Furniture rental has become an increasingly popular alternative to buying furniture outright. Renting furniture allows you to easily upgrade your space without a long-term commitment. It’s also a more affordable option, especially if you only need furniture for a short period of time.
With so many furniture rental companies to choose from, it can be tricky to identify the best options. We’ve researched the top furniture rental providers and highlighted what sets each one apart. Read on for our picks for the best furniture rental companies.
CORT Furniture Rental
CORT has been in the furniture rental business for over 50 years. With showrooms located across the US, it’s one of the largest furniture rental companies.
Why Choose CORT?
- Huge selection: CORT offers everything from living room furniture to home office furniture, bedroom furniture, appliances, and more. They have over 1 million furniture and houseware items available to rent.
- Flexible rental periods: You can choose to rent furniture for as little as 3 months or as long as you want. This makes CORT a great option whether you just moved or are looking to test out new furniture before committing.
- Nationwide availability: With over 250+ locations, CORT has a wide network of showrooms and distribution centers. This makes delivery and returns more convenient.
- Suite packages: For an effortless rental experience, CORT offers pre-selected furniture packages for entire rooms. This takes the guesswork out of styling a cohesive space.
- Rental-to-ownership: CORT gives renters the option to own their rented furniture by applying a portion of rental payments towards the purchase price.
Drawbacks
- Delivery fees can add up, especially if you’re furnishing an entire home.
- Inventory varies by location, so selection is not consistent across all showrooms.
FERNISH
FERNISH is a relative newcomer in furniture rental, founded in 2017. While they don’t have the vast distribution network of some competitors, FERNISH sets itself apart with its modern aesthetic and technology-driven approach.
Why Choose FERNISH?
- Contemporary style: FERNISH furniture leans modern and trendy. They partner with emerging designers not widely accessible through other rental companies.
- Seamless digital experience: You can browse inventory, schedule delivery, manage your rental, and more all through FERNISH’s user-friendly app.
- Flexibility: Lease furniture month-to-month with flexible delivery and pickup. You can swap pieces out as often as you want.
- All-inclusive pricing: FERNISH pricing bundles delivery, assembly, and returns for a flat monthly rate. There are no hidden fees.
- Ease of returns: If you break down or decide to return an item, FERNISH will pick it up free of charge. Damages are rare, but issues are handled on a case-by-case basis if they do occur.
Drawbacks
- Limited geographic availability: FERNISH is currently only available in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Chicago.
- Smaller selection: With a tightly curated roster of products, you have fewer furnishings to choose from compared to major national rental companies.
FEATHER
FEATHER is a furniture rental startup that launched in 2017. They differentiate themselves by offering furniture designed in-house specifically for renting.
Why Choose FEATHER?
- Custom-designed furniture: Since FEATHER products are made exclusively for rental, the pieces are high-quality, durable, and easy to assemble.
- No long-term commitments: Lease furniture on a month-to-month basis and return anytime. You only pay for the months you have the furniture.
- Stylish original designs: FEATHER’s in-house design team creates pieces that are contemporary, comfortable, and design-forward.
- Flexibility: You can change your rental plan or swap items at any time. Pickup and delivery is free.
- Broad service areas: FEATHER delivers to over 25 metro areas across the U.S., with more locations planned.
Drawbacks
- Premium pricing: FEATHER tends to be pricier than leasing traditional rental furniture of comparable quality.
- Limited selection: The focus on proprietary designs means less variety compared to other rental companies.
Aarons
You may be more familiar with Aarons for electronics and appliance rentals, but they also offer furniture. As one of the largest rental companies overall, they have a sizable furniture inventory.
Why Choose Aarons?
- Widespread availability: With over 1,800 stores across the U.S. and Canada, Aarons has broad reach for in-store shopping and fast delivery.
- Ownership options: You can choose to rent furniture short-term or opt for a rent-to-own plan. This allows payments to go towards eventually owning the furniture if desired.
- Huge selection: From sectionals and bedroom sets to patio furniture and home décor, Aarons has it all. You can outfit an entire home.
- Budget-friendly: Discount pricing makes Aarons more affordable than boutique rental services. They often run great deals and discounts.
- Quick delivery: Aaron’s offers same-day or next-day rental furniture delivery from local stores.
Drawbacks
- Quality can be hit or miss. As a discount retailer, some furniture may not hold up to heavy use over many years.
- Rental plans can become expensive if you opt to rent long-term instead of buying.
