London is an incredibly transient city- people move in and out of London every single day. This means that there is a huge market for second hand furniture in London. It won’t take you long to find that special piece you are looking for.
Sourcing second hand furniture in London is also a great way to save money- have you seen the cost of a brand new sofa?! And has the added bonus of being eco-friendly too. When you shop second hand, you’re also more likely to find unique items, that are made to last a lifetime, rather than cheaper modern alternatives that aren’t built from quality materials.
Finding Second Hand Furniture In London
Finding second hand furniture in London is actually surprisingly easier than you may think. With so many people moving in and out of London, people are often desperate to get rid of their unwanted furniture- which means it’s usually priced cheaply for a quick sell. It’s even possible to find free furniture in London if you know where to look!
Most of the ideas in this article for sourcing second hand furniture in London will also be places where you can find cheap furniture too. There really is no need to spend money on brand new furniture when you can get great quality second hand pieces for a fraction of the cost. It’s also so much better for the environment to buy second hand furniture!
Where can I buy second hand furniture in London?
There are lots of places where you can buy second hand furniture in London- from your local community, dedicated second hand furniture stores, charity shops and of course online marketplaces.
Buy second hand furniture locally
1. Facebook
Local Facebook groups and Facebook marketplace are some of the best places to find second hand furniture online because it’s likely that the items are available in your local area. This means you can arrange to pick the items up easily without much additional cost.
Sellers on Facebook marketplace might also be open to negotiation- so make sure you message the owner of any items that catch your eye and see if you can grab a bargain. However, it’s important to note that when a price has been arranged, you do not try and negotiate when you pick up the item! Once a price has been agreed, it’s bad etiquette to try and negotiate with the seller on their doorstep.
2. eBay
Not only is eBay an excellent place for sourcing second hand clothing, it’s also the place to go if you want to browse a large amount of cheap second hand furniture.
eBay is a particularly good site to use because of the volume of items listed for sale. Many sellers will also be willing to arrange delivery for furniture- especially if they are full time furniture dealers on the platform.
However, there is also a large amount of furniture which will be collection only- you can filter the search results by location so that you can see the ‘collection only’ items available in your local area. You are more likely to get a better deal in this section if you are able to collect the item yourself.
3. Shpock
Shpock is an app-based marketplace where you can search for furniture and other household items using your location. Users will sometimes list items for free on the app, and others will list furniture and other items for great prices.
Most items on Shpock will be collection only, so again, search for items within your area that you are happy to pick up yourself.
4. Gumtree
Gumtree is the original online classifieds site where you can buy and sell pretty much anything. Furniture and household items are a popular category on the site- and you can definitely pick up a bargain. There are no fees for the sellers (unlike eBay) which means that people are more likely to list larger items on Gumtree than they are on eBay.
You can again search for furniture based on your location, and set an additional radius that you are willing to travel to, to pick up furniture. Gumtree should definitely be a consideration if you are able to pick up furniture yourself.
5. London Car Boot Sales
Believe it or not, London has lots of regular car boot sales on offer. Many car boots will have furniture for sale, especially those which specialise in house clearances.
It’s more than likely you’ll have a car boot sale fairly close-by, just make sure you’ve got some transport lined up so that you can take your treasures back home with you.
Buy second hand furniture online
6. Preloved
Preloved is another online marketplace where you can find second hand, retro and vintage furniture. As well as furniture you can also find items such as curtains, iron and ironing board, lamps and everything else you might need to furnish your home.
With over 7 million members, the site is one of the largest in the UK, so it’s well worth searching the site for beautiful second hand pieces.
7. Online charity shops
Did you know that lots of charity organisations now have online charity shops? Not only do charities have dedicated online platforms, but they also have online stores on the likes of eBay and Vinted.
For specialist online charity shops, head to Oxfam, British Heart Foundation and British Red Cross.
8. Etsy
You can find retro, vintage, and used furniture on Etsy. On Etsy you will be able to search for very specific items- and many sellers will help you to arrange delivery to your home from theirs. There are sellers from all over the world on the platform, so to avoid spending expensive delivery fees, filter your search results to UK Only.
