Furnishing Your Home in Ecuador — Where to Buy, What to Pay, and What to Skip

One of the first decisions you'll make after signing a lease in Ecuador is whether to rent furnished or unfurnished — and if unfurnished, how to fill the place without shipping a container from home. The good news: furnishing a home in Ecuador is dramatically cheaper than in the US, the quality of locally made furniture is often excellent, and you have options at every price point from bargain to beautiful.

Here's how to do it without overpaying or ending up with a living room full of regrets.

Furnished vs. Unfurnished — The Decision

Most expat-targeted rentals in Ecuador come furnished. Landlords know that foreigners don't want to buy a houseful of furniture for what might be a one-year stay. But "furnished" covers a wide range — from tastefully decorated with quality pieces to a random collection of worn-out leftovers.

Furnished rentals typically include: Beds with mattresses, a sofa, dining table and chairs, a stove, and sometimes a refrigerator and washing machine. What they usually don't include: good linens, decent cookware, small appliances (toaster, blender, coffee maker), or anything that makes a space actually feel like home.

Unfurnished rentals are cheaper — often $100–$200/month less than comparable furnished units. If you're staying longer than 6 months, doing the math often favors going unfurnished and buying your own things. A basic furnishing budget of $1,500–$4,000 pays for itself in rent savings within 6–12 months, and you get exactly what you want.

The breakeven: If you're staying less than 4 months, rent furnished. If you're staying 4–6 months, it's a toss-up. If you're staying 6+ months, seriously consider unfurnished — especially if you're particular about mattresses, sofas, or kitchen setups.

Where to Buy Furniture

Chain Retailers

Colineal — Ecuador's premium furniture chain. Modern designs, good build quality, showrooms in all major cities. This is as close as Ecuador gets to a Crate & Barrel or West Elm experience. Prices are higher than other local options but still a fraction of US equivalents. A quality sofa runs $800–$2,000. A solid wood dining table with chairs runs $600–$1,500. Bedroom sets (bed frame, nightstands, dresser) run $1,200–$3,000. Their store in Cuenca is on Av. Gil Ramírez Dávalos near Mall del Río, and in Quito on Av. Eloy Alfaro.

TodoHogar — Ecuador's version of a Target home section. Mid-range quality, reasonable prices, good for basics. Sofas $400–$900, dining sets $300–$700, bookshelves and storage $100–$400. Locations in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca (in the Mall del Río area). Also operates within some Megamaxi stores.

Comandato and Créditos Económicos — These are electronics and appliance chains, but they also carry basic furniture. Good for mattresses, bed frames, and appliances. Less selection for living room and dining pieces. The advantage is financing — they'll let you pay in monthly installments (cuotas) with your cedula and a bank reference.

IKEA does not exist in Ecuador. If you're hoping for flat-pack Swedish furniture, it's not here. The closest equivalent is a combination of TodoHogar and Colineal.

Don Bosco Area (Cuenca) — The Hidden Gem

If you're in Cuenca, the Don Bosco neighborhood (south of the Tomebamba River, near the Don Bosco church on Calle Vega Muñoz and surroundings) has a concentration of small furniture workshops and showrooms. These are family-run operations producing furniture on-site or in nearby talleres (workshops).

Why it's great: You're buying from the maker. No retail markup. The quality ranges from basic to exceptional, and prices are consistently lower than chain stores. A solid wood sofa with cushions runs $200–$600. A hardwood dining table with four chairs runs $150–$350. Bookshelves, desks, and entertainment centers run $80–$300.

How to shop here: Walk in, look around, and ask prices. Bargaining is acceptable but don't be aggressive — these are small family businesses. Many shops will customize pieces to your specifications (dimensions, wood type, finish color) for little or no additional cost. Delivery is usually included for purchases over $100 within Cuenca.

The catch: Everything is in Spanish. Bring a friend who speaks Spanish if you don't, or use a translation app. Quality varies between shops — inspect joinery, check drawer slides, sit on chairs — basic quality checks.

Facebook Marketplace and Gringo Post

This is where the smartest deals happen. Expats leave Ecuador regularly — end of lease, change of plans, going home — and they need to sell everything in their apartment, fast. Furniture that cost $1,000 new sells for $300–$500 on Facebook Marketplace or the Cuenca Gringo Post Facebook group.

