Guide to Furniture Hire in London: Everything You Need to Know

Are you considering options for furniture hire in London? From table to chair hire, we’ve compiled a complete guide to help you rent furniture for corporate and private events in the capital.

Planning an event, be it a grand gathering or a simple celebration, requires attention to numerous details, one of which is the choice of furniture. Believe it or not, the furniture you pick is equally as important as other elements, such as décor. This is because furniture adds to the aesthetic appeal of the event and is directly related to guest comfort and theme cohesion.

Furniture hire is a cost-effective and convenient solution for creating stylish, functional spaces for events without the commitment of purchasing. Hiring provides flexibility in terms of choosing from a diverse variety of themes, sizes, and styles, allowing event planners to customise the theme and aesthetics for an event to suit any occasion.

Therefore, whether you’re hosting a corporate event, a wedding, or a hen party, hiring furniture ensures you get your hands on trendy furniture while saving yourself the unnecessary hassle of maintenance and storage. As the world starts to prioritise sustainability by promoting the reuse of high-quality items and minimising waste, there has never been a better time to shift to hiring furniture when planning a significant event.

Furniture Hire in London

In London, renting furniture for events is becoming increasingly popular as it caters to a diverse range of services across corporate and personal events. London, a big city renowned for its active party scene, provides an opportunity for high-demand furniture rental solutions.

Whether you’re hosting the wedding of your dreams, a product launch to introduce a much-awaited product in the market, or an award ceremony your employees are eagerly looking forward to. We suggest renting furniture for your event at a cost-effective and flexible price.

Employers across London also hire furniture for short-term and flexible use to accommodate hybrid workers and furnish temporary workspaces. However, that’s not all furniture hire can be useful for – it is highly common for property developers to hire furniture for residential listings to help potential clients visualise the space and how it can be furnished.

Therefore, whether you’re an event planner or a real estate developer looking to woo your clients, you can make good use of hiring furniture.

Why Hire Furniture in London?

1. Get Furniture Quickly

London, being a city with constant activity and important events happening year-round, can make event planning and execution challenging. Between pop-up events, corporate relocations, and seasonal functions, demand fluctuates fairly quickly, and that’s where furniture rental companies come in – with well-equipped expertise to respond with flexibility, they can offer next-day delivery (based on availability) and provide setup and pickup services to make the event planning process smooth and convenient.

2. Avoid Storage Costs

Another great advantage to hiring instead of purchasing furniture lies in the ability to regularly change or refresh your space without being tied down to storage or setup issues. This offers businesses an excellent opportunity to match their furniture with seasonal marketing strategies and branding. It gives event planners an opportunity to always keep up with trendy themes and align their furniture with the relevant theme. Renting furniture allows party planners to get the most trending furniture for their event without breaking the bank!

3. Free Expert Advice

Availing rental services also comes with expert guidance. Furniture rental companies all over the UK offer pre-purchase consultations to help clients choose the right style of equipment they may need for the event. Furniture rental companies also have themed packages tailored to popular themes, including décor and furniture. This makes it all the more convenient to organise a themed event such as a birthday party, a hen party, or a corporate event.

The expert advice that comes free of cost with furniture rental services is particularly beneficial for event planners working under a deadline or first-time party hosts with little knowledge of event planning.

4. Eliminate the Risk

Lastly, furniture hire – be it within London or outside – eliminates the risk associated with ownership and frees you from long-term commitment that also requires maintenance and storage. Renting allows for fast and smooth transitions in a big city like London, where plans can change at a moment’s notice.

So, whether you’re hosting a birthday party or a gaming event, rental furniture offers convenience and affordability.

Factors to Consider While Choosing Furniture Hire

1. Event Type

The nature of your event plays a huge role in determining the type of furniture to arrange. For instance, a corporate event such as a board meeting will require a drastically different type of furniture than an intimate garden party or a wedding.

While a networking corporate event may benefit from cocktail tables and barstools to encourage socialisation and mingling, a banquet dinner would require comfortable seating with trestle tables decorated with fancy table tops.

Furniture rental companies often have customised collections tailored for the type of event you may be hosting, and even if that’s not an option, they can help pick the right type of furniture for your event. However, it’s important to clarify your event type early on in the selection process to ensure a cohesive and appropriate design.

Visit our extensive online catalogue listing to browse the furniture for hire in multiple categories, including tables and chairs in various styles.

