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How to furnish your Dutch rental (on a budget!)

1 year ago
advicejust for funmoneytips
5 minutes reading time
A pile of mover's boxes with various items next to a piano. Some warm candles sit on top of the piano as well as a lamp.

So, you’re looking to furnish your Dutch rental. After the stress of searching, this is the fun (and slightly chaotic) part: turning your space into a home. If you’re wondering how to find furniture in the Netherlands, look no further! Whether you’re staring at a completely empty apartment or just need to fill in the gaps, furnishing your Dutch home doesn’t have to break the bank—or result in yet another IKEA-heavy setup. (No shade to IKEA, we love you!)

Here are some fun, affordable, and smart hacks for furnishing your new place like a pro, without maxing out your budget or your patience. But first


What does “furnished” even mean?

If you haven’t moved in yet, or you’re still apartment hunting, here’s a heads-up: Dutch rental listings can be a little confusing when it comes to what “furnished” actually includes.

  • Unfurnished may mean no lighting, no flooring, and no curtains. Yes, really.
  • Semi-furnished might get you flooring and window coverings, but don’t expect a bed.
  • Furnished usually means basic furniture (sofa, bed, table), but definitions vary from landlord to landlord.

For a deeper dive on this (and to avoid a nasty surprise on move-in day), check out our guide to Dutch rental red flags.

1. Tap into the second-hand scene

The Netherlands is a goldmine for pre-loved furniture—and not just dusty hand-me-downs.

  • Marktplaats.nl is like Dutch Craigslist. You’ll find everything from designer sofas to cutlery sets. Just like regular Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace, make sure what you see is what you get!
  • Check out your local kringloop (thrift store). They’re everywhere, and often filled with hidden gems.
  • Join Facebook groups. Check for terms like [Your City] Buy/Sell/Swap or "weggeefhoek" (giveaway corner). In rental-heavy areas, these will be especially active.

Tip: Bring cash, be quick to message, and always check if the seller can help with transport (or if you’ll need to borrow a van).

2. Don’t miss out on free stuff

You’d be amazed what people give away for free, especially at the end of the month.

  • Browse the “gratis af te halen” (free to pick up) section on Marktplaats.
  • Use apps like Nextdoor or Free Your Stuff [City] groups on Facebook.
  • Keep an eye out on the street
 seriously! It’s not uncommon to find furniture left curbside, especially in bigger cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Many people have found gorgeous barely-used finds from people looking to get rid in a hurry.

3. Mix & match (it’s the Dutch way)

Dutch interiors are known for being stylish but lived-in. Don’t stress about having a perfectly matched living room set.

  • Pick a few statement pieces, then blend in budget basics.
  • Don’t underestimate the power of a nice rug, some plants, and warm lighting to make a space feel homey.

4. Think temporarily

Not sure how long you’ll be staying? There are clever ways to make your home comfortable without investing too much or making future moves a nightmare.

  • Consider multifunctional furniture (sofa beds, fold-out tables, etc.).
  • Go for self-adhesive hooks and removable wall decor so you don’t lose your deposit later. Always check the terms of your lease before changing anything too drastically!
  • If your place came without lights (yep, that’s a thing), try plug-in floor lamps instead of wiring new fixtures.

5. Don’t buy everything at once

It’s tempting to fill your space immediately, but Dutch apartments are often smaller than what you might be used to. Live in the space a little and see what you actually need, especially if you have roommates who are willing to share.

  • Start with the essentials: bed, table, seating, lighting.
  • Then slowly add: kitchenware, shelves, rugs, art, etc.

You’ll avoid clutter and regret purchases. Win-win!

Furnishing your Dutch apartment doesn’t have to cost a fortune or take weeks of waiting for delivery trucks. With a bit of creativity—and a few local tricks—you can build a space that feels like home, without the stress or IKEA overload.

And if you haven’t found that perfect place yet? That’s where Rentbird has your back. Our smart rental bots work 24/7 to find new listings that match your criteria before everyone else sees them.

Ready to find your next home faster? Give Rentbird a try and start your life in the Netherlands with one less thing to worry about.

Amy Worgan

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