Amsterdam is Eichholtz's home market, and it is also the city with the most challenging delivery conditions in Europe. Those who live in the canal belt are familiar with the problem: the stairs are steeper than any standard, and the sofa simply won't fit around the bends.
The Hijsbalk is not a decoration
The hook on the gable of many canal houses is a working tool. For centuries, large furniture in Amsterdam has entered homes through the window, using rope hoists or furniture lifts. Practically, this means two things. Firstly: window dimensions are more important than door dimensions, and whether the sash can be fully unhinged determines the maximum piece size. Secondly: delivery requires space on the pavement and by the water, meaning an appointment and often a permit. If you clarify this in advance, your sofa can be delivered to the second floor within an hour.
Steep stairs, narrow doors
Historic Amsterdam stairs are narrow, steep, and often feature a 180-degree turn without a landing. Anything that cannot be disassembled will fail there. Modular sofas, tables with removable legs, and chairs that can be stacked are not compromises here, but rather practical solutions.
Humid climate, little light
The Netherlands has high humidity and very little daylight in winter. This is more favorable for wood than dry continental air, but less so for upholstery in poorly ventilated basements. The same applies to light as in Brussels and Paris: salvation lies in multiple low light sources. Table lamps on sideboards and windowsills are not coincidentally standard in Dutch living rooms; they create the evening ambiance.
What works well here
Bright, richly textured materials that absorb little light: bouclé, brushed oak, and large wall mirrors that reflect the light from the canals back into the room. Very dark, heavy combinations can quickly feel oppressive in lower-floor rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you deliver large furniture to a canal house?
Mostly through the window, using a furniture lift or the hijsbalk on the gable. Crucial factors are the window dimensions and whether the sash can be unhinged, as well as a parking space and often a permit.
What kind of furniture fits through Amsterdam staircases?
Disassemblable and modular pieces. Historic staircases are steep and usually turn without a landing. A non-disassemblable sofa regularly fails there.
What helps against the dark winter light?
Multiple low light sources instead of a single ceiling light, along with bright, richly textured materials and large mirrors that reflect light into the room.
Consultation with an authorized dealer
Casa Luxury is the interior world of an established, authorized Eichholtz specialist dealer. We are listed in the brand's official dealer directory, deliver throughout Europe, and provide advice on selection, dimensions, and delivery times. Inquiries can be sent to info@casa-luxury.de.
Luxury Furniture for Amsterdam: Canal House and Hijsbalk: Models from the Collection
A selection from the categories discussed on this page. Each image leads to the product page.
Further in the guide: Luxury Furniture Overview · Rotterdam · Brussels · Oak