What to look for: Departing expat "apartment sale" posts. These often include everything from furniture to kitchen supplies to electronics at 30–50% of retail. Quality is often better than what you'd buy new at the same price, because the original buyer had a higher budget.

Pro tips:

• Check daily — the best deals go fast
• Bring your own tape measure
• Have a truck or taxi camioneta lined up (your seller usually won't deliver)
• In Cuenca, search both "Cuenca Gringo Post" and "Cuenca Expat Marketplace" Facebook groups
• In Quito, search "Quito Expats Buy/Sell" and "Gringo Tree Quito"

Feria Libre (Cuenca)

Cuenca's massive open-air market at Av. de las Américas has a section dedicated to household goods — mostly basics at rock-bottom prices. You'll find pots and pans ($2–$10), kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies, plastic storage containers, cheap linens, and basic home goods. This is not where you buy a sofa, but it's where you stock a kitchen for $50.

For Quito, the equivalent is Mercado de Iñaquito (La Carolina) for household basics.

Custom Furniture — Ecuador's Secret Weapon

This is where Ecuador genuinely shines. The country has a deep tradition of woodworking, and skilled carpenters (carpinteros or ebanistas) are available in every city at prices that would make an American furniture buyer weep.

What you can get custom-made:

Item	Typical Cost
Hardwood dining table (seats 6)	$200–$400
Matching chairs (set of 6)	$180–$360
Custom sofa (your dimensions, your fabric)	$300–$700
Built-in closet/wardrobe (walk-in)	$400–$800
Kitchen cabinets (full kitchen)	$800–$2,500
Bookshelf (floor-to-ceiling, custom fit)	$150–$350
Desk/home office setup	$150–$350
Entertainment center	$200–$500
Bed frame (queen, solid wood)	$150–$350
Bathroom vanity	$150–$400

The process: Find a carpintero through recommendations (ask in expat groups or ask your landlord — every Ecuadorian knows a carpenter). Bring a photo of what you want — a screenshot from Pinterest or a furniture website works perfectly. Discuss wood type (laurel and seike are common and affordable; teca and fernansánchez are premium), dimensions, and finish. Get a written quote with a timeline.

Typical timeline: 1–3 weeks for most pieces. Complex jobs like a full kitchen or built-in closets may take 3–5 weeks.

Important tips:

• Always get a written agreement with price, materials, dimensions, and delivery date
• Pay in installments — typically 50% upfront, 50% on delivery
• Inspect the piece before final payment
• Minor revisions after delivery are normal and expected — the carpintero will come back to adjust
• Ask to see previous work or visit their taller (workshop) before committing

Finding a good one in Cuenca: The area around Don Bosco (mentioned above) is full of talleres. In the broader Cuenca area, San Bartolomé (about 30 minutes east on the road to Gualaceo) is famous for its guitar makers and woodworkers — the craftsmanship there is outstanding. The Artesanos del Austro Facebook group is another good resource.

Finding one in Quito: The neighborhood of San Antonio de Ibarra (north of Quito) is Ecuador's woodcarving capital, though it's more art-focused. In Quito proper, ask at ferreterías (hardware stores) — they always know local carpinteros.

Mattresses — Don't Cheap Out

You'll sleep on your mattress every night. This is not where you save money.

The main brands:

• Chaide y Chaide — Ecuador's largest mattress manufacturer. Headquartered in Quito with distributors nationwide. Quality ranges from basic ($150 for a queen) to premium ($500–$600 for a queen pillow-top or memory foam). Their Ortopédico line is popular and runs $250–$400 for a queen. You can find them at Comandato, TodoHogar, or their own retail stores.
• Paraíso — The other major brand. Similar quality range and pricing to Chaide. Their Dorado line is a good mid-range option ($200–$350 for a queen).
• Restihogar — Less well-known but growing. Competitive pricing, decent quality.

Where to buy: Comandato and Créditos Económicos have the widest in-store selection and offer financing. Megamaxi carries a limited selection. For the best price, visit the factory outlet stores — Chaide has one in northern Quito on Panamericana Norte, and both brands have outlets in Guayaquil.

Sizing note: Ecuador uses standard US mattress sizes. A "queen" here is the same dimensions as a US queen. That said, verify before buying — occasionally you'll find a "queen" frame paired with a slightly off-size mattress.

Tip: If your furnished apartment comes with a terrible mattress (common), buy a new one and store the old one in a closet. Your sleep quality is worth $250.

Appliances

What Usually Comes With the Apartment

Most Ecuadorian apartments, even unfurnished ones, include a stove (cocina). Many also include a water heater (calefón) — especially in the Sierra where hot water isn't optional. Some include a refrigerator. Washing machines are less commonly included.

What You'll Likely Need to Buy

Washing machine: $300–$500 for a decent one. Samsung and LG are the most common brands. Indurama (an Ecuadorian brand, now owned by Mabe) is also reliable and slightly cheaper ($250–$400). Buy at Comandato, Créditos Económicos, or La Ganga. Top-loaders are more common and cheaper than front-loaders.

Dryer: Most Ecuadorians don't own one. Seriously. Ecuador's climate (especially in the Sierra) has low humidity and constant airflow that dries clothes on a line or drying rack within a day. Most apartments have a tendedero (clothesline or drying area) on the balcony or rooftop. If you absolutely must have a dryer, expect $350–$600 and higher electricity bills.

Refrigerator: If the apartment doesn't include one, a decent mid-size unit (12–16 cubic feet) runs $400–$700. Indurama and Mabe are the most common local brands ($400–$550). Samsung and LG are available at a premium ($600–$900+).

Microwave: $60–$120. Every electronics store carries them. Indurama and Samsung are the common brands.

Water filter: Tap water in Cuenca is technically potable, but most expats use a filtration system for peace of mind. A basic countertop filter (Brita-style) costs $25–$40 at Supermaxi. A more serious under-sink or countertop multi-stage filter runs $80–$200, installed. Or just buy 20-liter bidones of purified water from any tienda ($2–$3 each, delivered to your door for free in most cities).

Kitchen Essentials

Supermaxi and Megamaxi have the best selection of kitchen supplies at reasonable prices. Pots and pans sets ($30–$80), knife sets ($15–$40), baking sheets, mixing bowls, utensils — all available. The quality isn't Calphalon, but it's perfectly functional.

Feria Libre (Cuenca) / Mercado de Iñaquito (Quito): For the budget option. Basic pots and pans for $2–$8 each, plates and bowls for $0.50–$2 each, cups and glasses for $0.25–$1 each. You can stock an entire kitchen for $40–$60 if you're not picky about aesthetics.

De Prati / Etafashion: For nicer kitchen items — decent brands, better quality than the market, prices still well below US equivalents.

Small appliances (blender, toaster, coffee maker): All available at Comandato, Créditos Económicos, Supermaxi, and La Ganga. A blender runs $25–$60. A basic coffee maker runs $20–$40. A toaster $15–$30.

Coffee note: Ecuador grows excellent coffee, and many expats get serious about their brewing setup here. For a good hand grinder, check MercadoLibre.com.ec (Ecuador's Amazon equivalent) or specialty shops. A Hario-style pour-over setup can be found locally for $15–$30, or ordered through a casillero service.

Linens, Towels, and Bedding

De Prati — Ecuador's closest equivalent to a Macy's home department. The best local selection of sheets, towels, comforters, and pillows at reasonable prices. Queen sheet sets run $25–$50. Towel sets $15–$30. They have stores in all major cities — in Cuenca, at Mall del Río.

Etafashion — Similar selection to De Prati, sometimes better prices. Good for basics.

Supermaxi / Megamaxi — Limited but functional selection of sheets and towels. Fine for getting started.

Feria Libre — Cheap towels ($2–$5 each) and basic sheets ($8–$15 per set). Quality matches the price — fine for temporary use.

Honest advice: If you're particular about your bedding (high thread count sheets, specific pillow types), bring them from the US. The selection in Ecuador is adequate but limited. Memory foam pillows, for example, are available but overpriced. Down comforters are hard to find locally.

The Amazon Problem — And the Workaround

Amazon.com does not ship to Ecuador. Neither does most of the US e-commerce ecosystem. This is the single biggest adjustment for expats accustomed to two-day Prime delivery.

The workaround: casillero services (mailbox forwarding)

A casillero (literally "locker") gives you a US shipping address — usually a warehouse in Miami — that forwards packages to Ecuador. You order from Amazon, ship to your Miami address, and the casillero company handles customs, import duties, and delivery to your door in Ecuador.