2. Available Space

Understanding the size and layout of the venue is another key detail event planners often overlook when selecting the furniture for an event. Overcrowding a small space with bulky tables and chairs can make the venue appear cramped. However, under-furnishing the space isn’t a good choice either, as it can make the venue appear empty, and the décor may also appear bland without the appropriate amount of furniture to go with it.

Therefore, before you pick out the furniture, make sure to measure the area and take notes of any fixed features, such as doors or stages. Many furniture rental companies also offer planning assistance for the venue layout so you can make the right arrangements for an event setup.

3. Chair and Table Style

The style of the chair and table you rent can be a game-changer for the overall event aesthetic. Whether you’re going for a modern, minimalistic look or a boho, eclectic style, the design of your furniture must align with the theme and aesthetic of the event. Moreover, the comfort of your guests should also be considered when picking out furniture. If your guests are likely to spend a significant amount of time sitting down at the event, choosing high-quality, comfortable chairs and appropriately sized tables is essential. You may also consider the ease of transportation, such as renting foldable or stackable tables and chairs, which can also be useful.

At the end, it comes down to personal preference and your requirements based on the type of event. At Daniel Lay Event Services, we have a wide variety of tables and chairs for hire in London and surrounding areas. Contact us to request a quote for your event.

4. Age and Abilities of the Guests

It’s also important to consider the age and abilities of your guests for the event. If the event is likely to host older adults, children, or people with mobility issues, choosing furniture that offers stable seating and easy access becomes necessary. Moreover, avoid high tools or seating that’s too low. Instead, consider opting for diverse seating options with easily accessible seating zones that can easily accommodate guests with mobility problems. Ensuring comfort and ease of accessibility for the guests should be a top priority for a successful event.

How to Decide the Number of Chairs and Tables to Hire?

1. Number of Guests

The guest size is the most obvious deciding factor for the final furniture count. An accurate headcount goes a long way in ensuring enough space to comfortably accommodate every guest while also helping you avoid spending unnecessarily on rentals that could clutter the space. For fully seated events, it’s essential to have a seating arrangement for every guest. However, for events that are more laid-back and focus primarily on mingling and networking, seating for around 70-80% of the guests is sufficient. However, consider whether extra tables will be required for food, displays, or registrations.

2. Event and Venue Space

Before you go ahead and finalise the furniture count, make sure to analyse the size of the venue and event space. The size of your space will influence the kind of tables and chairs you rent to seat all guests without overcrowding the venue. If the venue is a large and spacious hall, banquet-style seating with trestle or round tables with Chiavari chairs can be rented. However, a smaller event space requires a more compact setup, such as cocktail tables or theatre-style rows.

Considering space for walkways, stages, catering areas, and other décor and furniture requirements is also significant to ensure an efficient setup. Having a venue layout can help you visualise the arrangement and avoid common mistakes like overcrowding the space with furniture and leaving no space for guests to move and mingle.

3. Style of Seating

Another deciding factor for the furniture count includes the style of seating you will be choosing. For instance, a formal dinner arrangement will require round tables that typically seat 6 to 10 guests per table, whereas a conference-style arrangement with long tables can accommodate 10-15 guests per table.

If the event is casual and intimate and you’re thinking of a cocktail arrangement, limited seating, fewer chairs, and more high tables may be a good choice. The key to deciding the style of seating you need for the event is to consider the nature of your event – whether the guests are mostly going to be seated, standing, or a bit of both. Then, choose a seating style that accommodates that preference.</span

Be mindful of the fact that different seating styles (particularly trestle and round tables) require spacious venues.

Types of Furniture Available for Hire

Furniture types available for hire include a wide variety of decorative pieces, including chairs, sofas, tables, and outdoor seating, enabling you to pick from a diverse range of choices. The categories are versatile and have appropriate choices for several occasions, such as engagement parties, weddings, hen parties, corporate events, and more.

Chairs and tables are the heart of any event – they can also elevate the event’s theme if matched appropriately with its essence. For instance, Chiavari chairs draped with satin or printed cotton covers and tied with silk sashes for a wedding add perfectly to the elegant and classy aesthetic, while wooden tables and seats decorated with appropriate centrepieces make the perfect addition to a rustic and vintage vibe. Moreover, LED furniture is also a popular choice for the neon and nightclub theme aesthetic and can really get the guests grooving!

