Furnishing a whole house is a big job—especially if it’s a second home or a property you’ll be renting out. You want it to look good, of course. But you also want everything to work hard behind the scenes: comfortable, durable, easy to care for. Bedding included.
And here’s the thing people often underestimate: when you furnish with sleep in mind, you get fewer complaints, fewer replacements, and more peace of mind (for both you and your guests).
So whether you’re kitting out a family villa in Jávea or refreshing a long-let apartment in Calpe, this is your guide to getting the bed basics right—without overspending or overthinking.
Start with the Mattress (Always)
It’s tempting to focus on the look of the bed first and forget the mattress. But no matter how lovely your linen is, a bad mattress will ruin the experience. Not just for you, but for anyone who sleeps there. And if you’re renting? That guest review is going to reflect it.
Here’s what to consider:
- Go medium-firm: This suits the widest range of sleep styles and body types.
- Prioritise durability: Pocket spring or hybrid mattresses tend to hold up better in holiday homes.
- Stick to standard sizes: Easy for finding replacement sheets and toppers later.
- Keep it breathable: Especially important in warmer climates—look for mattresses that offer airflow or temperature regulation.
Tip: Buying for multiple rooms? Choose one core model you trust, then mix up the bases or headboards for visual variety.
What About the Base?
You don’t need to splurge on a luxury frame, but you do want something that’s solid, supportive, and fits the space.
Best bets for holiday or rental homes:
- Storage beds: Great for smaller properties or to stash spare linen.
- Slatted bases: Allow air circulation and work well with most mattress types.
- Divan bases with wheels: Ideal if you plan to rearrange or deep-clean frequently.
If you’re furnishing a second home you visit yourself, an adjustable base in the main bedroom might be worth the upgrade—especially if you like reading in bed or have back/leg issues.
Mattress Protectors: Non-Negotiable
Honestly, if you’re putting a mattress in a rental or guest room without a mattress protector, you’re asking for trouble.
Liquids, dust, body oils—they all shorten the lifespan of your mattress. Not to mention allergens and hygiene concerns.
Look for:
- Waterproof (but breathable) fabric
- Machine-washable
- Secure fit that doesn’t shift under the sheet
It’s a tiny investment that can save you hundreds.
Duvets and Pillows: Think Layers and Flexibility
If you’re furnishing a home in Spain’s coastal regions, remember this: you don’t need heavy duvets year-round. But you do need options.
Our rule of thumb:
- One light summer duvet (4.5 tog)
- One all-season or slightly warmer one (9–10.5 tog)
- A few cotton or linen throws for layering in spring/autumn
For pillows?
- Stick to medium support to suit most preferences
- Use pillow protectors to extend their life
- Avoid overstuffing beds in rentals—two per person is enough
Linen: Choose Once, Wash Often
This is where a lot of people get caught out. Cheap sheets feel scratchy. Expensive ones get ruined by frequent washing. What you want is that sweet spot in the middle.
Go for:
- Cotton or cotton-blend sets (easy to care for, breathable)
- White or neutral tones (they feel fresh and are easy to match)
- Two full sets per bed (so you always have one clean)
Avoid synthetic blends in humid climates—they trap heat and can feel clammy by morning.
Headboards and Finishing Touches
You don’t need to go over the top. But a well-chosen headboard makes a bedroom feel finished.
Upholstered designs add softness (and are great if the bed’s pushed against a wall). Wood or metal frames lean more minimal and are often easier to clean.
Cushions? Keep it simple:
- One or two accent cushions max
- Choose covers that are machine washable
- Skip anything that looks high-maintenance
Remember: guests (or tenants) don’t always treat things the way you do.
One Property, Many Sleepers
If you’re furnishing for short-term lets, assume a range of guests: couples, friends, maybe families. That means:
- Zip-link beds in one room can be joined for couples or split for singles
- Double beds over singles in smaller rooms feel more generous (and photograph better)
- No sofa beds as the only option in any room people are expected to actually sleep in
Flexibility means fewer lost bookings.
Small Upgrades, Big Payoffs
Want to elevate the whole experience without redoing everything? These are quick wins:
- Soft-close drawers in bedside tables
- Reading lamps that aren’t overhead
- A basket with an extra blanket in each room
- Hooks on the back of doors
- Somewhere to put a suitcase
None of these are expensive. But they say: someone thought about how you’d use this space.
Last Word: Comfortable, Clean, Considered
That’s the trifecta.
Beds in holiday or rental homes don’t need to be flashy. But they do need to feel solid, fresh, and inviting. When someone climbs in at the end of the day—sun-tired and maybe a bit salty from the sea—you want them to think: this feels good.
If you’re furnishing a property right now and feeling a bit overwhelmed, stop by The Bed Centre. We can walk you through it—room by room, budget by budget. And help you create a place where everyone sleeps well.
