Landlord furniture trends from LOFT
LOFT is a furniture supplier who specialise in working with landlords and letting agencies. We’re constantly chatting to those in the PRS space to keep our fingers on the pulse, along with sales data, it allows us to predict industry furniture trends.
This year has been dominated by discussions about how the Renters Rights Act will reshape the landscape of tenancies. Naturally, the feedback we’re receiving right now is that of trepidation. Landlords and tenants alike want to see how the dust settles.
One of the biggest practical changes is that tenancies will no longer be built around a fixed/minimum term in the same way as before. That means a tenant could give their notice much earlier than landlords have traditionally planned for, potentially increasing tenant turnover and the frequency of changeovers.
As a result, there’s an emerging trend for furnishing properties with increased durability—pieces that can withstand heavy use and still look great for the next viewing.
Many landlords have expressed concerns about items becoming shabby or even damaged too quickly. With potentially more frequent changeovers, they’re seeking options that remain attractive and functional—helping the home present well for marketing photos, viewings, and the next tenancy.
We’ve highlighted five top tips for making sure the furniture in your property stands the test of time:
1. Choosing engineered finishes
By prioritising stain and scratch-resistant finishes and laminates on key pieces such as dining tables, sofas, and beds, there is a barrier against the inevitable spills, knocks, and scuffs that come with everyday living.
2. Sofas with metal frames
Sofas tend to have either wooden or metal frames within them. Whilst it may not be apparent on the outside, a metal frame should be significantly stronger than its wooden counterpart. As one of the most used items in a home, investing in something that lasts is a good idea.
3. Choose hard-wearing, easy-clean upholstery
Soft furnishings still do a lot of heavy lifting in a rental. Look for tightly woven fabrics, durable synthetics or performance fabrics, and finishes that resist staining. Practical touches like removable cushion covers and darker, textured tones can also help furniture look newer for longer between tenancies.
4. Look for furniture with longer warranties
It goes without saying that having a warranty on an item of furniture can provide piece of mind. But it also tracks that furniture companies are more willing to put longer warranties on the furniture they know lasts.
5. Ease of replacement
Though this doesn’t directly correlate with an item’s durability, at the end of the day, everything can break. So choosing furniture which can be quickly replaced, rather than taking weeks to arrive and needing a day to understand the instructions to assemble, is always useful.
When a piece does need to be replaced, the process should be quick and straightforward, minimising downtime and helping landlords maintain a consistent standard in their properties. Choosing widely stocked products or those with easily replaceable parts ensures that landlords aren’t left scrambling for matching pieces or waiting weeks for deliveries.
Durability does not mean compromising on style. Modern durable furniture comes in a wide range of contemporary designs, allowing landlords to create inviting spaces that appeal to tenants while still being robust.
Ultimately, this focus on long-lasting furniture is about future-proofing rental properties in an era of changing regulations and tenant expectations. If tenants can give notice earlier—and there’s no longer the same fixed/minimum term to anchor planning—landlords may need to relet more often. Durable, good-looking furniture becomes a real advantage: it keeps the property presenting well, reduces refresh costs between tenancies, and helps homes relet faster.
Durable furniture isn’t just a practical choice—it’s an investment in long-term value, supporting stronger marketing, smoother changeovers, and better tenant experience over time.
