Why office furniture rental really works

It should come as little surprise to learn that flex operators are forgoing furniture purchases in favour of more sustainable, cost-effective solutions. Simply speaking, rental is becoming the trend du jour- and for good reason. The traditional model, with its high capital expenditure and long-term commitment, is increasingly at odds with the dynamic realities of flex. As tenants embrace flexible working environments, there is a growing recognition that workspace design should be just as fluid as the people who inhabit it. Here’s why furniture rental really works.

If there’s one thing Manchester United, King Games and SEGA have in common it’s their decision to rent their office furniture. The three giants have long trusted premium furniture rental service provider, Fluid, to do the job. 

Offering a versatile solution for workspace operators, Fluid provides beautifully crafted, British- and European-made furniture with an approach that promises financial flexibility, operational ease, and sustainability. One that blends financial intelligence with impeccable design, operational ease with sustainability, and style with total flexibility.

Financial flexibility without compromise

Office furniture has traditionally represented a significant investment, often requiring a substantial upfront cost that ties up capital better spent elsewhere. And yet, a major advantage often overlooked is that monthly rental payments are fully tax-deductible as a business operating expense, offering significant financial efficiency. Rental companies like Fluid are thriving in eliminating this burden, Managing Director Warwick Flint explains:

“We decided to set up furniture rental as so many of our clients were asking to trial things like office pods and booths – there seemed to be so much uncertainty around what the future of the workspace would be.  It seemed like a bit of a risk at the time as no-one else offered it, but it turned out that plenty of people really needed a service like this!  It has been a key factor in our growth over the last 3 years, and we have a very strong order book for the next 3 years”

Fluid offers fully flexible rentals with no minimum term - just a 90-day notice period - alongside fixed-term contracts ranging from six months to five years. This level of adaptability empowers workspace operators to pivot fast, meet tenant demands, and scale without the burden of ownership. But, no heartbreak necessary if you fall in love with a piece of furniture- businesses have the option to purchase at any point during the rental term.

More than just a pretty desk

Fluid’s curated rental collection ticks all the boxes, offering a functional selection of desks, ergonomic seating, soft furnishings, office pods, and booths. With three collections on offer, there’s bound to be an assembly that satisfies. From the warmth and inviting textures of Resimercial, to the clean, understated elegance of Minimalist, to the bright and airy simplicity of Scandi, Fluid’s aesthetic curation allows workspace operators to define an identity that aligns with both brand and function.

Whether furnishing a boutique co-working space or an expansive corporate headquarters (like Howard de Walden Estate, a £5 billion powerhouse in the property sector), Fluid’s approach ensures that every piece serves both a practical and a visual purpose.

Sustainability as a standard, not an afterthought

In an era where corporate responsibility is paramount, the environmental cost of office furniture waste is, of course, impossible to ignore. Each year, over 22 million pieces of furniture are discarded in the UK alone. Much of this is prematurely obsolete due to relocations, redesigns, or shifting business needs. Circular rental models like Fluid’s directly address this challenge, Warwick explains: “We extend the life cycle of high-quality furniture, ensuring that pieces are maintained, reused, and repurposed rather than needlessly disposed of.”

The rental model is not only aesthetically and functionally superior but also ethically aligned with the values of forward-thinking businesses. Put differently, it is an approach that allows flex operators to meet sustainability targets without compromising on quality or style.

Peace of mind

Aside from its curated design collections and flexible financial model, Fluid goes beyond just the setup. Enter FluidCare. While traditional ownership leaves businesses handling repairs and replacements, Fluid’s comprehensive warranty package covers maintenance and servicing, keeping everything running smoothly with minimal disruption. No hassle, no unexpected costs—just a workspace that works.

What’s more, Fluid harnesses the power of real-time occupancy data to optimise workspace rentals with precision. In partnership with ROOMZ, Fluid integrates smart occupancy sensors within its furniture, tracking usage patterns to offer invaluable insights into how spaces are truly being used. This intelligent, data-driven approach ensures that every furnishing of the workspace serves a purpose, enhancing both efficiency and employee experience while eliminating unnecessary costs.

Get with the times

It seems the traditional approach to furnishing an office- expensive, inflexible, and wasteful- is rapidly becoming a relic of the past. The modern workspace demands a solution that is just as adaptable. Ultimately, flexibility defines every aspect of the modern workday- from where we work to how we collaborate- so why should office furniture be any different?