A Guide to Renting Furniture for Your Apartment or Home

One of the hardest parts of living in NYC is furnishing your home. Some apartments come furnished, some people bring their own furniture. But for those who are moving into an empty apartment and canโ€™t own furniture for whatever reason, there are plenty of places that will let you rent couches, tables, beds, and more. Itโ€™s not for everyone, but renting furniture can be one of the best things a new New Yorker can do for various reasons. But how do you know if renting furniture is right for you? And where can you rent the furniture you need?

Benefits of Furniture Rental

Renting furniture has several advantages over buying. For starters, renting furniture is usually way cheaper than buying. Payment plans vary depending on how long you rent the furniture, but many places offer sliding prices for people on a budget. The savings on rentals will go a long way for people who need to spend that money on other aspects of life. 

Renting furniture is also more flexible than buying it. Buying furniture forces people to be okay with pieces they might not enjoy in their homes after purchase (especially as trends change). Renting, however, gives people the option to change furniture on a more regular basis. Many companies will even let you swap certain pieces for free if the original doesnโ€™t meet your standards. For those who end up loving their rental pieces, many rental companies will let you buy the furniture after your original lease is up.

This flexibility is also reflected in the fact that you can choose which pieces work for you. For furnished homes, you become responsible for chairs, couches, and even beds that might not meet your style. You might not even be able to get rid of them if they are part of your lease agreement. However, moving into an empty home and renting furniture means having whatever you want. Most places will even offer room packages so you can decorate your living room, bedroom, or office in a cohesive style.

Who Should Rent Furniture?

Furniture rental is cheap and flexible, but it might not be for everyone. Rental furniture works best for people who are in short-term rental situations. If youโ€™re only going to be in a home for a few months to a year, renting your furniture will make your time in the city easy. Companies will deliver and pack up your furniture, so youโ€™ll never have to move heavy couches or bookshelves during a big move.

Furniture rentals are also perfect for those who donโ€™t like to settle down with certain pieces. Those who like to decorate, rearrange, and style will love the flexibility of renting. There are tons of styles for those who are seeking classy, comfy, or even college dorm decor. And the stores that offer these pieces always add new pieces that can fit perfectly in almost any home.

Places to Rent Furniture

There are many places to rent quality furniture in the city. The best ones include:

Brook

This larger chain is one of the most popular in the country and has great offerings that are available in the city, such as specials for homes and offices. They have a โ€œFast Passโ€ service that lets you browse pieces individually, or you can rent by room. If you like the furniture, you can buy your pieces for a discounted rate when your lease is up.

Conjure

This company has four distinct styles of furniture to choose from based on four neighborhoods in Manhattan. You can rent any of these pieces for three to twelve months, and you can even buy the furniture if you like it! They also offer free delivery and assembly, which is super convenient for those who move apartments often.

Feather

This stylish store rents out furniture and art, and is dedicated to decorating your home with a modern flair. They have multiple packages that range from studios to two-bedroom homes. They have three rental packages, Month-to-Month, Short Term, and Long Term leases, which means you can be flexible regarding your furniture rental.


Renting is part of the New York City experience, and renting furniture is an easy way to furnish your home without breaking the bank. There are a ton of styles to pick and choose from, and these companies allow people to get creative without a huge upfront commitment. If you dislike a piece of furniture, getting rid of it is a hassle. Renting furniture means leaving it to the companies, many of which offer free deliveries and assembly. Itโ€™s simply a much more convenient way to shop for furniture in a city that can be unforgiving when it comes to the size and style of an apartment.

Faye Chou
Faye Chou
Faye is the Managing Director of the RentHop Operations team. In her 10 years at RentHop, Faye has written numerous articles on a variety of real estate topics. If you're interested in learning more about the current state of the rental housing market or want Faye's best tips for your apartment search then check out more of her articles.

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