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Buy pre-loved, unique finds for your home at these second hand furniture shops that will restyle your place sustainably.
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As it is with most trends, it takes a while for what industry insiders have known for years to become mainstream. For years, collectors and art enthusiasts have scoured the globe for one-of-a-kind pieces to cherish for their own or their clients’ homes. Oftentimes, pieces- like a Regency era lounge chair or a mid-century brutalist metal table- were sourced as a lucky find at an estate sale or vintage flea market. My, how things have changed. Now, similar to vintage clothing, vintage furniture has gone mainstream, and there are several great second-hand furniture shops where you can easily buy these storied treasures for your home.
It isn’t only vintage furniture that has become popular. Gently loved or even new items, sometimes even left in the original box, are sold at these stores too. Where it used to be that an item you could no longer find room for in your home was likely thrown out into the street, resellers are now making it convenient to resell and buy gently-used pieces. Considering that Americans throw out an estimated 12 million tons of furniture yearly, it’s a good time for second-hand furniture shops to go mainstream.
When it comes to buying second-hand furniture, there are a few things to consider and questions you should always have the answer to beforehand. Much like vintage clothing, vintage furniture was made for durability. Iems were built to last; however, since they’re used, each piece comes with its own history of wear and tear.
We’re going to share tips for shopping pre-loved and the best second-hand furniture shops to buy from the comfort of your home. From West Elm to boutique platforms like Charish, each offers a way to find quality, vintage, or refurbished furniture.
Environmental Benefits of Buying Pre-Owned Furniture
Fast furniture is no different than fast fashion when it comes to the negative environmental impact the take-make-waste model has on our planet and our health. This year alone, 23 million acres of forest have been cleared to meet the growing demand for fast furniture, and 45 million tons of plastic have been created. Whereas our parents held onto furniture items for decades, Americans today are buying and disposing at a faster rate than generations before us. In 2018, we threw out 12 million tons of furniture versus 2 million tons in 1960.
Similar to fast fashion, the idea that we should buy and waste as quickly as style changes is partly thanks to cheaper items and an ever-rotating area of new styles we are constantly pressured to buy. But it doesn’t come without a hidden cost. Cheap furniture is laden with cheap chemicals like the carcinogens formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. And, these chemicals aren’t only harming our health; they’re toxic to our environment, creating 339 million tons of hazardous waste during production and disposal.
Buying second-hand furniture is a powerful step toward reducing your carbon footprint, deforestation, and plastic production. Less wood, metal, and plastic are used when we choose second-hand. Also, shopping for natural materials- wood, linen, bamboo, etc.- can help ensure that we’re not exposing ourselves to harmful chemicals.
West Elm: Open Box Modern Marketplace
Emmett Banquette – Right Arm Corner, Performance Velvet Midnight is a mid-century style corner chair made from kiln-dried, sustainably sourced FSC-certified wood. (This is an image of the yarn dyed linen) $480 ( $949 New )
If you prefer modern, clean lines and styles, West Elm is for you. From bar stools to sofas and wall art, West Elm has an entire outlet of open-box items. The clean layout and filters make it easy to shop for what you’re looking for. And, the prices (A $7 organic ombre shower curtain is originally priced for $69 ) are appealing.
West Elm has recently stepped up their sustainability initiatives, offering more FSC-certified furniture and organic linens. Now, the home goods retailer has launched initiatives aimed at recycling and reusing furniture, where customers can sell back their used furniture in exchange for store credit. The company then resells these items.
1stDibs: Curated Heritage-Quality
30s Art Deco Nightstands with a walnut veneer and glass top are a beautiful vintage piece from Slovenia. Sold as a set. $1996
1stDibs is a vintage lover’s haven of curated hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind treasures sourced from around the globe. Browse by categories, artists, and time periods, or peruse sellers’ shops for inspiration. The site is one of the best places online for heritage-quality second-hand furniture spanning modern, vintage, and mid-century styles. The site focuses on quality, so you’ll find pieces you can love forever and pass down.
If you love a specific designer from a time period, this is one of the best places to easily find their wares. Where else can you shop for an Aquarama headboard inlaid with mother of pearl or a 1950s Danish sofa in its original mohair upholstery from the comfort of your home? If you love the furniture section, be sure to check out their artwork section and their Introspective Magazine for design inspiration.
Kashew: Modern Furniture Marketplace
Bernhardt Wingback Lounge Chair With Tufted Design is a classic design for your living room with a decorative nailhead trim. $45
Kashew is one of the second hand furniture shops showcasing mostly modern furniture from popular brands such as CB2, Restoration Hardware, and Ethan Allen. The site also works with a community-driven approach where users can buy or sell furniture. Most of the styles are classic and contemporary, perfect for those wanting timeless designs.
That isn’t to say there aren’t unique vintage finds available on the site. You can still find one-of-a-kind pieces like a Sputnik crystal chandelier or a vintage bamboo bar cart.
Charish: Marketplace for Unique Finds
Neon Pink Lucite Console Table is made to order in Turkey. This is one of the few new items offered on the site, from a seller specializing in plexiglass pieces. $2880
Boring, Charish is not. The second-hand furniture shop specializes in high-end vintage and unique finds. Expertly curated pieces from the 1980s to the 1800s are offered on the site. Whether you’re shopping for a 19th-century gold-plated mother-of-pearl dessert fork set or a 1950s hand carved wooden stool, you’re bound to be treated to one-of-a-kind finds.
As a tip, when buying from sites like Charish, be sure to check authenticity and condition details. Maintaining vintage items properly can keep them beautiful and sustainable for years.
Other Noteworthy Marketplaces
Aquarama Headboard is made from lacquered birds eye maple wood with a mother of pearl border. $9,248.89 Available on 1stDibs
Sometimes, the best places to shop for second-hand furniture are your local vintage shops. In addition to a brick-and-mortar storefront, these places may also allow you to shop online. However, they’ll likely limit their shipping radius, so you’ll have to be close by if you want your items delivered.
There are also online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, eBay, and Etsy that offer a selection of second-hand furniture. These are generally peer-to-peer marketplaces. So, you’ll have to be ready to pick up and nab your unique find within a day or two.
Tips for Shopping Second-Hand
Lowell Brentwood Chair is a minimalist style made from lightweight Oak and linen. $50
Be sure to ask questions ahead of time. If you’re unsure about the color, condition, or designer, ask the seller for more photos or to clarify descriptions. If you’re shopping for pieces from a specific time period or designer, look for signatures and certifications, and enlarge photos to verify that they’re of good quality. Also, don’t be afraid to ask about the furniture’s history, any repairs, or refurbishments. Well-maintained pieces last longer and are more sustainable.
Define your budget and style before shopping. Whether browsing online or visiting stores, take your time. Some sellers are also open to negotiating prices. Also, visit other vintage and resell sites to compare options (if you can) and consider the furniture’s condition and potential for restoration.
Once home, learn how to care for your new(ish) piece. Proper maintenance extends the life of your finds. Clean your furniture using eco-friendly products, and make minor repairs as needed. Proper care keeps pieces looking good and reduces the need to buy new.