What is the recommended thread count for guest room sheets?

A balanced option is 200-400 thread count, which provides softness without overheating, and is suitable for most South African homes.

What type of duvet inner is best for guests with allergies?

Hypoallergenic duvet inners are a good default for hosting guests with allergies, and they are widely available in South Africa.

How often should I wash mattress protectors in my guest room?

Mattress protectors should be washed every 6-12 months unless soiled, while duvet inners can be washed every 2-3 months following the garment label.

What are the estimated costs for basic guest room bedding in South Africa?

A basic pillow costs around R150, with higher-grade options up to R600. Duvet inners range from roughly R300 to R1,800 depending on fill and size.

Why is a mattress protector important for a guest room?

A mattress protector keeps the mattress clean from spills and sweat, extends its life, and is widely available in machine-washable options with a zip or fitted skirt.

Bedding essentials for your guest room: a practical guide

Practical guide to bedding essentials for a guest room - sheets, duvet choices, pillows, protectors and cleaning tips with South Africa price estimates.

Published:May 18, 2026

Updated:September 9, 2026

5 min read

Photo by Dina Makhmutova on Unsplash

Sources

Bed & Linen (shop) - Bash product listings and sizing
Duvet Inners & Pillows (shop) - product types and care details
How often to wash bedding - Healthline guide to hygiene and frequency

Why thoughtful bedding matters

A good guest room is welcoming without being complicated. When we think about bedding essentials for a guest room we mean the items that give visitors comfort, hygiene and a sense of calm: a supportive mattress surface, clean sheets, a cosy duvet, a spare blanket and easy-care extras. These choices help the room feel ready at a moment's notice and reduce the small stresses of hosting.

Start with the mattress and base layer

The mattress and its immediate protection set the tone. A mattress protector keeps the mattress clean from spills and sweat, and can extend its life. Choose a protector with a zip or fitted skirt and a breathable cover-these are widely available and usually machine-washable.

For product choices and a quick browse of bed protection options, see Mattress Protectors & Base Covers.

Sheets: materials and thread count made simple

Sheets are where guests feel the difference. We recommend cotton or cotton-blend sheets for most South African homes because they breathe well and wash easily. Thread count can help with feel, but a balanced option (200-400 thread count) gives softness without overheating. For span-of-use and seasonal swaps, keep one set of everyday sheets and one spare set for quick changes.

Everyday set: plain cotton or percale, neutral colour to suit most decors.
Fresh set: a lighter or brighter set reserved for guests.
Spare fitted sheet: saves time if a quick change is needed between stays.

Explore coordinated sheet and linen options at our Bed & Linen shop: Bed & Linen.

Duvets, inners and pillows - what to choose

A duvet on a well-dressed bed keeps the look simple and makes turnover easy. Pick a duvet inner that matches the room's usual temperature: lightweight (for summer), medium, or warm (for winter). Hypoallergenic inners are a good default if you host people with allergies. Have at least one spare duvet cover and one spare duvet inner if space allows.

Pillows should offer options: a medium-firm pillow as standard and a softer one for those who prefer it. Keep spare pillows in a breathable bag so they stay fresh between visits.

For a quick look at duvet inners and pillows we recommend checking the dedicated selection: Duvet Inners & Pillows. Prices in South Africa typically range from around R150 for a basic pillow to R600 for higher-grade options; duvet inners vary widely, from roughly R300 to R1 800 depending on fill and size (estimates).

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Practical extras that matter

Small additions lift a stay from adequate to thoughtful. A bedside lamp with warm light, a clear space for a phone or glass, and an extra blanket made from an easy-care fibre are all helpful. A simple welcome note or a small tray with water and a glass can make guests feel considered without effort.

Storage, turnover and laundry tips

We keep turnover manageable by designating one drawer or shelf for guest items and using a sensible laundry routine. Wash sheets and pillowcases after each stay. Duvet inners and mattress protectors can be washed less frequently-follow the garment label, but a good rule is every 2-3 months for inners and every 6-12 months for protectors unless soiled. In South Africa, good drying in sunlight helps reduce allergens and keeps linen fresh.

Wash sheets and pillowcases after each use.
Rotate duvets and blankets seasonally.
Store spares in breathable bags away from direct sunlight.

How to choose for different budgets

We find that sensible layering lets you create comfort without overspending. Start with a reliable fitted sheet and mattress protector, then add a mid-range duvet inner and one good pillow. If your budget allows, upgrade to a higher-thread-count sheet and a better-quality pillow; otherwise, spend a little more on a durable protector and save on decorative items.

Budget starter: fitted sheet, protector, one duvet inner - approx R600-R1 200 total (estimate).
Balanced option: two sheet sets, protector, mid-range duvet inner, two pillows - approx R1 500-R3 500 (estimate).
Comfort-first: higher-thread-count linen, premium duvet inner, pillow variety - R3 500+ (estimate).

Quick checklist before guests arrive

Fresh sheets and pillowcases
Clean duvet or neatly folded blanket
Spare pillows and a spare duvet/blanket within reach
Working bedside light and a clear surface
Small hospitality touch (water, charger cable, or a local map)

Bedding essentials for your guest room: a practical guide

Sources

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Start with protection

Layer for comfort

Plan for easy turnover

Why thoughtful bedding matters

Start with the mattress and base layer

Sheets: materials and thread count made simple

Duvets, inners and pillows - what to choose

Practical extras that matter

Storage, turnover and laundry tips

How to choose for different budgets

Quick checklist before guests arrive

Further reading and product information

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