Buying Furniture in Malta: The Ultimate Guide for International Residents 2025

You’re standing in your empty Malta apartment, wondering how on earth you’ll get your hands on decent furniture? Welcome to the club! After two years of island reality, here’s what I can tell you: buying furniture in Malta is like taking the bus—it takes longer than you think, costs more than you hope, but somehow it works out in the end.

Whether you’re here as a digital nomad for three months, testing the waters for half a year, or planning to stay forever—your furniture strategy decides whether you live comfortably or pull your hair out with every IKEA delivery. Let me show you how to navigate the Malta furniture jungle smartly.

The Malta Furniture Reality: What to Really Expect

Before you jump in, a quick reality check: Malta is an island. Sounds obvious? It’s not, especially when your wardrobe is making the journey all the way from Sweden. I was naïve at first and thought I’d just order online and everything would show up two days later. Spoiler alert: Nope.

Understanding Island Logistics

Everything brought into Malta takes a detour across the sea. This means:

• Delivery times at least double—IKEA might say 2-3 weeks, plan for 4-6
• Shipping costs skyrocket—150€ for a sofa from Germany is standard
• More frequent damage—saltwater, handling, rough seas
• Customs can be a hassle—even for EU deliveries you can get spot-checked

Prices: Malta vs. Mainland

Here’s the uncomfortable truth—furniture in Malta is expensive. Much more expensive. On average, furniture prices are 25-40% higher than in Germany.

What does this mean for you? Plan your budget generously and set priorities wisely. Fully furnishing a two-bedroom apartment in Malta will quickly cost you €3,000-5,000, while you could manage for €2,000-3,000 in Germany.

The Three Furniture Strategies for Malta

Depending on how long you’re staying, I recommend different approaches:

1. Short-term (1–6 months): Rent a furnished apartment or get the absolute essentials second-hand
2. Medium-term (6 months – 2 years): Mix it up—use IKEA, local shops, and targeted online buys
3. Long-term (2+ years): Think ahead, invest in quality, work with local carpenters

Furniture Stores Malta: From IKEA to Local Hidden Gems

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Yes, there’s IKEA in Malta. No, it’s not like back home. The IKEA Malta in Mosta is more of an extended showroom—a lot of items only to order, limited stock, and those famous hotdogs cost €1.50 instead of €1. But hey, they’ve still got Swedish Meatballs!

IKEA Malta: The Good, The Bad, The Meatballs

The good:

• Familiar quality and prices (with a Malta markup)
• Online ordering and home delivery possible
• Assembly service available (€80-120 depending on furniture)
• Returns policy works as usual

The annoying:

• Smaller selection than mainland stores
• Delivery times 2–6 weeks for out-of-stock items
• Delivery is €25 anywhere in Malta
• Very crowded on evenings and weekends

Insider tip: Visit IKEA Malta on weekday mornings. You’ll have the aisles to yourself, and staff have more time to help. And yes, they all speak English—sometimes even German.

Local Furniture Shops: Discover Real Gems

Beyond IKEA, you’ll find local stores that often have better prices and much more personal service. Here are my top picks after two years of furniture safari:

The Home Store (Gzira & San Gwann)

My absolute favorite for modern design at fair prices. The owner Maria imports directly from Italy and often undercuts the big chains by 20–30%. Specializes in sofas, dining sets, and lighting.

Camerons Furniture (Mosta)

The insider tip for solid wood furniture. Here you’ll find solid wood dining tables from €400 and wardrobes built to last. Family business since 1987—staff speak Maltese, English, and surprisingly good German.

Central Furniture Stores (Valletta)

Three stories of furniture in the heart of the capital. Best for bedroom sets and kitchenware. Prices are negotiable, especially when furnishing a whole apartment. Ask for the expat discount—works 7 out of 10 times.

Lifestyle Living (Birkirkara)

A bit pricier, but top Italian design and quality. Shop here if you’re staying for good and value sustainability. Financing available—handy for big purchases.

