As you’re shopping for the various pieces of bedding that you’ll need to outfit your Airbnb or vacation rental bedroom, you might come across the tough decision of whether to choose a comforter or a duvet. In this article, we’ll help you understand the difference between the two, and why we recommend the Beckham Hotel Collection Comforter as the best comforter for Airbnbs.
What is a Comforter?
A comforter is basically the top-most layer of bedding that provides warmth to the sleeper. It is usually filled with either down or down alternative and stitched in a way to provide breathability and keep the fillers in place.
As the top-most layer, it’s the most exposed layer of the bed, so it also serves the purpose of adding an element of design to your Airbnb bedroom.
Comforter vs Duvet vs Blanket
This is where it gets kind of confusing, but fret not. While some of these terms are used interchangeably in some parts of the world, they all serve the same purpose: to provide warmth and comfort while sleeping. The difference is in the design and construction.
Basically, a blanket is a thin, single layer of bedding. Consider a comforter as a very thick blanket filled with down or down alternative that can be used as-is without a cover, while a duvet is like a huge pillow that’s usually paired with a decorative cover (together they make a duvet set).
Just to be clear, ‘duvet’ and ‘comforters’ are terms usually used interchangeably in many parts of Europe, but in the US, the ‘duvet’ refers to the quilted insert that goes inside a duvet cover unique from a comforter.
What to Look for In a Comforter
With so many options on the market, there are several factors you need to look into when choosing the best comforter for your Airbnb vacation rental.
Material and Quality – Comforters are usually made out of cotton percale, cotton sateen, or organic cotton for the outer shell, with fillings made of goose or duck down or down alternative. All these offer varying levels of breathability and comfort, and they have different care instructions (which is something we’re also going to discuss below).
Fill Power – Another thing to take note of when looking for a comforter is fill power. This refers to an international rating system for down and down alternative products that measures the loft or fluffiness of down. This can usually be seen in the packaging or stitched into the product itself. To put it simply, the higher the fill power, the warmer the comforter will be for its relative weight. Common fill powers for comforters in the market are 500 (the least warm), 650, 750, 800, 850, and 900 (the warmest).
Care and Cleaning Requirements – Just like other layers of bedding in your vacation rental bedroom, different materials and quality call for different care and cleaning instructions. Comforters can be quite a chore to clean, and since this is a layer that comes in contact with the guests, you’d need to launder this every time a guest checks out.
We wouldn’t recommend buying comforters that require spot cleaning or dry cleaning. Go for a comforter that’s easy to clean and machine-washable.
Durability – Because you’ll be laundering the comforter frequently, you want to make sure that it’s durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of frequent usage and washing.
Appearance and Design – Comforters usually come in a baffle box or sewn-through design. This really just boils down to personal preference and how you want your Airbnb to look. As the most exposed part of the bed, you might also match the color of the comforter to the other elements of design in your room.
Size – Comforters usually come in standard bed sizes. Still, it’s wise to take note of the size of your bed and mattress and look for a comforter that’s a few inches larger, or you could go up a size and have the entire comforter drape over the bed.
Seasonality – Material build, fillers, and fill power considered, some comforters are going to be warmer or cooler than others. Make sure that you take into account the season and weather of when your guests will be visiting. Have something more breathable during the summer, then switch it up and provide a comforter that maintains more warmth during the colder seasons.
The Best Comforter for Airbnbs
After scouring countless product reviews, we’ve come to the conclusion that the best comforter for Airbnbs and short-term rentals is from the Beckham Hotel Collection.
Beckham Hotel Collection
The Beckham Hotel Collection comforter boasts a microfiber surface that is soft and lightweight to the touch. Filled with a goose down alternative, it’s perfect for all-year-round use thanks to its breathability and comfort in any sleeping condition. It can be used as-is or inserted in a duvet cover (we recommend the Bedsure Solid Color Duvet Cover!)
Beckham Hotel Collection All-Season Goose Down Alternative Comforter
The Beckham Hotel Collection comforter has been getting rave reviews for providing just the right amount of softness and comfort. One Amazon reviewer even said, “Obsessed with this hotel-like comforter!”
It’s also very easy to wash and care for as it is machine-washable and can be tumble dried on low or hung dry. Purchasers swear by its durability and ability to maintain its color and luxurious feel after repeated washes.
The Beckham Hotel Collection comforter also comes in 9 colors like black, burgundy, chocolate, and pink, among others, so you can elevate the look and feel of your Airbnb bedroom so that it’s sure to entice people to check in as your guest!
Other Airbnb Comforter Alternatives
There are also other great comforter options like the Linenspa All Season Down Alternative Microfiber Comforter and the EASELAND All Season Quilted Down Alternative.
The Linenspa All Season Down Alternative Microfiber Comforter has a pinch pleat design that helps provide some texture to the look of your bed and room. It also is filled with a microfiber down alternative that’s hypoallergenic—a great option for those who suffer from allergies that traditional down filling may trigger.
The EASELAND All Season Quilted Down Alternative is another solid option that’s designed for year-round usage. The box stitching helps keep the filling evenly spread out and provides breathability that keeps you warm on cold nights and cool on toasty nights. It’s also machine-washable and easy to maintain.
Final Thoughts
A comforter’s job is clear in its name: it provides comfort. With so many options out there on the market today, it’s easy to get confused about what to invest in for your Airbnb. The Beckham Hotel Collection’s positive reputation offers a very solid option if you want to get something that’s no-frills, while the Linenspa All Season Down Alternative Microfiber Comforter and the EASELAND All Season Quilted Down Alternative also provide reliable alternatives while enhancing the aesthetic with different stitches and looks.