You can often find quite the bargain on Etsy, as well as beautiful home furnishings such as lamps, crockery, cushions and other knick knacks.
9. Vinted
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Vinted is just for clothes. However, as the app has become more and more popular, you can now find furniture on the app too! Granted, you might not have as much choice as other online marketplaces such as eBay or Etsy, but there is certainly a bargain or two that can be snapped up.
Again, check the postage rates before you fall in love with an item, because they might be quite expensive depending on where the item is being shipped from.
10. Depop
Similarly to Vinted, Depop has a reputation as a selling platform for second hand clothing. However, did you know that there’s also used furniture listed on the app too?
You’ll find beds, chest of drawers, home furnishings and more. Again, you’re likely to have more choice on eBay and Etsy, but it could be worth a look if you’re already familiar with the app for second hand shopping.
11. Pamono
Pamono has a slightly more up-market approach to second hand furniture, with their delectable online furniture store offering distinctive, uniquely designed objects for the home. You’ll find both vintage and modern contemporary pieces on their website, and everything is underpinned with their mission to ‘surround yourself with beauty and soul.’
The site has plenty of vintage furniture, but also sought-after collectables. One for those with a keen eye for design and interior trends.
12. Vinterior
If you’re keen on vintage furniture, you will have surely heard of Vinterior. A favourite among influencers and interior design enthusiasts alike.
Vinterior offers beautifully unique vintage furniture that would stand out on any Instagram feed. Vinterior partners with over 1,000 independent dealers, and so their pieces are the true crème de la crème. You’ll find second hand pieces and antiques with bags of character and charm.
13. Selency
Selency is another higher-end furniture site, based in France. Again, you’ll find special vintage pieces, retro delights and home furnishings on their community platform. The items are validated and authenticated to ensure quality is unmatched. Sign up to their newsletter and you can also score yourself a discount!
14. Retrouvius
Retrouvius has both an online store, and a warehouse in London (by appointment only). Established in 1993, the brand have established themselves with a longstanding reputation for reclamation and restoration of furniture.
The pieces on sale are true one-offs and have been reconditioned into beautiful pieces for the home. If you’re looking for something truly unique, head to their warehouse to see what curiosities take your fancy.
15. Secondhandfurniture.org
Secondhandfurniture.org is an online marketplace for all types of furniture- from office to home. You can sort listings by postcode and price to find items within your budget, and close to your home. All furniture is listed by individuals, companies, and dealers throughout the UK.
Second hand furniture shops in London
Aside from apps and online marketplaces, you can source second hand furniture from specialist second hand and charity shops in London which specifically deal with furniture and homeware. There is certainly no shortage of used furniture stores in London.
Specialist Furniture Charity Shops
If you want to give to charity whilst grabbing yourself a bargain, head to one of the many specialist furniture charity shops in London.
16. British Heart Foundation
There are lots of British Heart Foundation furniture & electrical stores throughout London. All BHF furniture & electrical stores are a great size, with lots of affordable second hand pieces to browse.
Locations include Old Kent Road, Brixton, Holloway, Wandsworth, Walthamstow and more. Find your nearest store here.
17. Royal Trinity Hospice
Royal Trinity Hospice have a ton of stores throughout London, but if you’re local to West London, you’ll want to check out their dedicated furniture store. Located in Putney, there is just about everything here from beds, to décor, to rugs and more.
I personally visited this store when completing my guide to the Best Charity Shops In West London, so take a look at that guide for more details on prices and products found at that store.
18. Red Cross
The British Red Cross have specialist furniture and electrical stores across the country, with one store located in Fulham, south London.
If you’re able to go a little further afield, there are also dedicated Red Cross furniture and electrical stores in Redhill and East Grinstead. Find your nearest furniture store using there store finder here.
19. Emmaus
Emmaus also have dedicated second hand furniture charity shops across the country. In many cases, furniture is mended and upcycled by their dedicated staff.
