One of the questions you might have before you start renting is whether you want it to be furnished or unfurnished. Let’s dive into the different furnishing types − unfurnished, semi-furnished, furnished, and fully furnished − and their pros and cons, so you’ll find the perfect fit for your needs.

In the Netherlands, you can rent homes with different types of furnishings. Most common are unfurnished, semi-furnished, furnished, and fully furnished homes. All have pros and cons, depending on your personal preferences.

Unfurnished homes

When you rent an unfurnished residence, you need to start from scratch. You'll have to install your own flooring, or you can take it over from the previous residents. Lights, curtains, and furniture are not included, so you can truly bring your personality into your interior design.

Advantages of unfurnished homes 

• Decorate and furnish the space according to your preferences and liking.
• Rents are lower compared to furnished rentals.
  
  

Disadvantages of unfurnished homes

• You need to invest in furniture and lay the floors yourself. However, sometimes, you can take over the flooring from the previous resident. 
• Moving furniture in and out can be a burden.
  
  

When you rent an unfurnished home, you need to lay your own flooring. The kitchen and bathroom are both installed. 

Semi-furnished homes

In between unfurnished and (fully) furnished residences, you’ve got semi-furnished residences. This basically is comparable to an unfurnished residence, but usually includes flooring, lights, and curtains. Like unfurnished residences, you need to bring your own furniture.

Advantages of semi-furnished homes 

• Like unfurnished residences, you’re free to decorate your home the way you like it.
• Appliances in the kitchen and bathroom are usually included.
  
  

Disadvantages of semi-furnished homes

• You need to invest in furniture.
• Flooring, lights, and curtains may be subject to wear and tear and require regular upkeep.
• Semi-furnished residences may come with higher rent compared to unfurnished residences, due to the inclusion of some furnishing and appliances.
  
  

Semi-furnished rentals include a kitchen with appliances and flooring. Usually, curtains and lights are included. 

Furnished homes 

Furnished homes save you time and effort, especially when you transition quickly or without your own furniture. Furnished homes include flooring, curtains, and lights, but also essential furniture. Think of a bed, a table, chairs, and a closet. You can settle in with a minimal setup! 

Advantages of furnished homes

• No worries about moving big furniture. Everything is already set up in the residence. 
• By providing only the basics, furnished rentals often come at a lower price point than fully furnished options.
• Furnished rentals suit various renters, from students and young professionals to families looking for a temporary home, offering just enough to start building a cozy environment.
• In case you have your own taste in kitchen utensils, you save a lot of unnecessary utensils in your drawers and cupboards. 
  
  

Disadvantages of furnished homes

• Unlike fully furnished homes, furnished rentals don’t include everyday necessities like tableware, cooking utensils, or linens. However, often this can be easily addressed with add-on packages.
• Ordering and managing additional items such as linens and kitchenware requires extra planning, such as placing orders on time before your move-in date.
  
  

Fully furnished homes 

Let’s face it, fully furnished rentals are convenient for those who want to move quickly and easily. All essentials are included. Besides the basics (such as a bed, table, chairs, closet, and lighting), you’ll be provided with glasses, plates, cutlery, pots and pans, and cleaning equipment. Basically, your home contains everything you may need during your stay. You might want to decorate and personalize it, though.

Advantages of fully furnished homes

• Move in with your personal belongings and start living right away, saving you the hassle of buying or moving big and expensive furniture.
• All essentials are available from the moment you walk in. There’s no need to worry about missing something the day you moved. That’s a relaxing start to your rental adventure.
• Fully furnished residences are great if you’re not sure how long you want to stay somewhere. Why buy expensive furniture if you’re moving after a year?
• Is something worn or broken? Big chance that it will be replaced, sometimes even for free.
  
  

Disadvantages of fully furnished homes

• It’s more difficult to customize the space to your liking. Replacing furniture? You need to put it back once you move. Extra work!
• As a fully furnished home includes everything you need, the rent will be higher compared to unfurnished and semi-furnished residences. Consider your budget if the extra costs are worth it for you.
• As a tenant, you’re responsible for the upkeep of the provided furnishings, which can add to your costs.
  
  

Fully furnished homes include all the furniture you need to start. Think of the couch, table, chairs, television, and bed. Note: the decoration in the picture above is not included!