A Practical Guide to Furnishing Your New Home in Málaga
When moving to a new country, there are already plenty of things to organise. Finding the right property, signing contracts, arranging utilities, opening bank accounts, registering with local services… the list can feel endless.
Renting or buying an unfurnished property in Málaga can seem like one more challenge to add to the pile.
The good news is that furnishing a home in Spain is usually much easier than many newcomers expect. Whether your style is contemporary, Scandinavian, Mediterranean or more traditional, Málaga offers a wide range of furniture and homeware options across different budgets.
Many long-term rental properties in Spain are rented unfurnished, particularly if the owner expects tenants to stay for several years. If you have arrived from a country where furnished rentals are more common, this may come as a surprise. However, once you know where to shop and who can help, the process is relatively straightforward.
Three ways to approach it
1. Do it yourself
If you have the time and enjoy the process, shopping for furniture yourself gives you full control over your budget and style.
Most major retailers offer online shopping and home delivery, and several have showrooms in Málaga where you can see the furniture before purchasing.
This is often the most economical option, particularly if you are happy assembling furniture yourself or have some local help.
2. Hire a man with a van
If you are buying from IKEA or another retailer and simply need someone to collect, deliver and assemble everything, this can be a very practical solution.
Lars offers a collection and assembly service covering the Málaga area. He can collect furniture, transport it to the property and handle the assembly, saving you several days of work and multiple trips back and forth.
If you would like an introduction, feel free to get in touch.
3. Use an interior designer or turnkey furnishing service
For buyers, investors or busy professionals relocating to Málaga, a complete furnishing service can remove a significant amount of stress.
Many of our clients choose to work with reputable interior designers or turnkey furnishing specialists who can manage the entire process from start to finish.
These services typically include space planning, furniture selection, purchasing, delivery coordination and installation. Some also provide complete furnishing packages covering décor, bedding, kitchenware and household essentials, allowing an empty property to become fully move-in ready with minimal effort from the owner.
This can be particularly useful if you are furnishing remotely, have limited time, or want a cohesive design throughout the property. If you would like recommendations, we are happy to introduce you to trusted local professionals.
Where to buy furniture in Málaga
There are two main areas worth focusing on when furnishing a property in Málaga.
The first is Málaga city centre, particularly around Alameda Principal, where you’ll find several furniture and home décor showrooms within walking distance of each other.
The second is Plaza Mayor and the adjacent Bahía Azul retail park, located near Málaga Airport. This is where you’ll find many of the larger furniture stores, making it possible to furnish most or all of a property in a single trip.
Need help settling into Málaga? We connect international clients with trusted local professionals to make finding, moving into and furnishing a home easier.
Furniture stores in Málaga city centre
Located on Alameda Principal, Kave Home is a Spanish brand known for its contemporary Mediterranean style.
The furniture feels modern without being overly trendy, making it a good option for both owner-occupiers and landlords looking for quality pieces that will age well.
Mid-range pricing.
Located close to Alameda Principal, Bolia is a Danish furniture brand and one of Málaga’s standout showrooms.
The focus is on Scandinavian design, natural materials and high-quality craftsmanship. Prices are at the premium end of the market, but the furniture is built to last.
Even if you’re not planning to buy immediately, the showroom is worth visiting for inspiration.
Spain’s best-known department store offers a broad homeware section covering furniture, lighting, bedding, kitchenware, towels and decorative accessories.
Particularly useful for filling the practical gaps once the larger furniture pieces are in place.
If you’re looking for quality bedding, cookware, tableware or household essentials, this is often one of the easiest places to start.
Furniture stores near Plaza Mayor
For many people furnishing a property in Spain, IKEA is the first stop.
The range covers virtually everything needed for a home, from beds and wardrobes to kitchens, sofas and storage solutions.
Good value, practical and widely available.
Located in the Bahía Azul retail park next to Plaza Mayor.
Maisons du Monde offers a broad mix of styles including contemporary, industrial, classic and Mediterranean influences.
Particularly strong for decorative accessories, lighting and occasional furniture.
Online furniture stores in Spain
If you prefer to shop online, Spain has several excellent furniture retailers that deliver nationwide.
A personal favourite.