Head to their Second Hand Furniture Superstore in West Norwood, open Monday-Saturday.
4 Beadman Street, West Norwood, London, SE27 0DN.
20. Spitalfields Crypt Trust
Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT) is a local charity based in East London. Their ‘Restoration Station‘ is a social enterprise where second hand furniture gets a new lease of life. They sell directly from their workshop, where people still in recovery learn woodwork and upholstery skills, and prices are very competitive.
SCT also take on private commissions and offer bespoke creations. If you’ve already got an item in need of a revival, get in touch with SCT to see if they can help you to revamp it to it’s former glory.
21. St Christopher’s
St Christopher’s is a chain of charity shops that has specialist furniture shops in London. Check out their store in Hayes, and a little further afield in Orpington.
Although these stores are not in central London, if you live in the surrounding areas they might be a great way to snap up a second hand furniture bargain.
22. Barnet Furniture Centre
One for those living north of the river, the Barnet Furniture Centre is something of a second hand furniture powerhouse! With a warehouse of affordable second hand furniture in abundance, it’s a must-visit for any Londoner looking for used furniture.
23. North London Hospice Furniture
Located in North Finchley, North London Hospice furniture shop is open 7 days a week. Again, a store full of pre-loved furniture at affordable prices, you’ll be getting a lovely piece of second hand furniture that’s both sustainable for the planet and your wallet.
987 High Road, London, N12 8QR.
24. Remar Furniture Store
Head to Bermondsey to find the Remar Furniture Store. Here you’ll find both practical and quirky second hand furniture with great-value prices. However, Remar also sell new furniture too for super affordable prices. Open Monday – Sunday, you’ll be sure to find that unique piece of furniture you’ve been searching for.
243 Southwark Park Road, Bermondsey, London, SE16 3TS
25. Debra UK
Debra UK has over 100 stores nationwide, with several charity shops throughout London, some which also sell furniture and home furnishings. The stores in London are located in Greenwich, Croydon, and Wimbledon (Raynes Park).
Their dedicated furniture and electrical shop is based in Woolwich. And if you want to get rid of some furniture? Debra UK also offer a free furniture collection service.
17/23 Woolwich Road, London, SE10 0RA
26. Princess Alice Hospice
Princess Alice Hospice has specialist furniture shops just outside of London in both Kingston and Walton-On-Thames. However, many of their charity shops also have furniture within their general stores, however the selection is a little less than at their specialist furniture shops.
You’ll find everything from second hand baby furniture, to cushions, eccentric furniture items, and also the super practical items too.
Used Furniture Stores In London
If you’re perhaps looking for second hand furniture in a popular retro or vintage style, you might want to head to a second hand furniture store which doesn’t have an affiliation to a charity. The pieces are more likely to be restored and carefully selected by knowledgeable furniture dealers- they’ve already done the hard work for you!
27. The Old Cinema
An absolute gem found in Chiswick, you could spend an entire afternoon browsing the gorgeous retro and vintage furniture, homeware and trinkets in The Old Cinema. The store is deceptively large, and pieces get snapped up in an instant. So if you fall in love, don’t hesitate for too long before buying!
You’ll see the store a mile off with its bright cinematic lights above the entrance, follow @theoldcinema on Instagram to keep up to date with new stock.
28. Retro Hub
Head to Stoke Newington if you fancy checking out this curiosity shop in North London. With lots of vintage furniture, collectibles and art.
Retro Hub spills out onto the street with their quirky home furnishings, reclaimed items, and even garden furniture.
29. The Used Kitchen Company
Perhaps a little more niche than other second hand furniture stores that have been mentioned so far, but a super helpful one!
The Used Kitchen Company sell second hand kitchens, and the furniture that goes in it. They are located in West London, but you can check out their website to see what they’re all about.
30. After Noah
Based in Islington, After Noah is a family-owned store that has been around since the 1930s. Expect to find vintage furniture, lighting and even furniture and toys for children.
The store has a workshop on site, which means that they restore furniture to its former glory here, and then sell these beautiful pieces to their customers.