1. Wedding and Party Furniture Hire

Wedding and party furniture call for elegance with a touch of personalisation, which is why hiring furniture instead of making an expensive outright purchase for these events is uncommon. Common picks for party hire include Chiavari chairs, round tables, trestle tables, dance floors, bar counters, and plinths to add the perfect touch of décor. These furniture elements are specifically selected to complement romantic and festive arrangements.

This type of furniture can also be used for hen parties, bridal or baby showers, and even graduation parties. However, it’s essential to know how to set them up with perfect decorative elements to make the furniture stand out. For wedding décor, include ivory-toned or white-toned chairs with floral adornments and tables decorated with similar table tops and crystal centrepieces. Similarly, for a Gatsby-themed party, pick an art-deco vibe with a black or golden backdrop, a black carpet, and black plinths. Combine these with Chiavari chairs and inflatable white sofas for the perfect Art Deco aesthetic.

Add name cards, candles, and floral runners for a personal touch. Lounge areas can also be styled with throws, cushions that align with the theme’s colour, and mood lighting for a blend of sophistication and mood.

2. Corporate Furniture Hire

Corporate events such as exhibitions, trade shows, AGMs, conferences, and seminars call for furniture that is functional yet elegant and simplistic. For professional events, you will typically need to hire modular display stands, stools, counters, poseur tables, and easels.

The main goal for this category is to include a professional and welcoming space for client interactions, brand showcases, and networking. Focus on comfortable seating for long-running meetings, sleek tables for marketing materials, and branded counters to leave a lasting impression on attendees.

Other elements to add to the furniture include choosing the right tablecloth – carefully consider and match the colour palette for the event when picking the tablecloth. The choice of fabric can range from satin, polyester, and cotton. Since each fabric has its own unique touch and feel, pick whichever fabric you think is appropriate.

Make sure to also enhance the tables with lights, candles, and centrepieces. Think candlelit centrepieces and ambient lighting. These elements can help set a tone for the event and create an inviting and warm atmosphere.

3. Luxury & Bespoke Furniture Hire

For luxury events where exclusivity and style are the sole focus, luxury, and bespoke furniture hire becomes the go-to option for event planners, as it allows them to host a high-end event stylishly yet cost-effectively. This category includes premium designer lounge furniture, statement pieces, ornamented décor, and other themed items tailored to the chosen event theme.

This furniture is mostly used for galas, VIP events, award ceremonies, brand events, and celebrity gatherings and is considered the centrepiece for the event’s layout. Consider opting for velvet chaise lounges, crystal-adorned tables, and fancy dining chairs, and if you’re hosting a corporate event, make sure to incorporate furniture customised to reflect a brand’s identity.

It’s necessary to decorate luxury furniture with high-end materials that are carefully placed. For instance, add additional touches with floral arrangements, chandeliers, silk cushions, and crystal centrepieces for tables. Other elements to look out for include incorporating the right colours and making sure the space is well-designed with ambient lighting.

Hiring the right furniture enables you to transform any space, whether it’s for a one-day occasion or a project likely to go on for several weeks. With diverse and trendy options available for hire, you can curate the ideal setup for any event or purpose and elevate the experience for your guests and employees.

How to Choose the Right Furniture Hire Company in London?

Whether planning an event, setting up a temporary workstation, or staging a home, hiring high-quality and trendy furniture isn’t possible without the right hiring company. With so many providers available, especially within London, it can get overwhelming to make a choice.

Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a furniture hire company in London:

1. Assess Your Needs and the Company’s Reputation

Identifying and evaluating your needs is essential before you pick a furniture hire company. Why do you want to rent furniture? Is it for a corporate cocktail event or a 50^th birthday bash? The type of event, your budget, guest list, and furniture requirements will help you narrow down your search. Choose companies that offer the types of furniture you want to rent. Secondly, the number of days you require the furniture for can also be a contributing factor, as companies that don’t meet your requirements are eliminated.

Once you’ve shortlisted the companies that have the type of furniture you want to rent, assess their reputation to ensure good-quality services. Read customer reviews and testimonials before you go ahead with starting the hiring process. Also, make sure to examine the feedback to identify patterns. For instance, recurring complaints about delayed delivery timings and poor customer service are red flags to avoid.

2. Inventory Quality and Variety

Furniture hire isn’t merely about availability – it’s also about getting high-quality items that suit the event’s theme, the audience’s comfort, and look classy with the overall venue space. A good furniture hire company will offer a diverse and unique variety of options, from modern and minimalist to themed furniture.

Whether you’re hosting a nightclub-themed party to dance the night away with your friends and family or an elegant, simplistic garden party for your wedding, you should be able to find appropriate furniture options.

