< Back

Furnishing a Holiday Apartment in Israel

Q: Should I ship furniture from the US for a holiday apartment

For most holiday apartments it is simpler to buy locally. Shipping makes sense only for sentimental pieces or when you are already sending a larger shipment as part of a move.

Q: How do I protect the apartment during long absences

Close the shutters, turn off the water heater backup, leave a trusted contact with keys and ask them to air the apartment and run the taps from time to time.

Q: Is it worth hiring an interior designer

A designer can save time and mistakes, especially when you are ordering from abroad. Ask for a clear scope and a budget framework, and make sure they coordinate deliveries in person.

Q: What should guests find on arrival

Made beds, clean towels, a working air conditioner, basic groceries for the first morning and a printed guide covering Wi-Fi, the water heater, the mamad and local shops.

An apartment you visit a few times a year, and perhaps rent to guests in between, has its own design logic. It must withstand long periods of closure in a warm Mediterranean climate, cope with guests who may treat it less gently than you would, and still feel personal when your family arrives for the holidays. Americans are also used to larger rooms, bigger appliances and different electrical standards, which affects what you should buy locally and what is worth bringing. This guide covers the practical choices, from materials and layout to lockable storage and ordering furniture while you are still in the United States.

Design for the Climate

Israeli summers are hot, coastal cities are humid and sea air is hard on metal. Choose materials that tolerate these conditions: porcelain or stone tiles, powder-coated or stainless fittings near the coast, and washable fabrics. Light curtains combined with the external roller shutters common in Israeli apartments keep rooms cool while you are away.

Air conditioning is standard, usually split units in each room. Make sure they are serviced before each high season.

Durable Before Decorative

Buy sturdy, simple furniture in neutral tones and add personality through art, cushions and a few pieces you love. Slipcovered sofas, solid wood or laminate tables and metal bed frames handle heavy use. Avoid delicate upholstery and pale rugs if guests will stay.

Storage You Can Lock

Set aside a lockable cupboard or closet for personal items, winter bedding, spare linen and family belongings. Israeli apartments often have a small service balcony or a storage unit in the basement, a machsan, which can hold suitcases and seasonal items. Label everything so that whoever prepares the apartment for your arrival can find it.

The Kitchen Essentials

A full set of plates and cutlery for the maximum number of guests
Basic pots, a good knife and a kettle, which Israelis use constantly
Separate sets for meat and dairy if you or your guests keep kosher
A dishwasher sized for local cabinets rather than American models
A small welcome shelf with coffee, tea and olive oil

Electrical and Appliance Differences

Israel uses a different voltage and plug type from the United States, so most American appliances are not practical without converters. It is usually easier to buy appliances locally, where service and spare parts are available. Ask your electrician to confirm that the electrical panel can support air conditioners, an oven and a water heater running together.

The water heater, known as a dud shemesh when solar, often has an electric backup switch. Label it clearly for guests.

Ordering From Abroad

Many Israeli furniture and home stores deliver and assemble, and some will coordinate with a representative who receives the order at the apartment. Plan deliveries carefully in buildings with small elevators, and check stairwell dimensions before buying a large sofa. A designer or trusted friend can photograph showroom pieces for you and handle the final walkthrough. Keep all receipts and warranty documents in a shared folder, because Israeli retailers generally require them for service calls, and you may not be in the country when a fridge or air conditioner needs attention.

Making It Feel Like Yours

A holiday home works best when it carries a little of your family story: framed photos, books in English, a mezuzah on the doorpost, a table big enough for a Friday night dinner. These touches cost little and turn a practical rental into a place you look forward to returning to.

Frequently asked questions

Should I ship furniture from the US for a holiday apartment

For most holiday apartments it is simpler to buy locally. Shipping makes sense only for sentimental pieces or when you are already sending a larger shipment as part of a move.

How do I protect the apartment during long absences

Close the shutters, turn off the water heater backup, leave a trusted contact with keys and ask them to air the apartment and run the taps from time to time.

Is it worth hiring an interior designer

A designer can save time and mistakes, especially when you are ordering from abroad. Ask for a clear scope and a budget framework, and make sure they coordinate deliveries in person.

What should guests find on arrival

Made beds, clean towels, a working air conditioner, basic groceries for the first morning and a printed guide covering Wi-Fi, the water heater, the mamad and local shops.

Elkayam Group

Elkayam Group, the brand of Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd located at Rival Street 37, Tel Aviv, carries a family tradition in industry dating back to the forties and is now run by the third generation. We are involved in development, urban renewal and combination deals, backed by partners who can offer guarantees, and our staff speaks Hebrew, English and French.

Let us know if you would like advice about the building behind your holiday apartment.

+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv