What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
refurnish
Example
We decided to refurnish our living room with new sofas and chairs. [refurnish: verb]
Example
The interior designer suggested refurnishing the bedroom with a new bed and nightstands. [refurnishing: gerund or present participle]
renovate
Example
The company decided to renovate the old office building to make it more energy-efficient. [renovate: verb]
Example
The homeowners hired a contractor to renovate their kitchen with new cabinets and appliances. [renovating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Renovate is more commonly used than refurnish in everyday language. Renovate is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while refurnish is less common and refers specifically to updating furniture and decor.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between refurnish and renovate?
Both refurnish and renovate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but renovate may be more commonly used in formal writing or professional settings due to its broader scope of work.