31. Little Paris
Most of the pieces sold at Little Paris are sourced from France- with some pieces dating back to 1800! Each month new pieces are sourced, so keep checking the store for newness.
You’ll find vintage furniture, lighting and décor pieces at this store- located in Crouch End.
32. Vintique
As the name suggests, Vintique is a boutique style furniture store, selling gorgeous second hand vintage, mid-century and retro pieces. Based in Peckham, you’ll find a huge range of home furnishings, from chairs and tables to side boards and artwork. If you’re an East London resident, be sure to pop by.
Open Saturday and Sunday, and viewings by appointment on weekdays.
Unit 13, Station Passage, Queens Road, Peckham, London, United Kingdom, SE15 2JR
33. Deens Furniture
Deens Furniture can be found in Brixton. It’s an Aladdin’s cave of all things furniture, with a fantastic selection. They are renowned locally for their excellent customer service, with helpful staff and great prices to boot.
Head to Deens for chairs, desks, sofas, bookshelves and much, much more.
74 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1QW
34. Second Time Around
Another boutique furniture offering, Second Time Around has over thirty years of experience in the second hand furniture business. Selling all manner of furniture items and electrical appliances, you can pretty much furnish a whole property from this shop.
And if Lewisham is a little too far to travel? They also have an online marketplace too, and offer free delivery within 2 miles of their London shop.
110 Lewisham Way, London SE14 6NY
35. Mr Allsorts
Mr Allsorts is certainly an eclectic store, and as well as furniture, you’ll also find jewellery, china, and other home furnishings. The store is based in Islington, and they buy AND sell furniture, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Check out Mr Allsorts for garden chairs, tables, mid-century retro furniture and knick knacks- we’d be surprised if you came away from the store empty handed!
191 Northchurch Rd, London N1 3NT
36. De Sio Furniture
De Sio is a family run business based in West London, with upmarket, high quality vintage and antique furniture on offer. Lots of the furniture is surprisingly affordable, with beautiful solid hardwood pieces being their go-to.
If you live locally? You’re in luck, De Sio offers free delivery to those living in the local area.
18 Churchfield Rd, London W3 6EG
37. Park Royal Office Furniture
Perhaps something of a niche store to add to this list, but with the rise of working from home, many of us are now in the market for some second hand office furniture! Park Royal Office Furniture sells affordable second hand items, at a snip of the RRP. Definitely one to check out if you’re revamping your home office.
186 Acton Ln, London NW10 7NH
38. Retro Living
As the name suggests, Retro Living are specialists in selling beautiful retro furniture pieces. Your home could look like a movie set with the delightful pieces on offer at this store. Everything is second hand, and the pieces are incredibly unique, and so you may find that prices are a little more expensive at this store than others on this list. Think Scandi designers, antiques, and high quality furnishings too.
If you’re after something truly breathtaking for your home? This is the store for you.
39. Committee of Taste
As you might expect from the name of the store, Committee of Taste is where tastemakers come to find individual furniture items with utility at their core. Set in Stoke Newington, you’ll find everything here from mid-century tables, chairs and side boards, to vintage drawers, shelves and desks.
40. Ikea
Did you know that Ikea now sell second hand furniture? In an effort to be kinder to the planet, Ikea now offer a buy-back and resell service on their furniture. That means that you can also buy their pieces second hand, for a fraction of the original cost.
Every Ikea store now has a ‘Circular Hub‘ in store, where you can buy second hand Ikea furniture, ex-display, and discontinued pieces. And if you’re not living near an Ikea? You can also shop their Circular Hub online.
Top Tips When Shopping Second Hand:
- Check for functionality- check whether you would need to carry out any repairs on an item before you buy it. It may influence the usability of the item if you’re not able to repair it yourself.
- Check for stains, scratches and permanent marks. Sometimes these can be buffed or sanded away, but not always.
- Measure your home before shopping. This is a big one! It’s the worst feeling when you fall in love with an item, only to discover that it’s too small for your house.
- Bring a tape measure with you!