If you’re running a short-term rental — whether it’s an Airbnb, a serviced apartment, or a holiday let — your linen is one of the first things guests notice when they walk through the door. Get it right and they won’t even think about it. Get it wrong and it’s the first thing they’ll mention in their review.
But with so many options out there, how do you actually choose? Here’s a straightforward guide to help you make the right call.
Start with thread count — but don’t obsess over it
Thread count gets talked about a lot, but it’s not the whole story. Generally speaking, anything between 200 and 400 thread count is the sweet spot for rental properties — high enough to feel quality, low enough to hold up to regular professional laundering. Very high thread counts can actually feel heavier and take longer to dry, which isn’t ideal when you’re turning over rooms quickly.
Quick tip
200 thread count percale = crisp and fresh. 300 thread count sateen = smooth and silky. Both wash beautifully at scale — it really comes down to the feel you want your guests to wake up to.
Percale or sateen?
These are the two main weave types you’ll come across. Percale has a cool, matte finish — it’s that crisp, hotel-linen feel that most guests associate with a proper clean bed. Sateen is woven differently, giving it a subtle sheen and a softer, smoother hand-feel. Neither is objectively better; it’s about matching the vibe of your property. A sleek city apartment might suit sateen, while a cosy countryside cottage might feel more at home with percale.
Don’t forget the towels
Towel quality matters just as much as bedding, and here the key number is GSM (grams per square metre). Anything around 450 GSM is solid and practical — absorbent, quick-drying, and durable. Step up to 500 GSM and you’re into that lovely, weighty feel that guests tend to notice and appreciate. For most rentals, 450–500 GSM hits the sweet spot perfectly.
Think about how often you’re turning over
If you’re running a busy property with back-to-back bookings, you need linen that dries fast, irons well, and comes back looking pristine every single time. That’s where professional laundering makes a real difference — it’s not just a wash, it’s a consistent, high-temperature clean that keeps whites white and fabrics in good condition for far longer.
Keep it simple — stick to white
It might seem safe or boring, but white linen is genuinely the smartest choice for rental properties. It photographs beautifully, signals cleanliness at a glance, and any replacement linen will always match. It’s the standard for a reason.
Match your linen to your listing tier
Think about what you’re charging per night and what your guests expect. A budget-friendly listing benefits from crisp, clean, reliable linen — our Essential range is ideal. A mid-range or premium property deserves something a touch softer and more indulgent — that’s where our Signature or Luxury ranges come in. The good news is, you don’t have to commit to one forever; with pay-as-you-go hire, you can scale up for peak season and adjust as needed.
Choosing the right linen doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is knowing your guests, matching quality to your price point, and making sure what arrives at your door is always fresh, clean, and ready to impress. That’s exactly what we’re here for.