The Japanese Furniture Trend We Can't Stop Thinking About

Like many things from Japan, there's a booming Japanese furniture trend that is starting to catch on with younger generations in the U.S. Because lifestyles are becoming increasingly transitional and less firmly rooted in one place, renters are starting to crave convenient, temporary furniture solutions. Investing in lifelong pieces doesn't make sense if you don't know where you're going to be living in the next few years. That's where the popular concept of furniture rental comes in.

Granted, there have been furniture rental services for years, but various factors have been making it more desirable, especially in an urban metropolis like Tokyo. Subscription furniture services have grown by double digits in Japan and are projected to become even more popular there, "driven by urban tenants who relocate every three years on average," according to Mordor Intelligence. The market research company also notes, "Corporate clients adopt the model to furnish co-working hubs that adjust to hybrid-work demand swings."

Beyond hybrid-work conditions and the fact that young people increasingly want a less permanent solution that suits their transitory lifestyle, apartments in Tokyo are typically compact. This means furniture that might suit one apartment may not fit in the next layout. Instead of worrying about tricks to downsize before moving to a smaller space, starting fresh can be a simpler solution. That's made even easier by the digital interfaces used by these furniture companies, which allow renters to experiment with different furniture in their layout using augmented reality, so that they already know how something will fit and look before it ever arrives. 

Expats have also helped popularize this trend, as it's common not to know exactly how long a visa or work contract may last. As the trend continues to grow worldwide, several companies are starting to offer more accessible, affordable furniture rental options for individuals.

Furniture rental is a great option if you love a minimalist lifestyle without the minimalist aesthetic. You can fill your home with fun, funky, and colorful pieces that won't weigh you down, and you usually don't have to assemble or disassemble any of it. If your style frequently changes, these services also allow you to try home trends risk-free, the same way contact paper is a renter-friendly design hack. Fernish and Cort are two popular furniture rental options to consider. Make sure to check your zip code to ensure they service your area.

There are a few downsides to furniture rental services to be aware of. Namely, you should always read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up. There are often significant fees for late returns or damaged furniture, so this might not be an ideal solution if you have a messy household with children or pets. Like anything that's available to rent, you should also consider how long you plan to commit, and whether the total rental price ends up being equal to buying the furniture outright. Overall, furniture rental can be one of many affordable hacks to fake a high-end, luxurious home on a budget – if you're the right candidate.