FAQ
Our Frequently Asked Questions, Answered
Getting Started
Planning your furniture hire
Should I hire or buy furniture for my event?
Short answer:
For most events, hiring furniture is the better option. It is usually more cost effective, easier to manage and far more flexible than buying, especially for short term events, productions and weddings.
A little more detail:
Buying furniture can seem like a good investment at first, but the real cost is often much higher once you factor in storage, transport, cleaning and what happens to it afterwards. If you only need furniture for a few days or a few weeks, hiring tends to make much more sense.
It is also the easier option logistically. When you hire from Furniture on the Move, we deliver, position and collect the furniture, so your team is not left dealing with transport, heavy lifting or last minute setup issues.
Hiring also gives you more freedom creatively. You are not tied to one look or one quantity. Whether you need a clean corporate lounge, a branded activation space or softer seating for a film set, you can build the scheme around the event rather than trying to make permanent furniture fit.
From a sustainability point of view, hiring is the more responsible route too. Instead of buying furniture for one off use, the same pieces are maintained and reused across many events.
When does buying make more sense?
Buying is usually only worth considering if the furniture is going into a permanent space and will be used long term. For most events, hiring is the more practical and cost effective choice.
How does furniture hire work?
Short answer:
Furniture hire is a simple process. You choose the furniture you need, send us your event details, receive a tailored quote and then confirm the booking. We then deliver, install and collect the furniture around your schedule.
A little more detail:
At Furniture on the Move, the process is designed to be straightforward.
- Browse the website and build your hire list: furnitureonthemove.co.uk/hire/
- Send us your venue, dates and any relevant access details
- We review availability and logistics and send you a quote
- Once confirmed, we reserve the furniture for your event
- Our team delivers, positions and collects it afterwards
This approach means the quote reflects the real requirements of the job rather than a generic estimate.
How do I place an order for furniture hire?
Short answer:
You can browse our collections online and submit a hire list through the website for a tailored quote, or call the team on 0117 325 9695 if you would prefer to talk it through.
How it works:
We have tried to make the process as straightforward as possible.
- Build your hire list
Browse the website and add the items you like to your hire list. - Send us your event details
Submit your venue, event date and any useful notes about access, timings or setup. - Receive your tailored quote
We will review your requirements and send you a quotation that includes the furniture, VAT and any delivery or collection charges. - Confirm the booking
If you are happy to go ahead, simply confirm by phone or email. We will then send over the next steps and reserve the furniture for your event. - Delivery and installation
Our crew will deliver the furniture, position it where it needs to go and remove any transit packaging.
Where can I hire furniture for an event?
Short answer:
Furniture on the Move provides event furniture hire for venues across the UK and supports a wide range of event types.
A little more detail:
We regularly supply furniture for:
- Corporate events
- Exhibitions and trade shows
- Brand activations
- Conferences
- Film and TV productions
- Weddings and private events
We work with venues in London, Bristol and major UK cities, as well as many other locations nationwide. If you already know what you need, you can build your hire list online and send it over. If not, we can help shape the furniture package around your venue and brief.
Can you help design and style our event space?
Furniture Hire Costs
Understanding furniture hire pricing
How much does furniture hire cost?
Short answer:
Furniture hire costs depend on the type of furniture selected, how many pieces you need, how long you need them for and where the event is taking place.
A little more detail:
Smaller setups such as tables and chairs may cost a few hundred pounds, while larger lounge installations, staging areas or multi-zone event spaces can cost more depending on the scale and logistics involved.
The final price usually depends on:
- The furniture selected
- The quantity required
- The venue location
- Delivery and collection timings
- Installation requirements
- The length of the hire period
The easiest way to get an accurate price is to build a hire list and send us your event details so we can prepare a tailored quote.
Is there a minimum order value for furniture hire?
Short answer:
Yes, minimum order values can apply, and they usually depend on the location of the event and the logistics involved.
A little more detail:
We do not usually work to a strict minimum item count, but there may be a minimum order value depending on:
- Where the event is taking place
- The size of the order
- The time of year
- The delivery and crew requirements
This helps us deliver the level of service clients expect while making the logistics commercially practical.
The easiest way to check is simply to send us your shortlist and event details, and we can advise from there.
Is VAT included in the prices I see online and in my quote?
Short answer:
Prices are shown excluding VAT unless stated otherwise. Your quote will clearly show the hire value, any delivery charges and the VAT total.
A little more detail:
Because we work largely with corporate events, production teams and agencies, prices are typically displayed exclusive of VAT. Once you submit your hire list, we will send a full quotation with a clear cost breakdown so you can see exactly what is included.
