soft and stylish but they are the most difficult kind to clean. 
best headboard for Airbnb

Our pick:

Brooklyn Headboard - Mopio

The Brooklyn Headboard combines art deco and mid-century modern styles with its unique fluted panel and wingback design. It’s easy to assemble, mounts securely to the wall, and offers added stability, making it a stylish and durable choice for Airbnb hosts. 

Details:

  • Made of engineered wood with oak laminate
  • Aluminum brackets included to wall mount
  • Delivered in 4 panels that are easily pieced together

Mattress

Your Airbnb mattress can make or break a guest’s stay. A medium-firm mattress is typically the best option, offering a balance that suits most sleep preferences. Consider a hybrid mattress that combines memory foam and innerspring coils for both support and comfort, or a high-quality memory foam mattress for pressure relief.

Durability is key, so choose a mattress built to withstand frequent use and easy cleaning. Look for one with a solid warranty and return policy, ensuring it will last and meet your guests' needs over time. 

Our Picks

high-quality Leesa mattress for Airbnb

Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattress

This mattress offers a sophisticated blend of luxury and comfort at a super reasonable price. With layers of premium foam and zoned springs, it provides excellent durability, edge support, and pressure relief for a restful night’s sleep.

Details:

  • Available in soft, medium, and firm
  • CertiPUR-US® certified
  • 14” thickness 
  • Designed and assembled in the US
Bear mattress for Airbnb

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

The Elite Hybrid mattress from Bear combines individually encased spring coils that adapt to your body for exceptional support, with edge-to-edge coils to enhance durability. Layered with copper-infused memory foam, this mattress not only offers comfort but also natural antiviral and antibacterial benefits for a cleaner, healthier sleep environment.

Details:

  • 14” thickness 
  • Lifetime warranty 
  • Available in soft, medium, and firm
  • Optional celliant-infused cover
Casper mattress for Airbnb

Casper The One Premium Foam Mattress

Casper’s “The One” is an 11” all-foam mattress with medium firmness, offering a balance of responsiveness and support that suits all types of sleepers — a great pick for Airbnbs. Built with four layers, it includes breathable flex foam for airflow, memory foam that contours to your body, a durable Casper Core base to resist sagging, and a soft knit cover for added comfort.

Details:

  • 11” thickness
  • Medium firm
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • 10-year limited warranty

View our complete mattress buying guide >> 

Is a Medium or Firm Mattress Better for Airbnb?

A medium mattress is the best choice for vacation rentals because it provides a balanced feel that suits most guests, whether they’re side, back, or stomach sleepers.

Bedding

The right bedding makes a huge difference. Think of your bed as a blank canvas, and the bedding as the art that brings it to life. Good-quality sheets, a plush comforter or duvet, and crisp pillowcases will all make your Airbnb bed feel like an inviting oasis.

View our complete STR bedding buying guide >>

best pillows for Airbnb

Best Bed Sheets for Airbnb

Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set

Brooklinen’s luxurious sateen sheets feature a smooth, buttery-soft weave with a subtle, luminous finish, making them the perfect touch to create the best bed for Airbnb.

Details:

  • Includes 1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet, and 2 pillowcases
  • 480 thread count
short-term rental pillow

FluffCo Hospitality Deluxe Bedding Set

Elevate your vacation rental with FluffCo Hospitality’s deluxe bedding set, designed to bring 5-star hotel quality to your space. Made from 100% cotton, this bedding offers a luxurious, crisp feel and a cooling effect for a restful, refreshing night’s sleep.

Details:

  • Set contains 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet set, 4 pillowcases, and 1 duvet cover
  • 100% comb cotton
  • 300 thread count
sheet set for vacation rental

Quince Bamboo Sheet Set

Quince’s organic bamboo sheets, crafted from 100% viscose, offer a soft, silky feel. The smooth sateen weave features temperature-regulating properties to help ensure a restful and refreshing night’s sleep.

Details:

  • Clean side opening on pillowcases
  • Hypoallergenic
  • 300 thread count
simple pillow and sheet set for Airbnb

Comforter/Duvet

Quince European Linen Duvet Cover Set

Made from premium European flax, this duvet cover set from Quince offers year-round comfort and timeless style. Pre-washed for exceptional softness and a relaxed, lived-in feel, it becomes even cozier with every wash.