Opening Hours: The Malta Factor

Typical Malta: each store does its own thing. Most furniture shops open 9am–1pm and 3pm–7pm; Saturdays often just mornings. Sundays? Forget about it. On festa days (and there are plenty) local shops might just close unexpectedly.

Pro tip: Call ahead! Are you open today? will save you pointless trips. Malta’s mentality is relaxed—sometimes a bit too relaxed for German efficiency habits.

Carpenters and Joiners in Malta: Custom Furniture for Long-Term Residents

If you’re staying a while and want furniture that fits perfectly in your Maltese apartment, you’ll have to go local. Malta has a surprisingly active artisan scene—a legacy from the days when every family seemed to have an uncle making gvernas (accordion window shutters).

Why Custom Furniture Makes Sense in Malta

Maltese apartments are… unique. Rooms are often quirky shapes, ceilings are low, and standard furniture rarely fits right. A made-to-measure wardrobe makes the most of every inch—and trust me, in Malta, every inch counts.

Plus: Local carpenters are often cheaper than you think. A custom dining table for six will set you back €600-900—less than a comparable designer piece from a furniture store.

The Best Carpenters and Joiners in Malta

Joseph Mifsud Woodcraft (Zebbug)

The Rolls-Royce of Maltese carpenters. Joseph’s been working for 30 years and has made pieces for hotels and restaurants. Specializes in solid wood and traditional Maltese designs. Prices: €80-120 per square meter of fitted cupboards.

Charlies Custom Furniture (Rabat)

My personal insider tip! Charlie speaks fluent German (his wife is from Munich), understands German quality standards, and delivers on time. He made a perfect home office desk for me for €280—would’ve been €400 at IKEA and wouldn’t have fit.

Malta Woodworking Centre (Qormi)

Larger workshop, great for big projects. Also does fitted kitchens and bathroom furniture. Works with CAD and can do 3D renders. Prices from €60 per running meter.

How to Find the Right Carpenter

Word of mouth is everything in Malta. Ask your neighbors, your landlord, or in Facebook groups like Expats in Malta for recommendations. Most carpenters don’t have fancy websites, but their work speaks for itself.

Carpenter search checklist:

• Check references (ask for photos of previous work)
• Always get a written quote
• Expect realistic delivery times (factor in “Malta time”)
• Discuss material quality (local pine vs. imported hardwood)
• Clarify warranty

Prices and Delivery Times: Realistic Expectations

A word on delivery times: Next week in Malta means in 2-3 weeks. Two weeks means a month. It’s not malicious—it’s just the Maltese way. Plan accordingly.

Second-Hand & Online: Budget Options for Smart Savers

This is where it gets interesting if you don’t have a huge budget or just want to be smart with your money. The Maltese second-hand market is a lifesaver—especially for expats who leave after a year and sell everything off.

Facebook Marketplace: Your Best Friend

Forget eBay Kleinanzeigen—in Malta it’s all about Facebook Marketplace. You’ll find everything here, from IKEA furniture to antiques from Valletta’s old apartments. Here’s the trick: search in both English and Maltese. Armchair and poltrona return different results.

Top Facebook groups:

• Furniture for Sale Malta—15,000 members, very active
• Buy and Sell Malta—general, but good for furniture bargains
• Expats Leaving Malta—goldmine! Entire household clearances
• Students Malta Accommodation & Stuff—cheap basics

Second-Hand Shops: Hidden Treasures

Malta has some surprisingly good charity and second-hand shops, often run by churches or organizations.

The Salvage Shop (Valletta)

My absolute secret tip! Furniture from grand old Valletta homes ends up here. I snagged an antique mahogany desk for €150—it would’ve cost €1,500 new. Only open Tuesdays and Fridays 10am–2pm.

Caritas Second Hand Shop (Birkirkara)

Larger selection, fair prices, good cause. Solid basics: chairs from €10, chests of drawers from €40, sometimes even sofas. Staff speak English and are helpful.