Why is there no way to receive an automatic quote?
Short answer:
Because no two events are the same. We quote manually so the price reflects the real logistics of your venue, timings and setup requirements.
A little more detail:
Automatic pricing works well for simple retail orders, but event furniture hire is different. Access times, loading bays, stairs, lifts, crew requirements and collection schedules can all affect the job.
By reviewing each enquiry properly, we can give you a quote that reflects the actual event rather than a generic estimate. It also means we can flag any practical issues early and suggest alternatives where needed.
Furniture, Styling & Event Layouts
Choosing the right furniture
Selecting furniture for an event is about more than just chairs and tables. The right layout, styling and materials help create the right atmosphere for your venue and audience.
Which furniture is suitable for outdoor hire?
Short answer:
We offer a range of furniture suitable for outdoor events, including rattan style seating, hardwood pieces and contemporary metal designs.
A little more detail:
Our outdoor furniture works well for terraces, garden parties, festival spaces and outdoor corporate events. Depending on the look you are after, common options include:
- Rattan and all weather weave for relaxed lounge areas
- Hardwood tables and seating for a more natural or classic finish
- Powder coated metal designs for cleaner, more contemporary spaces
If you are planning an outdoor event in the UK, it is always worth thinking about a weather backup too. Some of our outdoor friendly ranges also work well under cover or inside a marquee, check them out here: https://furnitureonthemove.co.uk/hire/outdoors/
Is every item in your collection listed on the website?
Short answer:
Not always. The website shows a large part of our range, but we also help with bespoke sourcing, branded items and additional pieces that may not be listed online.
A little more detail:
We carry a wide range of furniture, but not everything we can supply is visible on the website at all times. Some items may be new in, some may be one off pieces, and some may be part of a wider bespoke project rather than a standard catalogue listing.
This is especially relevant for:
- Branded corporate events
- Film and TV productions
- Large scale activations
- Events with a very specific visual brief
If you cannot find exactly what you are looking for, it is still worth asking. If you have a moodboard, Pinterest board or reference image, send it over and our team can review what we already have in stock or what we may be able to source for you.
Can I view the furniture in person before hiring?
Short answer:
Yes. While we do not operate a traditional showroom, clients are welcome to visit our warehouse in Bristol by appointment.
A little more detail:
A warehouse visit is a good option if you want to see the quality, scale and finish of the furniture in person before making a final decision.
It can be especially helpful if you want to:
- Compare fabrics, textures or finishes
- Get a better sense of scale
- Review a few pieces together before confirming
- Talk through layout ideas with the team
Because the warehouse is an active working space, visits do need to be arranged in advance.
To book a visit:
Call 0117 325 9695 or email [email protected]
and we can arrange a suitable time.
How do I check stock availability and quantities for my event?
Short answer:
The best way to check availability is to submit a hire list through the website or call us on 0117 325 9695. We will then confirm what is available for your specific dates.
Why we confirm stock manually:
Furniture availability is not just about how many pieces are in the warehouse. It also depends on your exact delivery and collection dates, existing bookings and the checks we carry out between hires.
By confirming stock manually, we can make sure that:
- The quantities are right for your dates
- The items are ready to go out in the condition we expect
- We can suggest alternatives if a particular range is unavailable
- We can often help with last minute additions if needed
During busy periods, especially from May to September and in December, it is always best to enquire early if there are specific items you really want.
Can you help me design and style my event space?
Short answer:
Yes. We are a design led furniture hire company, and we can help with furniture selection, layout ideas and styling direction as well as the practical side of delivery and setup.
A little more detail:
Some clients come to us with a clear brief. Others know the kind of atmosphere they want but are not yet sure how to bring it together. We can help with both.
Depending on the project, that might include:
- Recommending furniture combinations that work well together
- Helping shape lounge areas, breakout spaces or stage sets
- Reviewing floorplans or venue layouts
- Suggesting pieces that suit a particular brand, venue or style direction
We also have a growing range of visual tools and inspiration content to support this process, including our collections, moodboards, venue showcases and editorial content across the site.
If you already have a moodboard, Pinterest board, CAD layout or a simple set of reference images, send them over. We can use that as a starting point and help shape a scheme that works for your space.
My client has specific brand guidelines. Can you match their corporate colours?
Short answer:
The best way to check availability is to submit a hire list through the website or call us on 0117 325 9695. We will then confirm what is available for your specific dates.
Why we confirm stock manually:
Furniture availability is not just about how many pieces are in the warehouse. It also depends on your exact delivery and collection dates, existing bookings and the checks we carry out between hires.
