Furnishing rental properties is no longer just a functional necessity—it’s a strategic move that can set your units apart in a saturated market. With the growing popularity of fully or semi-furnished rentals, especially in urban areas and among digital nomads, students, and young professionals, landlords and property managers are realizing that good furniture isn’t a cost—it’s an investment.
If you’re managing apartments for rent and wondering how to buy furniture that looks great, lasts long, and brings in better tenants (and potentially higher rent), this comprehensive guide is for you.
Why Furniture Matters in Apartments for Rent
Before diving into furniture lists and budgeting strategies, it’s important to understand why furnishing matters in today’s rental landscape.
Higher Tenant Demand
Modern renters—especially expats, students, and short- to mid-term professionals—actively search for furnished apartments for rent. Not everyone has the time, budget, or desire to furnish a new home from scratch.
Faster Occupancy
Furnished apartments typically rent faster. In competitive cities where apartments for rent get snapped up quickly, having a ready-to-move-in unit increases your chances of reducing vacancy.
Premium Rent Potential
A well-furnished apartment justifies higher rent. If your furniture choices are modern, clean, and practical, you can command more—sometimes 10–30% above the unfurnished market rate.
Better Tenant Experience
When tenants feel at home, they stay longer. Thoughtful furniture choices improve satisfaction, reduce turnover, and minimize complaints.
How to Plan Before You Buy Furniture for Rental Apartments
Jumping straight into shopping can lead to mismatched items, overspending, or bulky pieces that don’t fit. Here’s how to plan smartly.
Know Your Target Tenant
Ask yourself:
- Is this unit targeted at students, professionals, families, or tourists?
- Will tenants stay short-term, mid-term, or long-term?
- Do they value design, practicality, affordability—or all three?
Your ideal tenant profile should dictate the furniture style, quality, and layout.
Measure the Space
Before ordering anything:
- Measure each room, wall, and corner
- Note where doors and windows open
- Consider where tenants will walk, work, sleep, eat, and store their belongings
This ensures every item you buy fits functionally and visually.
Set a Realistic Budget
Smart landlords don’t just count what furniture costs—they factor in how long it will last and how it influences rent. A basic furniture package might range between €2,000 and €5,000, depending on location and quality.
Break the budget down by room:
- Living Room: 30%
- Bedroom: 25%
- Kitchen/Dining: 20%
- Storage/Utility: 15%
- Decor & Lighting: 10%
Essential Furniture for Rental Apartments by Room
Living Room
This is the first impression. Choose pieces that balance comfort, design, and durability.
Must-Haves:
- Sofa or loveseat: Easy to clean, preferably with removable covers
- Coffee table: Avoid glass, which scratches and shatters
- TV stand/media unit: Simple, functional, with cable management
- Rug: Defines space, adds comfort, and protects floors
Optional but recommended:
- Side tables or nesting tables
- Armchair or bean bag
- Wall-mounted shelf or minimal decor
Pro tip: Stick to neutral colors and add color through pillows or throws. It’s easier to replace soft accessories than furniture.
Bedroom
Renters care deeply about sleep quality. Don’t cut corners here.
Must-Haves:
- Bed frame (90×200 for singles, 140/160×200 for doubles)
- High-quality mattress: Medium-firm, hypoallergenic, at least 20cm thick
- Nightstand: Compact, with storage
- Wardrobe or closet system: Sliding doors are space-saving
- Lamps: Bedside lighting improves ambiance and usability
Optional:
- Wall mirror
- Small chest of drawers
- Under-bed storage bins
Pro tip: Go with a minimalist Scandinavian or modern style—functional and universally appealing.
Kitchen & Dining Area
In apartments for rent, the kitchen setup varies widely. But even in small studios, a basic setup is expected.
Furniture:
- Dining table with 2–4 chairs: Round tables work well in tight spaces
- Bar stools (if there’s a kitchen counter)
- Storage shelf or sideboard: For extra dishes or dry goods
Appliances & Essentials (if included):
- Microwave
- Kettle & toaster
- Dish rack
- Basic utensils, dishes, and pots
Pro tip: Use stackable or folding furniture in small kitchens. It’s practical and space-efficient.
Home Office Corner (Now a Tenant Expectation)
Remote work is no longer a trend—it’s a standard. Even if your apartment for rent is a one-bedroom or studio, carve out a functional work area.
