The bedroom is where guests form their strongest opinions about comfort and cleanliness. Even if the rest of the home is beautiful, an uncomfortable or poorly equipped bedroom will show up in reviews. When a bedroom feels calm, functional, and thoughtfully set up, guests sleep better — and that experience carries through the entire stay.
This STR bedroom essentials checklist is designed for hosts who want bedrooms that work for real guest use, not long-term living. The goal is not to over-furnish or decorate, but to provide everything guests expect in a short-term rental bedroom while minimizing wear, damage, and turnover complexity.
Everything below reflects what we’ve found works best in real short-term rentals — items guests actually use, setups that reduce questions, and choices that hold up to repeat stays.
How to Use This STR Bedroom Essentials Checklist
This page is designed to function as a working setup guide, not décor inspiration.
Use this checklist when:
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Equipping bedrooms in a new short-term rental
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Replacing worn or underperforming items
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Improving guest comfort and reviews
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Simplifying cleaning and turnover
This guide focuses on:
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Guest expectations and comfort
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Practical furniture choices
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Durable, easy-to-maintain items
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Setups that don’t require explanation
Core STR Bedroom Essentials (Must-Haves)
If you focus on only one section, make it this one. These items create a finished, guest-ready bedroom without unnecessary furniture or clutter.
Core essentials include:
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A comfortable bed with quality mattress and neutral bedding
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Sufficient pillows for sleeping and structure
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Nightstands and lamps for each bed
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A luggage rack to protect furniture
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Closet basics guests expect
The Bed: Where Guest Experience Starts
Guests may not remember every piece of furniture in a bedroom, but they always remember the bed. A well-made bed immediately communicates cleanliness, comfort, and care.
Best practices for STR beds:
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Choose a supportive, medium-firm mattress
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Use neutral bedding that photographs well and appeals to most guests
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Avoid busy patterns or bold colors that show wear quickly
A simple, calm bed setup helps guests relax and sleep better — and that shows up consistently in reviews.
Quiet Bedding Makes a Big Difference
Neutral, “quiet” bedding performs better in short-term rentals than trendy or highly patterned sets.
Why neutral bedding works best:
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Appeals to a wide range of guests
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Looks clean and fresh in photos
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Is easier to replace over time
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Holds up better to frequent laundering
Stick with soft whites, creams, or light neutrals for the most flexibility.
Pillow Layering That Feels Intentional
A thoughtful pillow setup makes the bed feel finished without adding clutter or extra laundry.
A simple formula that works well:
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Two sleeping pillows per guest
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Two pillows for structure or shams
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One lumbar pillow to complete the look
This creates a bed that feels comfortable and slightly luxurious without complicating turnover.
Focus on Function Over Extra Furniture
In short-term rentals, guests are staying for a few nights — not moving in. Because of that, large dressers are often unnecessary and can actually create problems.
Dressers tend to:
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Become makeshift luggage stands
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Get scratched or damaged quickly
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Take up valuable floor space
Instead of extra furniture, focus on items that serve a clear purpose.
Luggage Racks Protect Your Furniture
A luggage rack in each bedroom gives guests a designated place for suitcases and helps prevent damage to beds, nightstands, and other surfaces.
This small addition:
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Protects furniture
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Keeps rooms looking cleaner
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Makes turnover easier
Nightstands, Lamps & Charging Access
Every bed should have:
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A nightstand within reach
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A lamp for evening and nighttime use
In the primary bedroom, both sides of the bed should be treated equally. Guests expect symmetry and convenience, especially when sharing a bed.
Adding a small charging station beside each bed is a simple upgrade that guests appreciate immediately. It prevents outlet hunting, keeps cords organized, and avoids unplugging lamps.
Closet Basics Guests Expect
Even for short stays, guests expect a few basic closet items.
At minimum, provide:
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Plenty of hangers
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An iron and ironing board available in the room or nearby
These items don’t need to be prominent, but having them available avoids unnecessary questions during a stay.
Bedroom Lighting & Comfort
Bedrooms should feel comfortable both day and night.
Lighting tips:
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Use warm bulbs rather than harsh white light
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Make sure lamps are easy to reach from the bed
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Avoid relying solely on overhead lighting
Comfort-focused lighting helps guests wind down and sleep better.
Bedroom Essentials Quantity Guidance
Use your maximum occupancy to guide quantities.
General guidelines:
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Pillows: at least two sleeping pillows per guest
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Nightstands: one per bed (two for shared beds)
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Lamps: one per nightstand
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Luggage racks: one per bedroom
Providing enough without excess keeps rooms functional and uncluttered.
Common Bedroom Mistakes to Avoid
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Too many decorative pillows
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Large dressers that aren’t needed
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No place for luggage
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Only one nightstand for shared beds
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Insufficient lighting or outlets
Simple, intentional setups perform better than over-furnished rooms.
STR Bedroom Essentials Checklist (Complete List)
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Complete Short-Term Rental Essentials (Room by Room)
Use the links below to access the complete checklist for each space.
Short-Term Rental Essentials Hub
STR Kitchen Essentials Checklist
STR Outdoor Essentials Checklist
STR Game Room Essentials Checklist
STR Coffee Bar Essentials Checklist
STR Security Essentials Checklist
STR Furniture Essentials Checklist
STR Living Room Essentials Checklist
STR Household Essentials Checklist
Final Thoughts
Bedrooms are where comfort matters most. When they’re calm, functional, and thoughtfully equipped, guests sleep better and leave better reviews.
Use this checklist as a foundation, adapt it to your property’s layout, and revisit it as your short-term rental evolves based on guest feedback.
Last Updated 1/6/2026