Quality is also key, particularly for special and luxury events such as weddings and corporate gatherings. High-end events require furniture that’s trendy but also appears new, clean, and well-maintained. Make sure to view the inventory available at the rental company in advance before you finalise the hiring process and see the furniture for yourself.

3. Delivery and Setup Services

Another essential element to watch out for includes the delivery and setup services. A good hiring company should provide timely delivery, particularly in a city like London where traffic can be highly unpredictable.

Additionally, setup services are equally important. Professional companies can style and install furniture and décor as intended, maintaining presentation and brand consistency. It also means one less thing for clients to manage on their special day, reducing major logistic headaches. This can particularly be beneficial for major events such as weddings or corporate functions.

4. Consider the Rental Agreement

It’s essential to carefully consider and read the rental agreement because different businesses provide different rental terms. As a renter, you should pay close attention to the rental period’s time frame, payment terms, and policies for damage.

While availability for furniture or equipment hire can range anywhere from a day to weeks, monthly leases may also be available with flexible terms. It can also be beneficial to enquire about what happens post-rental period – whether or not you can extend the lease or if it’s possible even to purchase the furniture. Additionally, ask about any hidden or extra charges that may be included. It’s quite common to overlook these, and sometimes, these hidden charges can be hefty (extra charges for setup, delivery, or pickup).

Cost of Furniture Hire in London and Nearby Areas

While hiring furniture and decorative items has become a popular choice across London, the hire costs are usually based on the location and type of furniture you’re hiring. Understanding the pricing structure and the hidden costs to watch out for can help you estimate an accurate budget and avoid any unnecessary surprises.

Average Furniture Hire Costs by Type

Factors Affecting Furniture Cost

Several factors affect the furniture rental cost:

• Type and Furniture Style: High-end furniture used for luxury ends usually costs more than standard furniture pricing. Bespoke furniture used for VIP or themed events can also have premium rates.
• Quantity and Duration: Hiring furniture in bulk may get you a discount. Additionally, hiring for longer durations may also reduce the daily rate. Some organisations offer weekly or monthly rates that are cheaper than daily rates.
• Season and Demand: Prices tend to surge during peak seasons. Summer is considered the peak season for weddings, whereas trade shows often happen during particular periods. Booking well before the event can help avoid peak season charges.
• Customisation: Customised items, such as themed furniture or branded items, typically cost more than standard furniture.
• Location: charges in Central London are higher than in nearby areas such as Sussex or Essex, possibly due to delivery logistics and higher demand.

Additional or Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

While the cost of the furniture might be reasonable, there are often additional costs that can increase the overall rate.

• Delivery and Collection Fees: You may need to pay additional charges based on the order size and location. The delivery cost is usually charged by mile.
• Damage Deposit: A refundable amount may be charged as a damage deposit. This can range from £50 to £100 based on order size and quantity.
• Minimum Hire Periods: Some companies require a minimum hire period, such as 2-3 days, even if you only require the items for a few hours of the day.
• Set Up Charges: If you require a professional setup for large events such as a corporate gathering, you may be required to pay extra.
• Late Return Penalty: Fees may be charged for returning the rented items late.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Renting Furniture

If you’ve decided on renting furniture for your big event but are running on a tight budget, consider applying the following tips for renting furniture:

1. Budget Rentals

The key to making furniture rental even more cost-effective than it is is choosing available bundled packages rather than hiring each furniture item individually. For instance, many rental companies offer themed bundled packaging, including furniture and décor for popular themes. Bundled packages have the potential to significantly reduce costs while saving you the hassle of individually seeking out needed items.

Daniel Lay Event Services offers party planning for specific themes, such as The Great Gatsby, James Bond, Neon Night Club, and more.

2. Prefer Local Rental Companies

The further a rental company is located from your location, the more delivery they’re likely to charge. Therefore, it’s recommended to hire locally. Hiring from a company located nearby will not only significantly reduce delivery costs but also make last-minute changes and communication convenient in case of any issues.

Daniel Lay Event Services provides furniture for hire in London, Kent, Sussex, and surrounding areas. With offices in these three main locations, we can quickly deliver furniture to hundreds of cities near these hubs.

3. Go for Multi-Purpose Furniture

Pick a single piece of furniture that can serve multiple purposes. For instance, ottoman stools can be great for lounging and storage, whereas long or medium-length benches can be used for seating and display. Choose fewer essential items to stay within your budget without compromising style and functionality.