St. Vincent de Paul Shop (Paola)

A bit farther out but really cheap. Perfect for students or short-termers. Kitchen tables from €20, office chairs from €15. Quality varies a lot—look carefully!

Online Shopping: Importing Strategically

Sometimes importing from the mainland is worth it, even with high shipping costs. My rule of thumb: from €500 order value upwards, importing can make sense if local prices are 40%+ above German levels.

Best online sources for Malta:

Amazon Germany/Italy

Many items ship to Malta. Shipping: €15-25, delivery: 1-2 weeks. Best for electronics and lamps. Always check if the seller ships to Malta!

Wayfair Europe

Specialized in furniture shipments to Malta. Huge selection, reasonable shipping (from €49), but longer delivery (3–5 weeks). Good customer service if things go wrong.

Made.com

Designer furniture delivered to Malta. Pricier, but top quality. They offer assembly for €80-120—saves you the hassle.

Timing Is Everything: When to Shop Second-Hand?

Malta follows the academic calendar. The best second-hand bargains are:

• June/July: Students leave the island—everything must go
• August/September: Expat families moving house
• November/December: Before Christmas, lots of clear-outs

Avoid March to May—everyone’s searching, but few are selling.

Transport and Delivery: How to Get Your Furniture Safely Home

You’ve found your furniture—now you need to get it home. In Malta, that’s a science in itself. Streets are narrow, lifts are small, and delivery doesn’t always mean to your apartment door.

The Malta Transport Reality

Bad news first: Many streets are inaccessible for large delivery trucks. Especially in Valletta, Mdina, or the fishing villages, trucks stop at the entrance to town. Which means: handcarts, muscle, and helpful neighbors.

The good news: Maltese communities are friendly. I’ve never seen neighbors refuse to help carry a sofa—especially if you buy them a Cisk afterwards.

Understanding Delivery Options

Standard Delivery

What you get: Furniture delivered to the nearest street-accessible point
Cost: €25–50 depending on provider
Duration: As agreed (remember Malta time)
Tip: Always exchange phone numbers for last-minute coordination

White Glove Service

What you get: Delivery inside your home, often with assembly
Cost: Extra €80–150
Availability: Only larger providers (IKEA, Wayfair)
Note: Only works for easily accessible addresses

Click & Collect

What you get: Pick up at store or warehouse
Cost: Free, but you need transport
Pros: Immediate, you can check pieces before loading
Cons: You’ll need a van or helpful friends

Organizing Transport Yourself

Sometimes DIY is best. Here are your options:

Van Hire

Avis, Hertz, and Europcar all rent vans. Costs: €35-50 per day plus fuel. Handy for IKEA shopping or bigger second-hand hauls.

Man with a Van Services

Malta’s full of freelance movers. Search Facebook groups for Man with Van Malta—prices from €30 for local jobs. Always agree on price beforehand!

Friends with Pickups

Pick-up trucks are common in Malta. Ask in your expat community—often, someone will help out for dinner or a case of beer.

Assembly Service: Is It Worth It?

IKEA charges €80-120 for assembly, local handymen often less (€50-80). It makes sense if:

• You don’t have time/patience for IKEA instructions
• It’s complex furniture (wardrobes, kitchens)
• You don’t have the right tools
• Warranty issues matter to you

Insider tip: Many furniture shops offer free assembly with purchases over €500. Just ask!

Timing Is Everything: When to Buy What

Malta has its own furnishings rhythm. Learn it and you’ll save time, money, and nerves. After two years, I can say: timing makes the difference between success and frustration.

The Malta Furniture Calendar

January – March: The Quiet Season

Pros: Best advice, no crowds, occasional winter sales
Cons: Limited second-hand offers
Perfect for: Custom pieces, quality furniture, detailed planning

April – May: The Buzz Begins

Pros: New collections arrive, spring mood for home makeovers
Cons: Higher prices, longer delivery times
Perfect for: Outdoor furniture, full fit-outs

June – August: High Season & Chaos

Pros: Best second-hand bargains from departing expats
Cons: Crowded stores, stressed staff, supply shortages
Perfect for: Facebook Marketplace, quick solutions

September – November: The Golden Time

Pros: Great weather for moving, relaxed atmosphere, good availability
Cons: Few special offers
Perfect for: Anything! The absolute best time to buy furniture in Malta

December: Last-Minute Stress

Pros: Christmas deals, end-of-year sales
Cons: Everything takes longer, shops close early
Perfect for: Small decorative items, nothing urgent

Day-of-Week Strategy

Monday: Avoid! Many shops are closed or staff are grumpy
Tuesday–Thursday: Perfect! Best service, peaceful shopping
Friday: Okay, but gets hectic in the afternoon
Saturday: Crowded, but everything’s open
Sunday: Only IKEA and a handful of furniture stores

Budget Timing: When Prices Drop

Malta follows European sales cycles, but with local quirks:

• January sale: 20–30% off, especially sofas and bedroom sets
• Festa weeks: Local shops often offer spot discounts
• August: Summer clearance on imported items
• Black Friday: Works in Malta too, but not everywhere

Strategies for Different Lengths of Stay

1–3 months (Workation/Extended Holiday)

Timing: ASAP, no time to wait for deliveries
Strategy: Facebook Marketplace, furnished rental, essentials from IKEA stock
Budget: €300-800 for absolute basics

3–12 months (Test Phase)

Timing: Equip basics in the first 2 weeks, then as needed
Strategy: Mix of IKEA and second-hand, modular setup
Budget: €1,000–2,500 for full setup

1+ years (Permanent Resident)

Timing: Plan patiently, choose the best quality
Strategy: Local carpenters + quality furniture
Budget: €3,000–8,000 for a high-quality full home

Frequently Asked Questions about Buying Furniture in Malta

Can I have furniture shipped from Germany to Malta?

Yes, but expect €150-300 in shipping and 2–6 weeks delivery time. It only makes sense for valuable or hard-to-find items. Amazon Germany and some furniture shops will deliver to Malta.

How do I find a reliable carpenter in Malta?

Word of mouth is best. Ask in Facebook groups like Expats in Malta or Malta Community for recommendations. Always ask for references and a written quote.

Are IKEA prices higher in Malta than in Germany?

Yes, on average 20-30% more. A Billy bookcase costs around €70 in Malta, compared to €50 in Germany. But you save on shipping and waiting times.

Where can I find cheap second-hand furniture in Malta?

Facebook Marketplace is your top source. The Caritas and other charity shops also have good deals. The best time is June–August, when many expats leave the island.

Is furniture leasing available in Malta?

Yes, some larger furniture stores offer financing and leasing. Especially handy for expensive kitchens or full apartment setups. Interest rates are usually 5–8% per year.

How long does furniture delivery take in Malta?

In-stock items: 1–7 days. Special orders: 2–6 weeks. Custom pieces: 4–8 weeks. Always factor in Malta time—everything takes about twice as long as promised.

Can I sell my furniture when I leave Malta?

Absolutely! Facebook Marketplace and expat groups are very active. Usually, you’ll get 30-50% of the original price back, sometimes more for well-kept IKEA pieces.

Do I get VAT refunded on furniture purchases?

As an EU national you pay the local VAT (18%) in Malta. A refund is generally not possible, unless you qualify as a tourist (complex and rarely worthwhile).

Which furniture items are especially expensive in Malta?

Anything imported: sofas (+40-60%), mattresses (+50%), electronic furniture like standing desks (+70%). Locally-made wooden furniture and second-hand items are cheapest.

Are there any outlets or factory sales for furniture in Malta?

Yes, but only a handful. The Furniture Factory Outlet in Qormi regularly sells clearance and ex-display pieces. Central Furniture Stores sometimes have warehouse sales with 30–50% off.