By confirming stock manually, we can make sure that:
- The quantities are right for your dates
- The items are ready to go out in the condition we expect
- We can suggest alternatives if a particular range is unavailable
- We can often help with last-minute additions if needed
During busy periods, especially from May to September and in December, it is always best to enquire early if there are specific items you really want.
We know what we like, but we can’t quite figure out how to design the space.
Short answer:
That is something we help with regularly. If you already have ideas but need help turning them into a finished setup, we can guide you through the furniture, layout and styling side of the project.
A little more detail:
A lot of clients come to us with inspiration but not a final plan. You might have saved reference images, a moodboard or a rough idea of the atmosphere you want, but still need help deciding what will actually work in the venue.
That is where our team can step in. We can help you:
- Narrow down the right furniture ranges
- Think about how the space should flow
- Build lounge areas, bar areas or breakout zones
- Create a setup that feels cohesive rather than pieced together
You do not need to have everything fully worked out before getting in touch. Even a few screenshots or a Pinterest board is enough for us to start the conversation.
How will the furniture look in my specific venue?
Short answer:
We can help you visualise this in a few different ways, whether that is through venue references, layout guidance or new visual tools we are developing.
A little more detail:
Understanding how furniture will sit within a venue is a big part of the planning process. Depending on the project, we can help by:
- Reviewing your floorplan
- Using photos of the venue as a reference
- Showing examples from similar venue types
- Recommending layouts that suit the architecture and flow of the space
We also have venue showcases and portfolio content across the site that can help clients picture how different furniture ranges look in real environments.
If you have photos of the venue, a CAD plan or even just a rough sketch, send it over and we can advise.
Delivery, Setup & Logistics
Delivery and installation
Our delivery team works with venues across the UK to ensure furniture is delivered, installed and collected smoothly, even when access windows are tight.
Do you deliver to London, and what other areas do you cover?
Short answer:
Yes. We deliver to London regularly and also cover major UK cities and a wide range of venues across the country. We also support selected European projects.
A little more detail:
London is one of our key delivery areas, but we also work across Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Edinburgh, Glasgow and many other locations.
We deliver to all sorts of spaces, including:
- Exhibition venues
- Hotels
- Studios
- Private venues
- Outdoor event sites
- Residential addresses where needed
If you have a venue outside the usual areas, just ask. We are happy to review the location and advise.
Can you deliver or collect out of hours?
Short answer:
Yes. We regularly work around venue access windows, including early morning, late evening and overnight delivery or collection where needed.
A little more detail:
Many venues have strict access times, so out of hours logistics are a normal part of event work. If your venue requires delivery or collection outside standard working hours, let us know when you enquire and we can factor that into the quote.
Where applicable, out of hours delivery may carry an additional charge, but this will always be made clear in advance.
Will your crew set up the furniture for us?
Short answer:
Yes. We do not just drop the furniture off. Our team can deliver it, position it and set it up according to your plan or instructions on site.
A little more detail:
This is a big part of the service for many of our clients. Once on site, the crew can:
- Place the furniture where it needs to go
- Assemble any items that require it
- Work from a floorplan if you have one
- Remove the transit packaging afterwards
This helps take pressure off your team and ensures the space is ready to go once installation is complete.
What is your standard rental period for furniture hire?
Short answer:
Our standard hire period is usually 1 to 4 days, which covers the majority of events.
A little more detail:
That standard hire period is designed to work well for most event schedules and usually allows enough time for delivery, setup, the event itself and collection afterwards.
For longer projects, we can also arrange extended hire periods, whether that is for film and TV shoots, exhibitions, brand activations, pop ups or multi week events.
If you need the furniture for longer than the standard period, just let us know when you enquire and we will quote accordingly.
Booking & Payments
Confirming your order
Once you’ve selected your furniture, confirming your order is straightforward. These answers explain how bookings, deposits and payments work.
Can I reserve furniture or put items on hold for my event?
Short answer:
We recommend sending your hire list as early as possible, but furniture is only formally secured once the booking has been confirmed in line with the terms on your quote.
A little more detail:
Availability can change quickly, especially during busy periods, so the earlier you enquire, the better. Once we have reviewed your list and sent a quote, we can advise on the next steps to secure the furniture for your date.
If you are working on a larger project or a more complex schedule, just let us know and we can talk you through how best to approach it.
How do I confirm my order?
Short answer:
Once you have received your quote and are happy to proceed, simply confirm with the team and we will guide you through the final booking steps.
A little more detail:
The process is usually very straightforward:
- Review your quotation
- Confirm that you would like to proceed
- Complete the booking requirements outlined by the team
- Receive your booking confirmation and delivery details
If anything needs adjusting before you confirm, we can usually review that with you first.