4. Book Early

Booking orders early saves costs associated with peak season and ensures better availability and diverse choices. Availability is a major issue when hiring equipment and furniture due to limited quantity. Planning ahead allows you to secure your preferred choices without having to settle for limited options.

5. Compare Prices

Instead of going for the first rental company you come across, take the time to shop around and request quotes from at least three to four furniture hire companies. While finalising a deal with the first rental company you come across can be tempting, carefully analysing prices from different companies can result in substantial savings.

Some companies may even offer added value, such as free setup, complimentary accessories, and longer hire periods, which can all make a big difference to your final budget.

Daniel Lay Event Services provides the most high-quality yet affordable furniture rental in the UK. We have an extensive variety of tables and chairs in excellent condition that can be hired for private or corporate events. Contact us today to hire tables and chairs in London, Sussex, Kent, and surrounding areas.

Trends in Furniture Hire 2025

Whether it’s the clean lines of modern minimalism, the charm of vintage aesthetics, or the growing focus on sustainability, furniture trends have also evolved.

1. Modern Minimalism

Chic and contemporary designs with neutral colour palettes have become a huge hit in event aesthetics. This style focuses on keeping the layout to a minimum with furniture that easily integrates into any environment without overwhelming the space or décor. Chiavari chairs, minimalist chairs, and adjustable seating options dominate this category.

2. Rustic/Boho Elegance

The aesthetics of natural wood textures with vintage elements make your event look dreamy and classy. Mismatched wooden chairs with rustic poseurs or wooden tables and bars evoke the perfect sense of timeless beauty and warmth. The theme is particularly popular for weddings, intimate gatherings, and other outdoor events.

3. Art Deco Revival

Ready to take a trip to the 20s? The Great Gatsby has never been more popular as an event theme. Ideal for hen parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate galas – the Art Deco includes furniture pieces with gold or chrome finishes, intricate designs, and velvet upholstery.

4. Popular Colours for Event Furniture Rentals

Earthy Tones: 2025 revives earthy tones such as lush greens, rich browns, and warm terracotta for a grounded and organic aesthetic. These colours, perfect for outdoor events or nature-inspired themes such as garden parties, evoke a sense of connection to nature and tranquillity.

Muted Pastels: Featuring the beauty and simplicity of baby pink, lavender, and blue – muted pastels bring a touch of sophistication and elegance, making them an ideal pick for weddings and corporate galas.

Bold Pops of Colours: Bold red, sunny yellow, and cobalt blue are ideal for adding energy and vibrancy to events. This colour palette is ideal for festivals, parties, and dynamic corporate events where mingling among guests is a priority.

Conclusion – Guide to Furniture Hire in Rental

Furniture hire is a flexible solution for anyone looking to hire affordable yet trendy and high-quality furniture for events such as weddings, corporate gatherings, hen parties, birthdays, and more. There are several options to consider if you’re looking for furniture hire in London, but Daniel Lay Event Services will always stand out. We have been providing tables and chairs for hire for private and corporate events for over a decade. You can trust us to provide quality furniture in the UK at unmatched prices.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Furniture Hire in London

How long can I hire furniture for?

The duration of time you can hire furniture for depends on the rental company and your needs. Most companies are flexible and tailor packages that cater to your timeframe. However, you must make sure to check for minimum hire periods that can be anywhere from a day to a week.

Do furniture hire companies provide delivery and setup?

Yes, many rental hire companies provide delivery to your location and setup services as a part of their rental contract. Some even offer pickup services that include removing the items from the location after the rental period is over.

Daniel Lay Event Services provides three types of services:

• Equipment delivery
• Equipment and set up
• Self-collection from warehouse

What happens if the rented furniture gets damaged?

Minor damages are typically expected, and companies do not charge for this. However, major damages such as broken parts, stains, and tears are charged for repair and replacement. This cost is adjusted in the security deposit.

Can I customise the furniture I hire?

Hired furniture can be customised. However, it’s best to consult with the rental companies for extensive customisation. Choice of colours in tablecloths, chair covers, cushions, and slipcovers are common personalisation choices in hired furniture.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes, deposits are typically required for hired furniture. For instance, security deposits and booking deposits are typically a must.

Can I extend my rental period?

Yes, many hiring companies allow their clients to extend their rental period. If you’re thinking of extending your rental period, contact the company before the current rental period ends. However, make sure to watch out for any additional fees.