Ikea
Yes, even IKEA offers furniture leasing now. It operates differently than traditional rental, but it’s worth considering.
Why Choose IKEA?
- Affordable: IKEA already provides cheap furniture to buy. Their rental prices are very budget-friendly, at around 30-50% less than buying.
- Flexible terms: Lease furniture for as short as a month or up to 3 years. You can also purchase pieces outright later if you fall in love with them.
- Convenient: IKEA leasing is available on select items in stores. Simply take the furniture home that day rather than waiting for delivery.
- Familiar selection: Find the same Swedish-designed furniture you already know and love from IKEA. Opt to rent popular staples like the FJÄLLBO TV unit or KLIPPAN loveseat.
- Easy returns: As long as furniture is clean and undamaged, returns are simple. Disassembly is not required.
Drawbacks
- Limited selection: Only certain pieces are available for leasing, usually IKEA’s core basics.
- Online leasing isn’t available. You have to visit select physical IKEA stores that offer the leasing program.
Article Furniture Rental
Article is an online furniture company that expanded into rentals. Their rental selection includes Article classics made available at flexible monthly rates.
Why Choose Article?
- Cool, contemporary style: Article is known for sleek, modern designs at accessible price points. Their rental collection includes best-selling sofas, tables, storage and more.
- Month-to-month: Rent furniture starting at just 1 month. Change up your space as often as you want.
- Seamless online rental: Browse, select and complete the entire rental transaction on Article’s user-friendly website. No showroom visit required.
- Free shipping: Article offers free nationwide shipping and returns. Local delivery is available in select metro areas starting at just $99.
- Add-on services: You can add on assembly, mounting, cleaning services and more for extra convenience.
Drawbacks
- Limited selection: Article’s rental offerings only include about two dozen of their most popular items. The overall catalog is much more extensive for purchasing.
- Pricier than discount rental outlets: Article charges premium contemporary furniture pricing, even when renting. It’s cheaper than buying Article new but more costly than say, renting from IKEA.
Rent-A-Center
Rent-A-Center is one of the OG’s of furniture rent-to-own. They offer flexible leasing on brand name furniture for almost any room.
Why Choose Rent-A-Center?
- Broad assortment: Rent living room, bedroom, dining, patio and kids’ furniture. Appliance and electronics rentals are also available.
- In-store access: Shop pieces and arrange rental in person at one of Rent-A-Center’s over 2,800 locations.
- Pay as you go: Plans allow you to pay weekly, semi-monthly or monthly on short-term or longer rentals.
- Ownership program: Part of your rental payment goes toward owning the item if you continue renting to term.
- Instant pickup: Take furniture home same day when renting locally.
Drawbacks
- Pricier than upfront purchase: Renting to own typically ends up costing more than buying outright if rented long-term.
- Pressure sales tactics: Some locations aggressively push extended warranties, rent-to-own plans, etc.
- Quality concerns: Brand selection prioritizes affordability over durability. Furniture may not withstand years of regular use.
Why Should You Consider Renting Furniture?
Here are some of the biggest benefits of renting rather than buying furniture:
Cost Savings
Furniture rental allows you to get designer furniture at a fraction of retail prices. Even when factoring in months of rental payments, you ultimately spend less than buying new. Renting makes higher-end furniture accessible to more budgets.
Flexibility
Tastes, trends and life circumstances change. With rental, it’s easy to switch up your style or get a larger couch when you need one. No need to worry about selling or disposing of furniture you no longer want.
No Commitment
Not sure if you’ll love a bright velvet sofa or stay in your current apartment long? With no long leases or financing, rental allows you to take style risks without ending up stuck with pieces that no longer suit.
Convenience
Delivery, assembly, moving and returns are all handled for you by the rental company. You don’t have to arrange any logistics or do heavy lifting and cleaning when it’s time to send furniture back.
Temporary Needs
If you’re in the midst of a move, renovating your home or need to furnish a temporary space like a corporate housing rental, leasing furniture is ideal. You can get set up with beautiful furniture without investing in permanent pieces.
Test Drives
Ever wondered what it would be like to own that iconic Eames chair or gorgeous Restoration Hardware sofa? Renting lets you experience high-end designs and brands before you commit to investing thousands on buying them.
What Should You Look for in a Furniture Rental Company?
If you’ve decided to go the rental route for your next furniture acquisition, choosing the right company is key. Here are the top factors to evaluate:
Selection
Go with a company that offers an extensive range of styles and brands to choose from. You want plenty of options to create a space that suits your taste.
