Moving into a new apartment in Switzerland is exciting. It can also be surprisingly expensive.
The rent is usually the first number everyone thinks about. Then come the deposit, insurance, internet, moving costs, and suddenly you still need a sofa, bed, table, lamps, curtains, plates, towels, storage, and all the small things that make an apartment feel like a home.
So, how much does it really cost to furnish an apartment in Switzerland?
The short answer: it depends on the size of your apartment, the quality of furniture you choose, and whether you buy everything new or mix new pieces with second-hand finds. A very minimal setup can start from around CHF 1,500 to CHF 3,000, while a comfortable, well-designed apartment can easily cost CHF 6,000 to CHF 12,000 or more.
This guide breaks down the costs room by room, so you can plan your furnishing budget with more confidence.
Quick Answer: Typical Apartment Furnishing Budgets in Switzerland
Here is a realistic overview if you are starting from an empty apartment.
| Apartment type | Basic budget | Comfortable budget | Higher-end budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio apartment | CHF 1,500–3,500 | CHF 4,000–6,000 | CHF 7,000+ |
| 1-bedroom apartment | CHF 3,000–5,500 | CHF 6,000–9,000 | CHF 10,000+ |
| 2-bedroom apartment | CHF 5,000–8,000 | CHF 9,000–14,000 | CHF 15,000+ |
| Family apartment | CHF 8,000–12,000 | CHF 14,000–22,000 | CHF 25,000+ |
A basic budget usually means simple furniture, fewer decorative items, second-hand pieces, and only the essentials.
A comfortable budget allows you to create a more finished home, with better lighting, rugs, curtains, storage, and furniture that fits your space properly.
A higher-end budget gives you more flexibility for quality materials, custom solutions, designer pieces, and a more complete interior design concept.
Why Furnishing an Apartment in Switzerland Can Feel Expensive
Switzerland is known for its high cost of living, and furnishing a home is no exception. Even when you choose affordable shops, the total can rise quickly because you are rarely buying just one large item.
You may start with a sofa and a bed, but then you also need:
- lighting for every room
- curtains or blinds
- a dining table and chairs
- storage furniture
- rugs
- bedding and towels
- kitchen basics
- delivery and assembly
- decoration
- plants
- cleaning supplies
- small tools and hardware
Many newcomers also forget that Swiss apartments are often rented unfurnished. In some homes, even ceiling lamps, curtain rails, or bathroom storage may not be included.
That is why a clear plan is so important before you start shopping.
How to Save Money Without Making Your Apartment Feel Cheap
Saving money does not mean your apartment has to look unfinished. The key is to spend strategically.
1. Mix affordable furniture with a few stronger pieces
You do not need everything to be expensive. A simple table, basic shelves, or affordable side tables can look good when combined with a quality sofa, rug, or lamp.
2. Buy second-hand where quality matters
Second-hand furniture can be a good option for wooden tables, sideboards, chairs, shelves, and outdoor furniture. These pieces often age better than cheap new furniture.
3. Avoid buying everything in one weekend
When you rush, you often buy items that are the wrong size, wrong colour, or wrong style. Start with the essentials, then add the rest once you understand how you live in the space.
4. Measure before every purchase
This sounds obvious, but it is one of the most common mistakes. Measure the room, doorways, lift, stairwell, and wall space before ordering large furniture.
5. Choose a simple colour palette
A calm colour palette makes budget furniture look more cohesive. Neutral tones, warm woods, soft textiles, and one or two accent colours are usually enough.
6. Spend money on the items you use every day
Prioritise the sofa, mattress, office chair, dining chairs, lighting, and storage. These are the pieces that affect daily comfort the most.
Should You Furnish Your Apartment Yourself or Use an Interior Designer?
You can absolutely furnish an apartment yourself, especially if you enjoy research, shopping, measuring, comparing products, and planning layouts.
But if you are busy, new to Switzerland, or unsure where to start, working with an online interior designer can save time and help you avoid expensive mistakes.
A designer can help you answer questions like:
- What size sofa fits this room?
- Where should the dining table go?
- Which colours work with the flooring?
- How do I make the apartment feel warm, not temporary?
- What should I buy first?
- Where can I save, and where should I invest?
- How do I make everything look coherent?
This is especially helpful in Swiss apartments, where layouts, lighting points, storage, and rental restrictions can make decorating more complicated than expected.
How Homelya Can Help
At Homelya, we help you turn an empty apartment into a home without spending every weekend in furniture stores.
Our online interior design service gives you a personalised design plan for your space, including a moodboard, furniture layout, colour palette, and shopping list.
That means you know what to buy, where to place it, and how to make everything work together before you start spending money.
Whether you are furnishing one room or a full apartment, a clear plan can help you avoid wrong purchases and create a home that feels calm, practical, and personal.