What Is a Furnished Apartment?

A furnished apartment is an apartment that comes with the furniture you’ll need to live in the space, like a couch, beds, and basic appliances. There are three different types of furnished apartments: furnished, fully furnished (or turnkey), and semi-furnished.

When searching for furnished apartments, keep in mind that these terms are loosely defined and there are no set rules as to what should or shouldn’t be included in a furnished apartment.

Most furnished apartments include:

• A couch
• Coffee and end tables
• A dining room table and chairs
• Beds
• Basic kitchen appliances

Some furnished apartments may also include floor or table lamps, a toaster, a microwave, or basic cookware.

Fully furnished, also known as turnkey, apartments go a step beyond the basics to provide things like:

• Towels
• Blankets
• Dishes
• Pots and pans
• Silverware

You’ll likely find artwork on the walls and other décor. A washer and dryer might be included. The term “turnkey” refers to the fact that you can turn the key, walk in, and have everything you need to live comfortably. (Well, except for your clothing, toiletries, and food, of course.)

A semi-furnished apartment provides less than a fully furnished or furnished apartment. This space provides just the basic furniture and appliances you need like a couch, beds, tables, a refrigerator, and a stove.

If you are thinking about renting a furnished apartment, you might want to know more about what’s usually included, some of the reasons to choose a furnished apartment rather than an unfurnished one, and how to find one that fits your style. Let’s dive in and explore furnished apartments a bit deeper.

Why rent a furnished apartment?

In some cases, a furnished apartment makes more sense than an unfurnished apartment. For example, if you only plan to be in the apartment for a short time, you might not want to pack up and move heavy furniture that you’ll just end up having to move again.

A furnished apartment might be ideal for college students, those moving temporarily on business or for medical reasons, those who lack furniture (such as first-time renters or those looking for a fresh start), and those who move frequently.

What do furnished apartments include?

There’s no universal checklist for what comes in a furnished apartment, but most include the basics you’ll need to live comfortably. If the listing says it’s “fully furnished” or “turnkey,” expect more amenities, such as kitchen gadgets, bedding, and bath towels.

In both furnished and fully furnished rentals, you might also find cleaning supplies like a vacuum, broom, or ironing board. A laundry room may even come with a hamper or laundry basket.

Semi-furnished apartments, by contrast, usually provide only the large furniture pieces.

Living Room

• Furnished: Sofa, coffee table, side tables, and lighting.
• Fully furnished: Adds décor like artwork, bookcases, a desk, TV, or entertainment center.
• Semi-furnished: Basic setup — usually a couch and maybe a table or chair or two.

Kitchen

• Furnished: Refrigerator, stove, and possibly a dishwasher or microwave. Some include small essentials (can opener, spatulas, measuring cups).
• Fully furnished: Adds dishes, cookware, utensils, dish towels, and a coffee maker.
• Semi-furnished: Typically just appliances (stove and fridge).

Note: Don’t expect specialty items like blenders, stand mixers, or bread makers — those are rarely provided.

 Dining Room

• Furnished: Table and chairs, maybe wall décor.
• Fully furnished: Adds linens, placemats, a centerpiece, or a small hutch.
• Semi-furnished: Usually just a table and chairs.

Bedroom

• Furnished: Bed, dresser, lamps, and possibly linens.
• Fully furnished: Includes extra bedding, pillows, and small décor like an alarm clock or desk.
• Semi-furnished: Bed frame and dresser, but often no mattress or linens.

Bathroom

• Furnished: Shower curtain, bath mat, and wastebasket.
• Fully furnished: Full towel set, soap dish, toothbrush holder, and possibly a hair dryer.
• Semi-furnished: Just the basics (toilet, sink, tub); you’ll bring your own accessories.

Furnished Apartments vs. Unfurnished Apartments

How do you know if a furnished apartment is right for you? If you have very specific tastes, or if you are very picky about your furnishings, you might be better off with a blank slate.