Details:

  • 100% European flax
  • Duvet includes button closure and corner ties to keep insert in place
crisp Airbnb comforter

Wayfair Sleep All Season Down Alternative Comforter

Wayfair’s all-season down alternative comforter adds a touch of luxury to any bed in your rental. Filled with premium polyester, it offers an affordable yet plush feel. The hotel-quality baffle box stitching keeps the fill evenly distributed, while its hypoallergenic material ensures a clean, refreshing sleep for every guest.

Details:

  • OEKO-TEX certified
  • 300 thread count
  • Machine washable
close-up of Airbnb blanket

Blanket

Comphy Quilted Blanket

Crafted from ultra-soft microfiber twill, this blanket from Comphy is both airy and cozy, making it ideal for any climate. It’s breathable and moisture-wicking, providing extra comfort for sensitive sleepers.

Details:

  • Made of quilted microfiber twill
  • Machine washable
Airbnb pillow

Pillowcases

Parachute Hospitality Sateen Pillowcase

Built for commercial laundering and frequent use, Parachute Hospitality’s sateen pillowcases combine durability with comfort. Crafted from 100% long-staple Indian cotton, they’re designed to be stronger, more durable, and resistant to pilling.

Details:

  • Made of 100% long-staple Indian cotton
  • Envelope closure, 7" hidden inner flap
  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified

What Bedding is Required for Airbnb?

At the bare minimum, your bed should be stocked with sheets, a comforter or duvet, and pillowcases. Consider adding a bed skirt, blankets, and decorative pillows to elevate the experience and add a bit of extra comfort for your guests.

Pillows

Pillows are another area where you can add a little extra comfort. Consider offering a variety of pillow densities (soft and firm) so your guests can choose what suits them best. On a queen bed, for example, provide two soft pillows and two firm ones, so your guests can mix and match to their preference.

View our complete pillow buying guide >>

Our Pick:

Casper pillow for Airbnb

Casper Original Pillow

Casper’s Original Pillow is filled with a down alternative that offers the same soft, luxurious feel as real down. Its innovative pillow-in-pillow design adjusts to your movements for optimal comfort, while the clump-resistant fill ensures it stays fluffed and rejuvenated with a quick shake.

Details:

  • Machine washable
  • 100% cotton cover
  • Polyester fabric lining and microfiber fill

How to Style a Bed for Airbnb

Styling your Airbnb bed is all about creating a welcoming, cozy space that invites guests to relax. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to style a bed for an Airbnb for maximum comfort and visual appeal:

  • Start with quality sheets: Choose crisp, high-thread-count sheets that look fresh and feel luxurious. Use a fitted sheet and a flat sheet.
  • Layer with a duvet or comforter: Pick one that complements the room’s color scheme and feels soft to the touch. Choose the weight of the comfort or duvet insert based on the climate in your region. Consider purchasing two comforters — one lightweight, one heavier — and swap them out as the seasons change.
  • Pillow variety: Offer both soft and firm pillows for different guest preferences, and consider adding a body pillow for extra comfort.
  • Add decorative pillows: Use a mix of sizes and shapes. Two or three throw pillows should do the trick for a stylish look.
  • Select the right headboard: Whether sleek metal, classic wood, or upholstered, the headboard helps set the tone for the room’s style.
  • Add a throw blanket: Place a throw blanket at the foot of the bed to add another layer of texture and give guests the option if they need more warmth.
  • Keep it tidy: Ensure linens are wrinkle-free, and tuck them in neatly. A clean, fresh bed gives a welcoming impression.

Save Big on the Best Airbnb Bed with Minoan

Providing the best bed for an Airbnb is an investment in your guests' comfort and your rental’s success. 

Minoan is the ultimate destination to purchase every component of your Airbnb bed, from the mattress to the frame to the bedding. With top-quality products at insider prices, Minoan simplifies the process of finding and buying everything you need. 

Join Minoan at no cost today to start shopping!