Sklum is a Spanish brand with a contemporary Mediterranean aesthetic and excellent value for money.
Particularly strong on sofas, dining furniture, outdoor furniture, lighting and decorative accessories.
The photography and room inspiration on the website are also very helpful if you’re starting with an empty property.
Contemporary European brand with a curated, design-led aesthetic. Strong on furniture, lighting, textiles and decorative accessories. Mid-range to premium positioning.
French retailer offering contemporary and Scandinavian-inspired furniture and homeware.
A good balance between design, quality and affordability.
Known for solid wood furniture and timeless designs.
A good option if you’re looking for pieces that feel substantial and are likely to remain relevant for many years.
Spanish brand combining Mediterranean warmth with Scandinavian simplicity.
Well suited to creating a cohesive look throughout an apartment or family home.
A note on deliveries
Before placing large orders, it is worth confirming exactly what is included in the delivery service.
Some retailers deliver directly into the property, while others may only deliver to the building entrance.
If your apartment is located on an upper floor, particularly in an older building without a lift, it is worth checking this in advance.
The Spanish terms to look out for are:
- Entrega a domicilio – home delivery
- Subida a planta – delivery to your floor
- Montaje incluido – assembly included
Understanding these details beforehand can save a lot of frustration on delivery day.
Final thoughts
Furnishing an unfurnished property in Málaga often feels more intimidating before you start than it does once you’re actually doing it.
The city has a good selection of furniture stores, reliable delivery services and local professionals who can help if needed. Whether you’re looking to furnish a rental property, a permanent home or an investment apartment, there are options available for most budgets and styles.
When the time is right, we help our clients get connected to the right professionals to make the move as smooth as possible. After helping many people relocate to Málaga, we’ve built a network of trusted local contacts and practical recommendations that can make settling into your new home that little bit easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "unfurnished" mean in Spain?
Unlike some countries, an unfurnished property in Spain will usually include a fitted kitchen and major appliances. This typically means an oven, hob, extractor fan, fridge-freezer and washing machine are already installed.
What is usually missing are the movable items such as beds, sofas, tables, chairs, wardrobes, televisions, curtains and decorative accessories.
Tumble dryers are less common than in Northern Europe or North America, although many properties have space to install one if required.
Are rental properties in Málaga usually furnished?
It depends on the type of rental.
Short-term and seasonal rentals are often furnished, while long-term rentals are frequently offered unfurnished or partially furnished.
If you’re relocating from abroad, it’s worth clarifying exactly what is included before signing the contract.
How much does it cost to furnish an apartment in Málaga?
The answer depends entirely on your taste, the size of the property and how much furniture you need.
As a rough starting point, I often suggest budgeting a bare minimum of €1,000–€2,000 per room for the basics. This would typically cover the very basic furniture items needed to make the property functional and comfortable.
Living rooms tend to be the most expensive spaces to furnish. Once you add a sofa, dining table, chairs, television unit and lighting, costs can quickly add up.
Beyond the basics, budgets can increase significantly depending on your choices. Decorative accessories, artwork, rugs, televisions, home office equipment, outdoor furniture, small appliances and premium furnishings can all add considerably to the final cost.
Where can I buy furniture in Málaga?
Some of the most popular furniture retailers in Málaga include IKEA, Kave Home, Bolia, Maisons du Monde and El Corte Inglés.
For online shopping with delivery throughout Spain, many residents also use Sklum, Westwing, Kenay Home, Tikamoon and La Redoute.
Can I furnish a property in Málaga remotely?
Yes.
Many buyers and tenants furnish properties remotely before arriving in Spain.
Most furniture retailers offer online ordering and delivery, while interior designers and turnkey furnishing services can manage the entire process on your behalf, including purchasing, delivery coordination, assembly and styling.
Is IKEA Málaga easy to reach without a car?
Yes.
IKEA Málaga is located next to Plaza Mayor and is accessible via the Cercanías C-1 train line from Málaga Centro Alameda station. The train stops directly at Plaza Mayor, making it one of the easiest large furniture stores to reach using public transport.
This article provides general guidance only. Rental requirements vary by owner and property. For advice specific to your situation, book a consultation with KeyHunters.
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