Flexible Terms
Look for month-to-month or short 3-12 month rental terms with flexible renewal policies. Avoid any company trying to lock you into a lengthy lease.
Responsiveness
Pick a provider with good customer service reviews. Changing delivery dates or reporting issues should be easy processes.
Affordable Pricing
Do some comparison shopping to find the best deals. Many companies offer promotions or first-month discounts if you sign up for text alerts.
Convenience
Opt for a rental company that delivers, sets up furniture and removes it seamlessly. Assembly and return policies can make a big difference in your experience.
Local Showrooms
Having a physical location nearby allows you to see and test furniture before committing. Look for brands like CORT and Aaron’s with national showroom networks.
Condition of Furniture
Read reviews and evaluate the description of furniture condition for items you’re interested in. Steer away from brands renting out old, worn furniture.
Damage Protection
Understand the liability for damages before renting. Reputable companies often provide repair coverage for minor damage from normal wear and use.
Early Termination Policies
Choose a company that lets you return furniture and cancel your lease early with minimal penalties. This provides greater flexibility.
By evaluating these factors, you can zero in on the best furniture rental providers for your needs. The right company makes getting set up with stylish furniture quick, easy and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Furniture Rental
Furniture rental may be new territory if you’re used to traditional furniture shopping. Here are answers to some of the key questions renters have:
Is rented furniture good quality?
This depends on the rental provider. Big companies like CORT work directly with name brand manufacturers like Ashley Furniture to source their rental inventory. Smaller boutique renters often use in-house designers and higher-end makers.
The key is inspecting furniture closely before accepting delivery. Understand the item condition and who is responsible for repairs. Well-made pieces can withstand rental use for years with proper care.
Can you damage rental furniture?
Normal wear and tear is expected with rented furniture. Companies anticipate having to repair and reupholster items regularly. Most don’t charge for minor dents and stains that come with use.
However, you may be charged for damages that go beyond standard wear like large rips, broken parts, and irreparably stained fabric. Understand the damage waiver policies before committing.
Can you buy rented furniture?
Some rental companies like CORT and Aarons offer a rent-to-own option. A portion of monthly rental fees go toward ultimately owning the pieces.
Renters wanting to buy furniture outright after a rental term will need to negotiate this directly with the company. Some may be willing to sell showroom floor models or retired rental pieces at a discount.
Who assembles and delivers rental furniture?
Most rental providers have dedicated teams that handle all furniture delivery, assembly, setup and returns. With major national companies, you can usually select a delivery window and get pieces set up on the date you need.
Can you customize rental furniture?
Renters generally can’t customize pieces the way you could when ordering new furniture. Rental inventory consists of preset packages and ready-to-rent floor models.
That said, ask your provider if color and fabric customization is an option. Some companies may be willing to swap cushions or paint pieces for an additional fee. This varies case by case.
How far in advance should you rent furniture?
Ideally, start your rental search 4-6 weeks before you need furniture delivered. This gives you time to browse options, ask questions, and complete the rental agreement without rush shipping fees.
For major life events like amove, plan 3-4 months out. Holidays and busy seasons can impact delivery timelines. Give yourself plenty of lead time.
Can you rent furniture for an event?
Yes, many rental companies accommodate short-term event rentals. Be sure to inquire about minimum rental periods, which are often 3-7 days. Delivery, pickup, cleaning and damage waiver fees may be higher for short event rentals.
Key Takeaways on Renting Furniture
- Renting furnishes your space with high-quality furniture at a fraction of retail cost. You can lease designer pieces with rental rates starting as low as 15% of the purchase price.
- Today’s rental market includes major national chains, rent-to-own stores, boutique companies and even big box retailers like IKEA. This extensive selection allows you to find almost any style.
- Opt for providers that offer quick delivery, painless assembly and returns, and flexible cancellation policies. Avoid renting from companies with quality concerns or too-good-to-be true advertised prices.
- Look at reviews and talk to sales reps to understand exactly what condition rented furniture will arrive in. Confirm who handles repairs over the lease term so there are no surprises.
- While renting makes financial sense for temporary needs, carefully compare costs if considering a long-term plan. A lengthy rental can end up costing more than if you purchased furniture outright.
- Renting requires little commitment – you can change out pieces or cancel plans every month if needed. This freedom to experiment with no long-term anchor is a major perk for indecisive decorators.
Renting furniture lets you decorate the home of your dreams on nearly any budget. With an array of reputable companies to choose from, creating a beautiful leased space is easier than ever.