You've just signed the lease. Now what?
You've made it to Switzerland — the paperwork is done, the keys are in your hand, and you're standing in your new apartment. It's beautiful. High ceilings, hardwood floors, big windows. And it's completely empty.
If you've just moved from abroad, this moment can feel overwhelming. Where do you even start? Where do people buy furniture here? Why is everything so expensive? And why does your apartment not even have ceiling lights?
Take a breath. As an expat who went through this exact experience in Zürich, I wrote this guide to save you the weeks of confusion I went through myself.
The first surprise: Swiss apartments are really empty
If you're coming from the UK, US, or most other European countries, you're probably used to apartments that come with light fixtures, curtains, and maybe even some basic appliances. In Switzerland, unfurnished means truly unfurnished. You'll often need to bring or buy your own ceiling lamps, curtain rods, and sometimes even a washing machine. Always check with your landlord what's included before you sign the lease.
On the bright side, most Swiss apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen — oven, stove, dishwasher, and fridge are usually there. That's one less thing to worry about.
Where to buy furniture in Switzerland
Here's a practical overview of your options, roughly organised by budget:
Budget-friendly: IKEA is the obvious starting point — there are stores in Zürich, Lausanne, Geneva, Bern and other cities. Prices are a bit higher than in other countries, but it's still the most affordable option for basics. Micasa (by Migros) is another solid budget option with decent quality. For online shopping, Beliani and Home24 offer large catalogues with free delivery.
Mid-range: Pfister and Livique are popular Swiss furniture chains with a good balance of quality and price. Galaxus (think of it as Switzerland's Amazon) carries a surprisingly large furniture selection with free delivery. La Redoute and Sofacompany are great online options for stylish sofas and textiles.
Higher-end: For design-forward pieces, check out Connox, Goodform, or Bolia. If you want to see and touch furniture in person, Wohnhilfe in Zürich carries over 30 premium design brands.
Second-hand (don't skip this): Switzerland has fantastic second-hand options because expats are constantly moving in and out. Check Ricardo.ch, Anibis.ch, and Facebook Marketplace. You'll find high-quality pieces at a fraction of the original price. Local Brocki (thrift) shops are also treasure troves!
The real challenge isn't buying — it's deciding
Most expats don't struggle with finding furniture. They struggle with making it all work together. You buy a sofa you like, a rug that seemed nice in the store, a lamp from IKEA, and somehow the whole room still feels... off.
That's because good interior design isn't about individual pieces — it's about how everything works together. The colours, proportions, textures, and layout all need to tell the same story.
This is exactly why I created Homelya. Instead of spending weekends wandering through stores hoping things will match, you can get a complete design plan created specifically for your space — including a moodboard, furniture layout, and a shopping list with links to buy everything.
A few tips I wish someone had told me
Measure everything before you buy anything. Swiss apartments have beautiful but sometimes unusual layouts — sloped ceilings, oddly placed radiators, narrow doorways. That gorgeous sofa you ordered might not fit through the front door. I've seen it happen.
Don't try to furnish everything at once. Start with the essentials — a good bed, a comfortable sofa, a dining table, and proper lighting. Let the rest come over time. A half-furnished apartment with pieces you love is better than a fully furnished one that feels random.
Think about light. Swiss winters are dark, and your apartment will feel completely different in November than it does in July. Warm lighting, light-coloured textiles, and mirrors can make a huge difference during the grey months.
Remember the rental rules. In Switzerland, you'll need to return the apartment in its original condition when you leave. That means no drilling into walls without permission (or being prepared to fill and repaint), no permanent changes, and a thorough deep clean at the end. Keep this in mind before you install that gallery wall.
Need help making it all come together?
If this all feels like a lot, you don't have to figure it out alone. At Homelya, we create personalised design plans for expats and professionals in Switzerland — fully online, no meetings, starting at CHF 199. You get a moodboard, colour palette, furniture layout, and a complete shopping list with links to everything you need.
Whether it's a single room or your entire apartment, I'll help you turn that empty space into a home you actually love.