Where to find second hand furniture gems
With any new build home comes the opportunity to add your own stamp and style to the space - and what better way to make the place your own than by adding some unique accessories and furniture that give your home instant character.
So, if you’re looking to add some vintage style to your home, whether a set of dining chairs, gilded picture frame or light fixture, and love ‘thrifting’, we’ve compiled a list of our top places to bag the best second-hand gems.
Charity shops
Your high-street charity shops not only contain pre-loved clothes, books and DVDs, they’re often also home to some fantastic furniture finds.
Here you might come across items like traditional wooden clothes driers and bed headboards, wicker lamp shades (now hugely popular on Instagram and Pinterest!), arm chairs and flower vases.
When accepting donations, most charity shops ask that items are clean and of good quality, and also tend to keep prices low, so you might find an on-trend piece of furniture at a fraction of the price you’d pay at high street stores or online furniture retailers.
Car boots
There’s nothing quite like getting up early at a weekend and flocking to a field close by for a local car boot sale. You’ll find all sorts of treasures here, from antique statues and picture frames, to old schoolhouse chairs and china cabinets.
It’s important to remember that haggling the price at a car boot sale is commonplace, so don’t be afraid to try and grab the best bargain – we’d advise you to do plenty of research beforehand, get an idea of your price-range and have in your mind the sort of item(s) you’re looking to come away with.
Check out this car boot sales directory to find your nearest one.
Cash in the Attic
Sometimes you’ll have a true gem stashed away in your loft, or the attic of your parent’s home, so it’s worth taking some time to root through any boxes stored away.
The BBC One programme, Cash in the Attic, which originally aired in the early 2000s, demonstrated just how often valuable items like 100-year old vases, plates and kitchen wear can slip under our radar gathering dust without realising their true cost.
Casting an eye over the quality, looking for craftsman signatures or marks of historical significance can help to narrow down a truly ‘golden find’ and don’t forget to consult online sources and knowledgeable advisors if you think you’re onto something.
Gumtree
Sites like Gumtree have a vast selection of pre-loved homeware online, and its range of items is updated regularly with new listings at fairly low prices.
While you might love a trip to the car boot, sometimes browsing online with a cup of tea in hand can be just as satisfying as sealing a deal with a handshake. You can grab bargains like a set of oak dining chairs or wooden corner shelves, dressing tables and bureau writing desks, some of which you can purchase for less than £50.
The listings display their location and often come with a number of photographs that showcase their quality. So, it’s worth thoroughly checking the item over in the images – or asking the seller to provide more before buying and heading to collect your item. Check for a detailed product description, too.
The excitement of finding a second-hand gem can be a wonderful feeling, and knowing that you’re giving it a new lease of life in your home can be fulfilling.
Don’t forget too, about how you can transform old items of furniture into new with some simple steps, for example changing the handles on a second-hand chest of drawers, or the upholstery on a living room chair. Be careful though to show extra care towards your antique finds.
If you have any second-hand furniture shopping tips, share them with us over on our Facebook and Twitter channels.