Where to Buy Furniture in Washington DC: Your Complete Guide
Finding the perfect furniture in Washington DC can be both exciting and overwhelming. With countless options ranging from high-end retailers to budget-friendly stores and rental services, navigating the DC furniture market requires some insider knowledge. As long-time furniture experts in the capital region, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you discover the best furniture buying options in Washington DC.
Understanding Washington DC’s Unique Furniture Market
Washington DC’s furniture market reflects the city’s diverse population and distinctive character. From historic Georgetown brownstones to modern high-rises in Navy Yard, the District’s varied living spaces create demand for an equally diverse range of furniture styles.
According to recent market research, the DC metropolitan area’s furniture industry has grown by approximately 8% annually over the past three years, outpacing the national average of 5.7%. This growth has attracted both national chains and local boutiques, creating a vibrant marketplace for consumers.
Buying vs. Renting Furniture in Washington DC
Before diving into specific retailers, it’s important to consider whether buying or renting furniture best suits your needs in DC.
When Buying Makes Sense
Purchasing furniture is typically ideal for:
- Permanent residents who plan to stay in DC long-term
- Homeowners with established style preferences
- Those with specific design visions requiring custom pieces
- Individuals seeking investment pieces that appreciate over time
When Furniture Rentals in Washington DC Make Sense
Renting furniture offers significant advantages for many DC residents, particularly:
- Federal employees on temporary assignments
- Military personnel stationed in the area
- Graduate students at Georgetown, American, or GW
- Corporate relocations with uncertain timelines
- Home stagers preparing properties for sale
- Temporary residents who don’t want to invest in moving costs
A recent housing study revealed that approximately 23% of DC residents move within two years, significantly higher than the national average of 13%. This transient population creates perfect conditions for furniture rental services to thrive.
Top Furniture Stores in Washington DC
Luxury and High-End Options
Room & Board
Located in the heart of 14th Street’s design district, Room & Board offers American-made, modern pieces with an emphasis on sustainable materials and timeless design. Their 36,000-square-foot showroom displays carefully curated room settings that help customers visualize possibilities.
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
This Georgetown staple provides sophisticated upholstery pieces and case goods with an emphasis on comfort and quality. Their design consultants offer complimentary services to help customers create cohesive spaces.
Design Within Reach
For authentic modern design classics and contemporary pieces, Design Within Reach in Georgetown offers an impressive selection. Their knowledgeable staff can provide insights into the history and craftsmanship behind each piece.
Mid-Range Quality and Price Points
West Elm
With locations in Georgetown and Logan Circle, West Elm offers modern designs at accessible price points, with frequent sales and promotions. Their focus on Fair Trade Certified™ products appeals to socially conscious consumers.
Crate & Barrel
The Spring Valley location showcases contemporary furniture with clean lines and versatile styling. Their in-house design services help customers navigate the sometimes overwhelming process of furnishing a home.
CB2
Located in Georgetown, CB2 offers trendy, modern pieces with a youthful edge at competitive prices. Their small-space solutions are particularly popular with apartment dwellers.
Budget-Friendly Options
IKEA
While technically located in College Park, MD, and Woodbridge, VA, these IKEA locations serve the DC market with affordable, functional furniture that appeals to students and young professionals. Recent data shows that 73% of millennials in urban areas like DC have purchased at least one IKEA item for their homes.
Wayfair (Online)
Though not a physical store, Wayfair’s popularity in the DC area has exploded, with local delivery options and easy returns making it a convenient choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
Furniture Rental: A Smart Alternative for Washington DC Living
For many DC residents, furniture rental provides flexibility that traditional purchasing cannot match. According to industry reports, furniture rental services in metropolitan areas have seen a 15% increase in demand over the past two years, with Washington DC showing particularly strong growth.
Benefits of Furniture Rentals in Washington DC
At Corporate Rentals, we’ve seen firsthand how furniture rental offers significant advantages:
- Cost-effectiveness for short-term residents: With the average cost of moving a one-bedroom apartment in DC exceeding $1,200, renting furniture eliminates significant moving expenses.
- Design flexibility: Rental packages allow you to swap out pieces as your taste evolves without commitment to permanent pieces.
- Convenience: Full-service delivery, assembly, and eventual pickup save valuable time in a busy urban environment.
- Quality assurance: Professional maintenance and replacement of worn items ensure your furniture always looks its best.
- Sustainability: Furniture rental reduces landfill waste by keeping furniture in circulation rather than being disposed of after short-term use.
Who Benefits Most from Furniture Rentals in Washington DC?
Our experience shows these groups benefit most from furniture rental services:
Military Personnel
With frequent PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves, military families appreciate our flexible rental terms and special military discounts. According to Department of Defense statistics, over 400,000 service members relocate annually nationwide, with a significant portion moving through the DC area.
Corporate Relocations
For professionals on temporary assignments in DC’s government, consulting, or diplomatic sectors, furnished housing with rental furniture provides turnkey convenience.
Students
Georgetown, American, George Washington, and Howard Universities attract thousands of out-of-state students annually who need furnishings for just their academic tenure.
Home Stagers
DC’s competitive real estate market, with homes selling for an average of 11.5% more when professionally staged, creates constant demand for rental furniture among realtors and sellers.
How to Choose the Right Furniture for Your Washington DC Space
Whether buying or renting, consider these DC-specific factors:
Space Considerations
DC is known for its historic row houses and compact apartments. The average apartment size in DC is 736 square feet, smaller than the national average of 882 square feet. This requires thoughtful furniture selection:
- Consider multi-functional pieces like storage ottomans or expandable dining tables
- Measure doorways, stairwells, and elevators before purchasing large items
- Opt for furniture with legs that create visual space in smaller rooms
Style Considerations
DC’s architecture spans Federal, Victorian, Colonial, and ultra-modern. Your furniture should complement your building’s style:
- Georgetown’s historic homes often benefit from traditional pieces
- Mid-century modern furniture complements DC’s many 1950s-60s buildings
- Contemporary glass and steel high-rises pair well with sleek, modern designs
Climate Considerations
DC’s humid summers and variable winters should influence fabric choices:
- Natural fibers like cotton and linen breathe well in summer humidity
- Leather can be a year-round option, but requires conditioning in winter
- Synthetic performance fabrics resist moisture and mildew in basement-level apartments
The Corporate Rentals Difference in Washington DC
As a long-established provider of furniture rentals in Washington DC, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional service tailored to the District’s unique needs. Our customers consistently highlight these advantages:
- Comprehensive packages that include everything from major furniture pieces to housewares and electronics
- Flexible rental periods starting from just three months with easy extensions
- Personalized service with design consultants who understand DC’s diverse residential styles
- Prompt delivery within the Beltway, often available within 48 hours
- Hassle-free pickup when your rental period ends
According to our customer satisfaction surveys, 92% of clients rate their experience as “excellent” or “very good,” with particular praise for our delivery teams and customer service representatives.
Making Your Decision: Next Steps
Whether you decide to purchase or rent furniture in Washington DC, consider these final recommendations:
- Assess your timeline honestly—if there’s any uncertainty about how long you’ll stay, a rental provides valuable flexibility
- Calculate total costs beyond just purchase price—including delivery, assembly, potential storage, and eventual moving or selling costs
- Consider your lifestyle and whether you’re ready to commit to specific pieces long-term
- Visit showrooms when possible to test comfort and quality in person
- Request samples of fabrics and finishes to see how they look in your specific lighting conditions
For those interested in exploring furniture rentals in Washington DC, we invite you to visit our showroom or browse our collections online. Our consultants can help you find the perfect furniture solution for your unique situation.