Decorating Guides
10 Must-Have Pieces of Furniture for Every Renter
Consider these the ten commandments of furniture investment for a rented home
If you’re the type to change homes every couple of years, investing in furniture may not be at the top of your priority list. However, by knowing what to put your money in, you can save a fortune on outfitting your future homes, and give each one a personalised makeover within days of moving in. As a renter, it’s a good idea to go for furniture that’s lightweight, modular and multifunctional – to serve you through your moves, and to take on a new avatar in every home (this is only applicable for unfurnished and semi-furnished homes). If you’re wondering where to start, be inspired by this checklist of ten essential furniture pieces for every renter.
2. Modular sofa
A modular sofa, especially one made of standard-size box stools, can be arranged in a variety of ways. It can be taken apart and displayed as standalone seats or tables, pieced together into an extended sofa, or, with the addition of extra modular stools, be converted into a comfy sofa-cum-bed. So, whatever your future home’s size or layout, you can keep your seating flexible by customising it to your space and liking.
The unparalleled versatility of a modular sofa
A modular sofa, especially one made of standard-size box stools, can be arranged in a variety of ways. It can be taken apart and displayed as standalone seats or tables, pieced together into an extended sofa, or, with the addition of extra modular stools, be converted into a comfy sofa-cum-bed. So, whatever your future home’s size or layout, you can keep your seating flexible by customising it to your space and liking.
The unparalleled versatility of a modular sofa
Some models even come with handy built-in storage cubbies, perfect for a home with little storage.
Here’s a look at the same living room, this time, with just a single stool for seating.
Find out why modular sofas are a boon to urban homes
Find out why modular sofas are a boon to urban homes
3. Drop-leaf table
A drop-leaf table – thanks to its extensibility – can don many hats. Keep the leaves down to display it as a dressing table, nightstand or sideboard, or raise one or both up, to create a bijou dining table, an extended banquet, or anything in between. You can tailor it to the space you have available in your home, and avoid having to force-fit a table into unaccommodating nooks and corners.
A drop-leaf table – thanks to its extensibility – can don many hats. Keep the leaves down to display it as a dressing table, nightstand or sideboard, or raise one or both up, to create a bijou dining table, an extended banquet, or anything in between. You can tailor it to the space you have available in your home, and avoid having to force-fit a table into unaccommodating nooks and corners.
4. Bar stools
Bar stools can serve as ad-hoc seating for a kitchen counter, extra seating in the living room, or chairs in the balcony. They can find a role in just about any home or layout, and they’re worthwhile investments even if you don’t know where you’re moving next.
Bar stools can serve as ad-hoc seating for a kitchen counter, extra seating in the living room, or chairs in the balcony. They can find a role in just about any home or layout, and they’re worthwhile investments even if you don’t know where you’re moving next.
5. Kitchen trolley
A trolley is a versatile way of adding an on-demand surface to your kitchen (if it’s large enough). Use it as an island when you’re cooking and as a dining bar during mealtimes.
A trolley is a versatile way of adding an on-demand surface to your kitchen (if it’s large enough). Use it as an island when you’re cooking and as a dining bar during mealtimes.
Better still, turn it into a beverage or display counter when you have company. A trolley will never go to waste, and can provide a precious extra surface to any home you’re in. This trolley combines the virtues of a drop-leaf table and a trolley.
6. Nesting tables
Nesting tables occupy very little space, tucking neatly inside each other like Russian matryoshka dolls. However, each table can operate as an independent surface, serving as a side table, nightstand or display shelf. Whatever your home’s layout – now or in the future – you’ll always need spare surfaces. And there’s no better way to gain them than by opting for tables that quietly disappear when not needed.
Nesting tables occupy very little space, tucking neatly inside each other like Russian matryoshka dolls. However, each table can operate as an independent surface, serving as a side table, nightstand or display shelf. Whatever your home’s layout – now or in the future – you’ll always need spare surfaces. And there’s no better way to gain them than by opting for tables that quietly disappear when not needed.
7. Height-adjustable table
A height-adjustable table presents various elevations – and functions – to choose from. Swivel it up to create a bespoke dining counter or display surface, or wind it down to conjure a cosy coffee retreat. This way, you can leave your options open for the way you want to outfit your home in the future.
A height-adjustable table presents various elevations – and functions – to choose from. Swivel it up to create a bespoke dining counter or display surface, or wind it down to conjure a cosy coffee retreat. This way, you can leave your options open for the way you want to outfit your home in the future.
8. Stools and pouffes
Stools and pouffes can make for ornamental accessories and comfy seating. Given their lightweight build and portability, they’re perfect for accommodating new layouts. Plus, they’re a breeze to transport – one less thing to worry about when moving homes.
Stools and pouffes can make for ornamental accessories and comfy seating. Given their lightweight build and portability, they’re perfect for accommodating new layouts. Plus, they’re a breeze to transport – one less thing to worry about when moving homes.
9. Accent chair
An accent chair can not only up your rental decor game, but also be your own little personal retreat, perfect for winding down at the end of a long day. And when it’s time to pack up and move, you can take your cosy corner with you, to set it back up again in your new home.
An accent chair can not only up your rental decor game, but also be your own little personal retreat, perfect for winding down at the end of a long day. And when it’s time to pack up and move, you can take your cosy corner with you, to set it back up again in your new home.
10. Sleek table and chair set
Is it a recharge station? It it a desk? Or is it a breakfast-table-for-one? Well, consider it all of them. A table and chair that slot into each other can evolve with your home, serving as a breakfast table set today, a workstation tomorrow and a side table five years from now. Since a set like this doesn’t carry the trappings of a specific piece of furniture, you can decide what role to give it as your requirements change.
Read more:
7 Decor Tips to Make a Rented Apartment Feel Like a Home
12 Clever Ways to Squeeze More Out of Small Spaces
Tell us:
Are you a renter? Which of these furniture pieces would you consider investing in? Tell us in Comments below.
Is it a recharge station? It it a desk? Or is it a breakfast-table-for-one? Well, consider it all of them. A table and chair that slot into each other can evolve with your home, serving as a breakfast table set today, a workstation tomorrow and a side table five years from now. Since a set like this doesn’t carry the trappings of a specific piece of furniture, you can decide what role to give it as your requirements change.
Read more:
7 Decor Tips to Make a Rented Apartment Feel Like a Home
12 Clever Ways to Squeeze More Out of Small Spaces
Tell us:
Are you a renter? Which of these furniture pieces would you consider investing in? Tell us in Comments below.
A quality bed will serve you well for years, even decades, so it’s worth investing in a well-made, durable design. Remember to consider portability as a factor, however, especially if you’re having your bed assembled from scratch. A collapsible bed, or one that can be disassembled, can be furniture gold from a rental perspective, because it can be easily compacted and transported to your next destination.