Popular casillero services:

• Aeropost — One of the oldest, widely used. Prices: $5–$15/lb for shipping to Ecuador. Delivery time: 7–15 business days.
• MyBox (Correos del Ecuador) — The national postal service's casillero. Cheapest option: $4–$8/lb. Slower: 15–25 business days. Reliability varies.
• UPS/DHL direct — For urgent or high-value items. Expensive ($30–$80+ per shipment) but fast (3–5 days). Best for electronics or anything you need quickly.
• Laar Courier — Popular in Cuenca. Competitive rates, decent speed.

Import duties: Ecuador charges import tax on goods over $400/year in value (the threshold changes periodically — check current rules). Below that threshold, most personal goods enter duty-free through casillero services. Above it, expect 20–40% in duties depending on the product category. Electronics and clothing tend to get hit hardest.

The practical advice: Use casillero services for specific items you can't find locally (specialty kitchen tools, specific brands, electronics accessories). For general household goods, buy locally — it's faster, cheaper after shipping and duties, and you can see what you're getting before you buy it.

MercadoLibre — Ecuador's Amazon Substitute

MercadoLibre.com.ec is the dominant online marketplace in Ecuador and Latin America. It's no Amazon, but the selection has improved dramatically. You can find electronics, small appliances, kitchen tools, home decor, and furniture with delivery to most Ecuadorian cities in 2–7 days. Prices are sometimes competitive with brick-and-mortar stores, sometimes not. Check both before buying.

Payment options include credit card, debit card, and bank transfer. Returns are possible but less seamless than Amazon. Read seller reviews carefully.

Budget Guide — What It Actually Costs to Furnish

Here's a realistic budget for furnishing a 2-bedroom apartment from scratch:

Budget Tier ($1,500–$2,500)

Item	Source	Cost
Queen mattress	Chaide/Paraíso	$200–$300
Bed frame	Don Bosco / Facebook	$80–$150
Sofa	Don Bosco / Facebook	$200–$400
Dining table + 4 chairs	Don Bosco	$150–$300
2 nightstands	Don Bosco	$50–$100
Bookshelf/storage	Don Bosco	$60–$120
Washing machine	Comandato	$300–$400
Kitchen supplies	Feria Libre + Supermaxi	$80–$150
Linens/towels	De Prati	$60–$120
Lamps and basics	Supermaxi/TodoHogar	$50–$100
Total		$1,230–$2,140

Mid-Range Tier ($3,000–$5,000)

Same categories but from Colineal, TodoHogar, and custom carpinteros using better materials. Add a refrigerator ($500), better mattress ($400), nicer sofa ($600–$900), and more complete kitchen setup. This gets you a comfortable, well-appointed home.

Premium Tier ($6,000–$10,000)

All custom furniture from a top carpintero, Colineal for accent pieces, Samsung/LG appliances, full kitchen outfit. This gives you a home that looks like an interior design magazine. In the US, this level of furnishing would cost $20,000–$30,000+.

Final Tips

1. Don't buy everything at once. Get the essentials first (bed, mattress, sofa, table, kitchen basics) and live in the space for a few weeks. You'll figure out what you actually need versus what you think you need.

2. Measure everything. Ecuadorian apartments are often smaller than US equivalents. That oversized American-style sectional will not fit. Measure doorways too — many apartment building hallways and doors are narrower than you expect.

3. Delivery is cheap. A camioneta (pickup truck taxi) costs $5–$15 for local delivery. Most furniture stores include delivery for free. Don't rent a truck — just ask the seller.

4. Keep receipts. If you're on a visa that required an investment declaration, furniture purchases can count toward your demonstrated investment in Ecuador.

5. Sell when you leave. Whatever you buy, you'll recover 30–50% of the cost when you sell it to the next arriving expat. Think of the net cost, not the purchase price.

6. Altitude matters for mattresses. If you're in the Sierra (Cuenca at 2,560m, Quito at 2,850m), the lower air pressure means memory foam mattresses expand differently. Not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of if your new mattress seems firmer or softer than expected.

7. Power and gas. Ecuador uses 120V/60Hz power, same as the US. Plug types are also the same (Type A/B). No adapters needed for American appliances. Gas stoves use a tanque de gas (propane tank) that you replace when empty — delivered to your door for about $3 from any distributor. Electric stoves are increasingly common in newer buildings.

Furnishing a home in Ecuador is one of the genuinely enjoyable parts of settling in. Take your time, explore the markets and workshops, and enjoy paying a fraction of what you'd spend back home for furniture that's often better made.