On the other hand, if renting an apartment that’s already furnished would be a relief because you won’t have to shop for furniture or do a bunch of decorating, then perhaps a furnished apartment would be ideal for you.

How long do you plan to stay? If you think you’ll be in the space for no more than a year, you might consider a furnished apartment.

If you are moving across the country (or even to another country), it might be easier to rent a furnished apartment rather than try and move a lot of furniture a long distance.

Pros and Cons of Furnished Rentals

Considerations When Renting a Furnished Apartment

When renting a furnished apartment, there are some things to keep in mind. For example, the rent and security deposit might be higher than an unfurnished apartment. Furnished apartments may rent for shorter lease terms than traditional apartments, as well. And then there’s the inventory list.

What’s an inventory list, you ask? Well, there’s a lot that comes in a furnished apartment, and your landlord needs to keep track it all. Just as you would do a walk-through in an unfurnished apartment, you’ll want to do a walk-through in a furnished one. Here, you’ll have much more to look at.

In addition to looking for scratches on the baseboards or dents in the cabinets, you’ll want to look for marks or tears in the sofa and chairs, scratches on tables, wobbly legs on furniture, spots or stains on linens and fabrics, and any broken items.

Your landlord may want to count each item and check them off a list (for example, four hand towels, six forks, eight coffee mugs, two sets of sheets, etc.). When you move out, you’ll fill out another inventory list to make sure nothing is missing or damaged.

How to Personalize a Furnished Apartment

With a furnished apartment, you might find it a little more difficult to put your “stamp” on your home and make it feel like your own. You may be a little more concerned about placing a glass on your wooden end table since it could leave a ring, or you might think twice about enjoying a glass of red wine while relaxing on your cream-colored sofa.

While you probably won’t be allowed to change the existing furniture, there are ways to make the space your own:

• Use slipcovers to change furniture color or patterns.
• Add throw pillows and area rugs for comfort and style.
• Rearrange furniture if allowed by your lease.
• Hang temporary wall art or photos with removable hooks.

Just remember to put things back in their original place when you move out (take a few photos before you move anything to remember what goes where). You’ll want to leave the apartment in the same condition as you found it, so be sure to do a deep clean before moving out.

How Do You Find a Furnished Apartment?

Once you determine a furnished apartment is right for you, the next step is to find the right one.

If you are searching for apartments on Apartments.com, you can filter your search to show only furnished rentals. First, search your desired location. On the top left of your screen on mobile, you’ll see a "filter & sort" menu. Open that, and you’ll find “furnished” under “amenities.” Tap the box, then select "see results."

Narrow down your choices by looking through photos and taking some online tours. Be sure to save the ones you like to your favorites so you can easily compare them. Then email or call the apartment communities of your choice to learn more about their furnished apartment options.

What Questions Should I Ask When Searching for a Furnished Apartment?

Since no two furnished apartments are the same, you’ll want to ask some questions when you call about your favorites. Here are a few:

• What furniture is included?
• Is all the furniture included in the rent? (Some pieces may be considered extras, so ask.)
• What accessories are included? (This would include things like dishes, linens, pillows, etc.)
• Are any utilities included in the price of the rent?
• Do you have a list of the furniture and accessories in the apartment?
• What are your lease terms? Do you offer a flexible lease? (This question is important if you are planning to stay short-term.)
• Is there a separate security deposit for furniture?
• Can I choose my own furniture? (Some communities have options you can choose from, so it doesn’t hurt to ask.)

Once you’ve decided on the right apartment, you might want to take an in-person tour. During this tour, be sure to sit on the couch to make sure it is comfortable, sit at the dining room table and make sure it isn’t wobbly, and walk around to check out the traffic flow and furniture placement (for those spots where stubbed toes are likely). This will be your home, so make sure you are comfortable with it.

That’s it! The next steps are to apply for the apartment, do the walk-through and fill out your inventory list, sign the lease, and move in. Happy (super light) moving day!

This article was originally published on June 5, 2020 and has since been updated.