Can I pay for my furniture hire by credit card?
Short answer:
Yes. We accept major credit and debit cards, and bank transfer is also available.
A little more detail:
We offer a few payment options to make the process as straightforward as possible for both private clients and business customers. If you are booking on behalf of a company or agency, we can also provide the relevant invoicing information you need for internal approval.
If there are any payment-related fees or terms, those will be made clear in your quote.
What is your payment process?
Short answer:
Your payment process will be set out clearly in your quotation, including what is required to confirm the booking and when any remaining balance is due.
A little more detail:
Once you submit your hire list, we will review the job and send a quotation showing the furniture, VAT and any delivery or collection charges. If you would like to go ahead, the team will then explain the payment steps and booking requirements for that job.
This keeps the process clear from the start and makes sure your furniture and delivery schedule are properly secured.
Can I add more items to my order after I have paid?
Short answer:
Yes, in many cases you can add items later, provided they are available and there is still space within the delivery schedule.
A little more detail:
Event requirements often change as plans develop, so we are used to clients adding extra pieces closer to the date. If you need to make additions, contact the team as soon as possible and we will check:
- Live stock availability
- Delivery vehicle capacity
- Whether any extra crew or transport is needed
If the additions can be accommodated, we will update the booking and issue the relevant paperwork.
Damage, Cancellations & Policies
Changes, damage and cancellations
Events sometimes change, and these answers explain how we handle changes to orders, cancellations and furniture damage.
What happens if the hire furniture is damaged during my event?
Short answer:
Minor wear can happen during events, which is why we offer an optional 3% Slight Damage Waiver on our quotes. This is designed to cover light marks, minor scuffs and standard post-event cleaning. More significant damage may still be chargeable.
How the waiver works:
The Slight Damage Waiver is there to give clients extra peace of mind where furniture is being used in busy event environments.
It is intended to cover things like:
- Light surface scuffs
- Small marks
- Minor fabric staining such as tea or coffee
- Standard professional cleaning after use
It does not cover major damage, loss or anything that leaves the item unsuitable for future hire. That includes things like structural damage, cigarette burns, deep scratches or staining that cannot be professionally removed.
If an item comes back damaged beyond what the waiver covers, we will assess it first and try to clean or repair it where possible. If it cannot be restored to hire standard, replacement costs may apply, and those figures are clearly listed on the quote.
What happens if I need to cancel my order?
Short answer:
If you need to cancel, please let us know in writing as soon as possible. Cancellation terms depend on how close the event is and the details of the booking.
A little more detail:
For some bookings, a cancellation made well in advance may be treated differently from one made close to the event date, especially if the furniture has been reserved exclusively, prepared for dispatch or specially sourced.
If your booking includes bespoke or branded items, separate cancellation terms may apply once production has started.
The best thing to do is contact the team as soon as your plans change so we can advise you based on the terms of your booking.
Sustainability
Sustainable furniture hire
Hiring furniture is inherently more sustainable than buying for single use events. Here’s how we reduce waste and extend the life of our furniture.
Is event furniture hire sustainable?
Short answer:
Yes. Furniture hire is naturally more sustainable than buying furniture for one off use, and sustainability is an important part of how we source, maintain and reuse our collection.
A little more detail:
Hiring furniture supports a circular model. The same pieces are used across multiple events over time rather than being bought, used once and discarded. That alone helps reduce waste across the events industry.
We also continue to introduce products made using recycled materials, including collections that use recycled plastics and recycled velvet fabrics. Just as importantly, we maintain and refresh our stock so furniture stays in use for as long as possible.
When pieces eventually come to the end of their hire life, we also look at responsible next steps rather than simply sending them to landfill.
For clients working to environmental targets, furniture hire can be a much more responsible choice than purchasing for short term use.
Learn more:
You can also visit our full Sustainability section for more detail on how we approach materials, reuse and packaging.
How do you manage packaging and waste during delivery?
Short answer:
We try to keep delivery waste to a minimum by using reusable protective covers wherever possible and by taking packaging away with us after installation rather than leaving it on site.
A little more detail:
To protect furniture in transit, we use reusable covers across much of our range, including sofas, tables and chairs. This helps reduce our reliance on single use packaging.
Where extra protection is needed for a specific item, we use recyclable materials wherever possible. Once the furniture has been delivered and positioned, our crew removes the transit packaging and takes it back with them rather than leaving waste behind at the venue.
This is especially useful for venues with strict operational, sustainability or fire safety requirements, where keeping loading bays and event spaces clear is important.