Setting up a bedroom for short-term rental guests or long-term tenants? The sleep setup you provide can make or break your reviews — and your returns. Here's everything you need to know to get it right.
When it comes to running a successful Airbnb or rental property in Australia, the bedroom is where first impressions live and last impressions linger. Guests and tenants may forgive a slow Wi-Fi connection or a modest kitchen, but a poor night's sleep? That earns you a one-star review and a cancelled booking.
Choosing the right bed and mattress for a rental isn't quite the same as buying for your own home. You need to balance comfort, durability, hygiene, and cost — all while appealing to a wide range of guests with different body types and sleeping preferences. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
The average Airbnb guest spends more time in bed than anywhere else in your property. Whether they're recovering from a long day of travel, working remotely, or on holiday with their partner, sleep quality directly shapes their experience — and their review of your listing.
For long-term rental landlords, a comfortable and durable bed setup reduces tenant complaints, slows wear and tear, and can even support longer tenancy agreements. Put simply, investing in the right sleep setup pays dividends.
Getting the size right is your first major decision, and it depends on your room dimensions and the kind of guests you expect to host.
Single or King Single: Ideal for smaller rooms, children's rooms, or properties targeting solo travellers and long-term tenants. Browse our range of single mattresses and king single mattresses.
Double: A versatile middle-ground size that works well for couples in compact rooms. Explore our double mattresses collection.
Queen: The most popular choice for Airbnb main bedrooms. It suits couples comfortably and doesn't overwhelm a standard-sized room. Check out our queen mattresses.
King or Super King: Perfect for luxury listings or master bedrooms where you want to create a premium feel. See our king and super king mattresses.
Pro tip: If your property has more than one bedroom, consider a queen for the main bedroom and a king single or double for secondary rooms. This caters to couples and solo guests alike without blowing the budget on every room.
Not all mattresses are created equal — and in a rental context, some types are far better suited than others. Here's a quick breakdown of the most popular options available at Bedworld:
A popular choice for rental properties because they offer excellent support, good airflow, and hold up well under regular use. Individual springs move independently, which reduces motion transfer — great for couples who keep different hours. Browse our pocket spring mattress range.
Guests often associate memory foam with luxury, and in Australia's warmer climates, a cooling gel-infused version can make a real difference to sleep comfort. These are particularly appealing in coastal or warmer-climate Airbnb listings. See our cooling gel memory foam mattresses.
Natural latex is durable, hypoallergenic, and resistant to dust mites and mould — qualities that are especially valuable in a property that sees a constant rotation of guests. Our latex mattress collection is worth exploring for properties with allergy-conscious guests in mind.
This is where many rental property owners overthink things. The goal isn't to choose your personal favourite — it's to please as broad a range of guests as possible.
A medium to medium-firm mattress is widely considered the most universally comfortable option. It provides enough support for back and stomach sleepers while offering enough give for side sleepers. Too firm and lighter guests may find it uncomfortable; too soft and heavier guests may sink in and wake up with back pain.
Firm mattresses — great for back sleepers and those seeking strong support
Plush mattresses — ideal for side sleepers who prefer a softer, cushioned feel
Ultra firm mattresses — suited to guests who need maximum spinal support
When in doubt, lean medium-firm. It's the rental industry's sweet spot.
A mattress in a rental property will be used far more frequently — and by far more people — than one in a private home. That means durability isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential.
Look for mattresses with robust construction, high-density foam layers or quality spring systems, and covers that resist staining and moisture. Australian-made and well-known brands like A.H. Beard, Loren Williams, and Slumbercare are trusted in the Australian market for good reason.
Equally important: always use a quality mattress protector. A waterproof, breathable protector extends the life of your mattress dramatically, protects against spills, sweat, and allergens, and makes turnovers between guests far quicker and more hygienic.
The frame does more than hold your mattress — it sets the tone for the entire room. For rental properties, you want something that looks good in listing photos, is easy to clean around, and can withstand regular use without loosening or creaking.
Solid, low-profile bed frames in neutral tones (white, grey, or timber) photograph well and appeal to the widest audience. Avoid overly ornate or fashion-forward designs that may polarise guests. Explore Bedworld's full range of bed frames for options that balance style with practicality.
If space is at a premium, consider a storage bed frame — these add practical value for long-term tenants and can be a genuine selling point in a listing. Best Storage Bed Frames for Small Rental Bedrooms (coming soon).
You don't need to spend a fortune to provide a comfortable, well-presented sleep setup. But going too cheap will cost you more in the long run through faster wear, poor reviews, and frequent replacement.
A mid-range mattress — typically between $500 and $1,500 for a queen — is a sensible investment for most rental properties. Bedworld makes it easy to find quality options at a range of price points:
Mattresses under $500 — great for secondary bedrooms or budget setups
Mattresses under $1,000 — ideal for most Airbnb main bedrooms
Mattresses under $2,000 — for premium listings looking to offer a high-end sleep experience
Also keep an eye on Bedworld's floor stock clearance section, where you can find quality mattresses and bed frames at significantly reduced prices — perfect for outfitting multiple rooms without stretching the budget.
A great mattress and bed frame only go so far. To complete the sleep setup and maximise guest satisfaction, invest in quality pillows and bedding too. Bedworld stocks a range of pillows and mattress toppers that can add an extra layer of comfort — and make a mid-range mattress feel significantly more luxurious.
A mattress topper is also a cost-effective way to refresh an older mattress between major replacements, or to provide extra softness for guests who prefer a plush feel.
For properties with multiple bedrooms or where space flexibility is needed, consider keeping a How to Set Up a Flexible Guest Room for Short-Term Rentals (coming soon) option like a quality sofa bed or fold-out single for overflow guests.
Ready to set up your rental bedroom with confidence? Browse Bedworld full range of mattresses, bed frames, and bedroom furniture — and get everything you need in one place, with fast delivery across Australia.
