Don’t Get Caught in a Pillow Fight
Your short term rental is your guests’ home away from home whether their visit be for business or pleasure. Assuring your guests are met with a comfortable stay equates to making the best selections for all facets of your property. The pillows you pick for your property should be given the same care and attention as larger ticket items. A quality pillow set is an essential part of the bedding equation and can have a huge impact on your guest’s sleep and comfort. Let the bedding experts at FIX guide you through the pillow picking process leaving you and your guests to rest easy.
The Perfect number
Pillows are a hot commodity within a short term rental. We recommended a minimum of two pillows per guest. This is a key guideline as hosts who buy by the bed rather than by the capacity of their home might come up short by failing to account for that hideaway bed or office futon. Extra pillows can be used to outfit beds or can be stowed in bedroom closets for easy access. For non-bedroom spaces that offer bed options, keep bedding together in a nearby linen or storage closet.
Size matters
An essential step in selecting the perfect STR pillow is to make sure to buy the appropriately sized pillow.
Twin and Full Beds
Stick with standard pillows. Larger pillows can throw off the proportions of a smaller bedscape, so standard-sized pillows are the safer, more polished choice here.
King Beds
Two king-sized pillows are the classic pairing. Many hosts also opt to add two standard pillows for extra layering and guest choice.
Queen Beds
Two standard pillows are the traditional match, and most hosts add two king pillows. Queen beds, especially those with oversized headboards, can easily accommodate the wider size, and some guests simply prefer or are more accustomed to a king pillow.
What We Suggest
Outfit queen and king beds with two king pillows and two standard pillows. It gives guests options and adds a layered, hotel-quality look.
No matter what you choose, let your bed's aesthetic be your guide.
Look for Lasting Comfort and Durability
Pillow quality varies widely — and so do prices. To withstand the wear and tear of typical short-term rental traffic, look for solid construction and quality materials.
Shell material
- Choose a 100% cotton shell for optimal breathability
- Cotton casings resist pilling, tearing, and wear over time
Fill type
- A medium-density pillow appeals to the widest range of guests
- Avoid low-quality fills — they clump and separate over time, creating a lumpy look that ruins both sleep quality and your bedscape's clean lines
Why not down?
Down might be dream-inducing in a private home, but it's not the best choice for STRs:
- Requires higher maintenance and specialized cleaning
- Not suitable for guests with allergen sensitivities or vegan lifestyles
The better option
Aim for a quality down alternative fill — it delivers next-level comfort and durability, and in most cases, is machine washable.
Protect Your Investment
No matter the type of pillows you choose to invest in, make sure to take the proper steps to increase the longevity of your pillows.
Keep it covered-pillow projectors are a must in a STR venue. Look for waterproof protectors with zip closures that will help your pillows keep their shape and block dust, mites, allergens and mold.
Invest in quality pillowcases- 100% cotton is best to ensure breathability and comfort in all seasons and climates.
Helpful hosting tip- stay stocked in extra pillowcases. Because of their usage, pillowcases need to be laundered and replaced more often than their sheet set counterparts. Stay prepped and prepared with at least two extra pillow cases for each pillow.
Just like our linen line, FIX Linens has you covered with the best advice to achieve superior host status. Check out our blog for more helpful hosting tricks and tricks.
Written by: Cary Ballard - Freelance Writer for FIX Linens