Setting up a home in Amsterdam means getting to know the city’s furniture stores, and there are plenty to choose from.
Whether you have just arrived with two suitcases and an empty apartment or you are slowly upgrading from student basics to pieces you actually love, the choice ranges from vast out-of-town showrooms to tiny design boutiques and treasure-filled vintage shops.
Design and showroom stores
Amsterdam takes design seriously, and the city has a strong showing of Dutch and Scandinavian brands known for clean lines and clever, space-saving pieces.
Larger showrooms carry full ranges of sofas, beds, storage and lighting, often with interior advice and delivery included, while smaller boutiques focus on curated, higher-end collections.
For big shopping trips under one roof, many locals head to the out-of-town design malls just outside the ring road, where a cluster of stores lets you compare sofas and dining sets in an afternoon.
Budget and flat-pack
On a tighter budget, the familiar flat-pack chains and value retailers are well represented across the region, ideal for a first apartment or a quick refresh.
They are cheap, cheerful and easy to replace, though you will be building it yourself, so keep an handyman or assembly service in mind if flat-pack is not your idea of a good weekend.
Vintage and second-hand
Some of the best character comes from Amsterdam’s vintage and second-hand scene.
Design-focused resale shops, kringloopwinkels (thrift stores) and the city’s markets are full of solid older furniture at a fraction of the new price, from mid-century teak to sturdy oak tables.
It is more sustainable, easier on the wallet, and a good way to give a rented flat some personality.
Made for small Dutch homes
Amsterdam apartments are compact, and the stairs are notoriously steep and narrow, so think about scale and access before you buy.
Measure doorways and stairwells, ask whether a piece can be delivered in parts, and remember that many canal-side buildings rely on the hoisting hook above the window (a hijsbalk) to get large items in.
Modular sofas, extendable tables and beds with built-in storage all earn their keep in a smaller space.
Delivery, assembly and getting it home
Most larger stores deliver, but check whether delivery includes carrying items upstairs, which is not always standard.
For anything you are transporting yourself, a bike and panniers will only get you so far; when you are moving house or bringing home something big, a local mover with a van and hoisting gear is well worth the cost.
If you are still settling in, it is worth browsing real estate agents and lining up a cleaning service for the old place at the same time.
A few practical tips
Lead times on sofas and custom pieces can run to several weeks or months, so order early if you have a move-in date.
Keep proof of purchase for the warranty (garantie), and factor in that returns of large or made-to-order items can be limited.
When in doubt, buy the tape measure before the furniture.
Browse the full directory of Amsterdam furniture stores to find a showroom, boutique or vintage shop near you.
