Washington DC isn’t just the nation’s capital it’s also a hub for students, professionals, military families, diplomats, and remote workers. Whether you’ve just moved to the city or are here temporarily for a project or assignment, buying new furniture may not be the most practical or cost-effective choice. That’s where furniture rental in Washington DC becomes a smart solution.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover how furniture rental works, who it’s ideal for, the advantages it offers, and which companies to consider in 2025. We’ll also answer the most common FAQs at the end.
Why Furniture Rental Makes Sense in DC
DC is a city of transitions. People come and go for internships, fellowships, government contracts, semester-long programs, and diplomatic rotations. In such a fast-paced environment, furniture rental offers three major advantages:
No Commitment
You can rent furniture for as little as one month, or keep it for a year or longer depending on your needs. If you’re not sure how long you’ll stay, it gives you full flexibility without locking yourself into ownership.
Fully Furnish in Days
With rental services, you can fully furnish your apartment or home in under a week. Most companies offer pre-designed packages for every room—living, bedroom, dining, and even home offices.
No Stress Moving In or Out
Moving heavy furniture in and out of buildings, especially in DC’s rowhouses or apartment complexes, is expensive and difficult. Furniture rental companies handle delivery, setup, and pickup so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Who Benefits the Most from Furniture Rentals?
Furniture rental in DC is commonly used by:
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Students and Interns at Georgetown, GWU, American University, and Howard University.
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Corporate Employees on temporary assignments or training programs.
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Government Contractors who rotate between cities.
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Diplomats and international workers needing short-term housing.
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Homeowners staging properties for sale.
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Remote Workers who recently moved and want to test a new space before buying furniture.
What You Can Rent
Almost anything you’d need to furnish a home can be rented in DC. Items typically include:
🛋️ Living Room
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Sofas, sectionals, recliners
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Coffee tables and side tables
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Lamps and TV stands
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Rugs and wall art
🛏️ Bedroom
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Beds (twin to king)
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Memory foam or hybrid mattresses
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Dressers and nightstands
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Bedding and pillows (optional)
🍽️ Dining Room
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Dining tables and chairs
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Bar stools
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Buffets and hutches
🖥️ Home Office
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Ergonomic desks and chairs
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Filing cabinets and bookshelves
🍳 Kitchen & Accessories
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Cookware, dishes, and cutlery
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Appliances like microwaves, toasters, and coffee makers
📺 Add-ons
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Smart TVs
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Home decor
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Utility and starter packs
Many companies offer themed packages from minimalist modern to cozy classic—to match your style.
Top Furniture Rental Companies in Washington DC (2025 Edition)
1. Corporate Rentals
Known for its exceptional service and high-quality furnishings, Corporate Rentals is perfect for business travelers, interns, and professionals in DC. They offer:
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Full apartment packages
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Flexible lease terms
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White-glove delivery and setup
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Custom packages tailored to your needs
2. CORT Furniture Rental
CORT is a national leader in temporary furniture solutions. In DC, they serve students, corporations, and real estate professionals.
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Flexible terms from 1 to 24 months
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Pre-designed room packages
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Office furniture for remote professionals
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Online ordering and design assistance
3. Feather
Feather stands out for its sustainability and stylish, modern inventory. Ideal for minimalist apartment setups, they offer:
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Monthly plans starting at just $50/month
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Free swaps and upgrades
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Eco-friendly furniture choices
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Rent-to-own options
4. CasaOne
CasaOne has gained popularity in DC for serving both residential and office rental needs.
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High-quality modern furniture
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Ergonomic office packages
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Plans for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months
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Installation and pickup included
5. Oliver Space
Oliver offers a hybrid model—rent now, buy later—making it ideal if you’re unsure how long you’ll stay.
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Furniture delivered in 3–5 days
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Designer-curated packages
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Purchase credits for long-term renters
Pricing Overview
The cost of furniture rental depends on:
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The number of rooms
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Rental duration
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Type of furniture (basic vs. premium)
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Add-ons like decor or appliances
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Rental Package | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio Setup | $100 – $250 |
| 1 Bedroom Package | $150 – $350 |
| 2 Bedroom Setup | $300 – $600 |
| Entire Apartment (3+ rooms) | $500 – $1,000+ |
| Single Item Rentals | $10 – $100/item/month |
Note: Longer rental periods often come with discounts.
Furniture Rental vs. Buying: Which Is Better?
| Factor | Renting | Buying |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Low | High |
| Flexibility | High | Low |
| Delivery Time | 2–7 days | Depends |
| Resale Hassle | None | Yes |
| Long-Term Value | Lower | Higher |
| Ideal For | Short stay | Permanent living |
If you plan to stay in DC less than 18 months, renting furniture is usually more cost-effective and convenient.
Furniture Rental Tips for First-Time Renters
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Compare Packages Online: Most providers offer online browsing. Compare style, pricing, and delivery windows.
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Measure Your Space: Know your floor plan before ordering large pieces.
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Check Minimum Lease Periods: Some companies require a 3-month minimum.
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Ask About Extensions: Make sure you can extend your lease if needed.
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Review Damage Policies: Accidents happen—know what’s covered.
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Bundle for Savings: Renting packages (vs. individual pieces) can save you 20–30%.
FAQs About Furniture Rental in Washington DC
1. Is renting furniture cheaper than buying?
For short-term stays, yes. Buying may be cheaper long-term, but renting saves on upfront costs, storage, and resale hassles.
2. What is included in rental packages?
Most include essential furniture per room—sofas, beds, tables, chairs. Some offer linens, decor, kitchenware, and appliances at extra cost.
3. Can I rent furniture just for a few weeks?
Yes, but expect a higher monthly rate. Most providers prefer 1-month minimum rentals.
4. Do I need to be home for delivery?
Yes. Someone must be present to accept the delivery and sign paperwork.
5. What if I want to buy the furniture I rented?
Most companies offer rent-to-own or purchase options. Your rental payments can sometimes be credited toward the total price.
6. Is it safe and hygienic to rent furniture?
Absolutely. All rented items are cleaned, sanitized, and inspected before delivery.
7. What if I damage the furniture?
Minor wear is usually covered. For significant damage, you may be charged a fee. Damage protection plans are often available.
8. Can I customize my rental package?
Yes. Most providers allow you to swap items, upgrade, or build a custom package that fits your home’s layout and style.
9. Do furniture rental companies offer staging packages?
Yes. If you’re a realtor or homeowner, many providers offer staging solutions to help sell properties faster.
10. Is setup and pickup included in the cost?
Typically, yes. Most companies include delivery, installation, and pickup in their standard packages.
Final Thoughts
Renting furniture in Washington DC is no longer just a stop-gap it’s a smart, convenient, and increasingly popular lifestyle choice. Whether you’re a student moving in for a semester, a remote worker trying out a new city, or a corporate professional here for a project, furniture rental removes the hassle of moving and offers flexibility, style, and speed.
With a growing number of rental providers and customizable packages, you can create a home that feels just right without owning a single piece.