Furniture:
- Desk (minimum 80cm wide)
- Ergonomic chair
- Table lamp or LED strip
- Optional shelving for organization
Pro tip: Place the desk near natural light if possible.
Entryway & Storage
Good storage makes small apartments feel larger and tidier.
Must-Haves:
- Coat hooks or a standing rack
- Shoe rack or bench
- Full-length mirror
Optional:
- Key tray or entry shelf
- Slim cabinet for extra storage
Outdoor or Balcony (If Available)
A small table and two chairs on the balcony can elevate the value of a rental unit—especially in cities where private outdoor space is rare.
What to Look For When Buying Furniture for Rental Apartments
Durability and Quality
Go for commercial-grade or heavy-duty furniture whenever possible. The slightly higher upfront cost is offset by reduced replacements.
Look for:
- Solid wood or engineered wood frames
- Stain-resistant fabrics
- Scratch-resistant surfaces
- Metal bases for chairs and tables
Easy Maintenance
Tenants won’t treat furniture like it’s their own, so choose items that are:
- Easy to wipe down
- Resistant to spills
- Not overly delicate or textured
Modular and Flexible
Pieces that can be easily disassembled, moved, or replaced offer long-term value:
- Modular sofas
- Stackable chairs
- Collapsible tables
- Removable slipcovers
Aesthetic Universality
Your rental isn’t a personal design project. Stick with timeless, neutral tones—grays, whites, wood tones, and black. Avoid strong color schemes or overly trendy pieces.
Where to Buy Furniture for Rental Apartments
If you’re outfitting multiple apartments for rent, your source matters.
Best options:
- Commercial suppliers offering volume discounts
- Online retailers with rental-specific packages
- Second-hand marketplaces (only for non-upholstered items)
- Flat-pack furniture brands for easy transport and storage
- Custom carpenters for long-term, high-end properties
Pro tip: Buy in bulk when possible. Use the same core items across all your units for easier maintenance and replacement.
Should You Offer Fully Furnished or Semi-Furnished Apartments?
This depends on your rental strategy:
Fully Furnished:
- Ideal for short- to mid-term tenants (students, digital nomads, contract workers)
- Higher rental income
- More turnover, more wear
Semi-Furnished:
- Popular in long-term markets
- Includes key items like bed, wardrobe, and kitchen appliances
- Lower maintenance, fewer replacements
Avoid These Common Mistakes When Buying Furniture
- Overfurnishing: Too much furniture makes the space feel cramped.
- Buying personal or eclectic pieces: These may not appeal to a wide range of tenants.
- Using non-durable items: Fragile pieces lead to breakage and complaints.
- Ignoring ergonomics: Uncomfortable chairs or hard mattresses are dealbreakers.
- Choosing oversized furniture: Proportions matter. Small spaces need compact, multifunctional pieces.
How to Maintain and Manage Furniture in Rental Apartments
Inventory Documentation
- Create a photo inventory of all furniture
- Note serial numbers or purchase invoices
- Include a checklist in the lease agreement
Tenant Responsibility Clauses
Clearly state in your rental agreement:
- That tenants are responsible for maintaining the furniture in reasonable condition
- That damages beyond normal wear and tear will be deducted from the deposit
Routine Maintenance Tips
- Deep clean upholstery and mattresses at least once per year
- Inspect furniture at every move-out
- Keep spare parts or backups of commonly damaged items (e.g., dining chairs, lampshades)
Should You Hire a Furnishing Company?
Some landlords opt for a full-service furniture company that handles sourcing, setup, and styling. These services are ideal if:
- You manage multiple apartments for rent
- You’re optimizing for short-term or furnished rental platforms
- You live abroad or manage properties remotely
However, they tend to be more expensive upfront.
Final Thoughts: Smart Furniture = Smarter Rentals
Investing in good furniture for your apartments for rent is no longer optional—it’s a competitive edge. Tenants are drawn to clean, functional, and well-furnished homes. And while furniture costs money, the return comes in the form of:
- Higher rent
- Lower vacancy
- Longer tenancies
- Better reviews or references
Choose your furniture like you would choose a business investment: look for long-term gain, low maintenance, and high tenant satisfaction.