When setting up your Airbnb, the details you consider for furniture, linens, mattresses, and even toilet paper play a vital role in guest satisfaction. One of the most important aspects to understand is the scale of positive to negative experiences. Guests will generally tolerate a few small inconveniences, like a less-than-plush towel or a missing kitchen item, without it affecting their overall impression. But if they encounter issue after issue, even minor discomforts begin to feel like a pattern of neglect. In the worst cases, a series of small disappointments can culminate in a negative review that will stick with your property.
To avoid this, it’s important to ensure that every aspect of your Airbnb—from the furniture to the toilet paper—is thoughtfully chosen, durable, and up to the task. Let’s explore key areas to consider when furnishing and maintaining your short-term rental.
Furniture: Striking the Balance Between Aesthetic and Durability
The type of furniture you choose can make or break the guest experience—literally. Cheap furniture often looks and feels, well, cheap. While the initial savings might be tempting, poorly made pieces wear out fast, break under frequent use, and ultimately convey a “bargain-basement” vibe to your guests. And nothing says “bad review” like a chair or bed frame collapsing under a guest. The moment furniture breaks on a guest, your reputation for offering a quality stay suffers.
At the same time, going for highly aesthetic, vintage, or retro pieces can also backfire. While these items may look great in photos, they can be fragile and expensive to replace. If a guest accidentally damages an antique coffee table or vintage chair, you could be looking at a costly repair—or worse, a one-star review because the guest felt they ruined something irreplaceable. Strike a balance: look for furniture that is attractive but designed to withstand heavy guest use.
Mattresses: Investing in Comfort
One of the most important investments in your Airbnb is the mattress. Your guests will spend roughly half of their time in your space sleeping, so it’s essential to prioritize comfort. A bad night’s sleep due to a lumpy or uncomfortable mattress is an easy way to guarantee a negative review. No amount of stylish decor can make up for a bed that leaves your guests tossing and turning. Spend wisely here, as a high-quality mattress pays for itself in guest satisfaction and repeat bookings.
Cleaning and Linen Services: Finding the Right Team
Even the best furnishings and linens can’t save a listing from a bad cleaner. A significant chunk of guest complaints on Airbnb revolve around cleanliness. Finding reliable, professional cleaners is key. Many cleaners simply don’t live up to expectations—they cut corners, skip details, and ultimately cost you in lost reviews and revenue. Cleaners who don’t know how to handle linen can be especially problematic; many will refuse to wash your own bedding, or won’t supply their own, leaving you with higher laundry service costs.
It’s worth investing in cleaners who not only clean but manage your property with the attention to detail that you would. Make sure they’re aware of high guest standards for cleanliness, and check their work regularly to ensure nothing is missed. For more insights on this, you can read How Cleaners Can Make or Break Your Airbnb Business
Linens and Towels: Commercial-Grade Quality is Essential
When it comes to linens and towels, quality is non-negotiable in the short-term rental business. Commercial-grade linens and towels are designed to withstand heavy use and frequent laundering, making them the ideal choice for Airbnb hosts. Cheap, low-quality sheets may feel scratchy and wear out quickly, diminishing the guest experience over time. Guests will notice when linens are thin, rough, or overly worn, and it will reflect negatively in their reviews.
Investing in high-quality, durable, commercial-grade bedding ensures that your linens can endure repeated washes and still feel crisp and inviting for each new guest. Likewise, thicker, more durable quilt covers offer a sense of coziness and comfort, which adds to the overall experience.
Towels deserve the same attention. Opt for large, soft, and absorbent towels that will make your guests feel pampered. Skimping on towel quality can detract from the sense of luxury you’re aiming to provide, and guests will notice if they’re forced to use small or rough-feeling towels.
If you decide to supply and wash your own linens, be prepared for the extra work, as this can become a logistical challenge. However, quality linens and towels can significantly elevate your guest’s experience, turning a simple stay into something memorable and increasing the likelihood of repeat bookings and positive reviews.
Consumables and Small Details
While larger furniture and linens are critical, smaller consumables also play a huge role in creating a positive guest experience. Stock your property with quality soaps, shampoos, and conditioners that leave a good impression. Cheap, low-quality toiletries can detract from the overall luxury experience you’re trying to provide. Appearance of the consumables is everything.
Other consumables, like dishwashing tablets, paper towels, and even coffee and tea, should always be readily available. It’s the small touches—leaving milk in the fridge, providing quality salt and pepper, or even offering a welcome bottle of wine—that can elevate your property from “good” to “great.”
Toilet Paper: Yes, It Matters
It might seem trivial, but even your choice of toilet paper can leave an impression. Cheap, thin toilet paper can be a nuisance to guests and suggests a lack of attention to detail. Opt for quality brands that guests are accustomed to using at home. These small touches can make a bigger difference than you might expect.
Every element of your Airbnb contributes to the guest experience, from the furniture they sit on to the linens they sleep on and even the toilet paper they use. Avoid cutting corners on these essentials, and be mindful of the long-term impact that quality, durability, and comfort will have on your reviews and your business. Building a successful Airbnb doesn’t happen overnight, and attention to these details is crucial in securing positive guest experiences, repeat customers and long-term success.
