The Guide to Buying Second-Hand Furniture: Do's and Don'ts for Treasure Hunters

Let's talk about that moment when you're standing in a vintage furniture shop, eyeing up a gorgeous mid-century sideboard that costs less than your monthly coffee budget.

Should you grab it immediately? Or is there a catch?

If you've ever hesitated before buying second-hand furniture, you're not alone. The pre-loved furniture game can be intimidating – from authenticity concerns to restoration nightmares.

Here's the thing: once you know what to look for, second-hand furniture shopping becomes less of a gamble and more of a treasure hunt. And London's absolutely packed with incredible finds just waiting for their forever homes.

Let's break down exactly what you should and shouldn't do when hunting for pre-loved furniture pieces that'll transform your space (and save you serious cash).

The Do's of Second-Hand Furniture Shopping

DO: Measure everything. Twice.

Picture this: You've found the perfect vintage dresser, lugged it home (or paid for delivery), only to discover it's 2cm too wide for your space. Heartbreaking, right?

Before you even leave your house, know exactly:

• What dimensions will fit your space

• How wide your doorways and staircases are

• Whether that piece will actually make it into your flat

Take a measuring tape with you, and don't rely on listings or eyeballing it. Those "small" vintage armchairs are often deceptively massive.

💅🏻 Pro tip: Keep a note in your phone with all your key measurements so you're always prepared when you stumble across an unexpected furniture gem.

DO: Inspect thoroughly before buying

Second-hand furniture inspection is basically CSI: Home Edition. You're looking for:

• Structural integrity (wobbles are rarely "easy fixes")

• Signs of woodworm (tiny holes in wooden furniture)

• Water damage (swelling, discoloration)

• Smell (mustiness that won't go away with cleaning)

• All drawers and doors (do they open smoothly?)

Don't be shy about really examining pieces. Flip them over, pull out drawers, shine your phone torch into corners.

DO: Research before dropping serious cash

If you're considering investment pieces (looking at you, vintage Ercol and G-Plan enthusiasts), take a moment to research:

• What authentic pieces actually look like

• How to spot reproductions

• What typical pricing looks like

• Common issues with that style/brand

The internet is your best friend here – there are entire forums dedicated to identifying authentic mid-century pieces.

DO: Consider refurbishment potential

Sometimes the most incredible finds need a bit of love. Before passing on a piece that's structurally sound but cosmetically challenged, consider:

• Could a simple sand and refinish transform it?

• Would new handles update it completely?

• Is reupholstery worth it for the quality of frame?

Solid wood pieces with good bones are perfect candidates for restoration, while particleboard furniture rarely deserves the effort.

DO: Build relationships with dealers

The absolute best second-hand furniture finds never make it to the shop floor or the flea market. They go straight to the regular customers who've built relationships with shop owners.

Get chatting with the staff at your favorite stores or market, follow them on social media, and join their WhatsApp lists if they have them. When that perfect Danish teak dining set comes in, you want to be the first person they text.

The Don'ts of Second-Hand Furniture Shopping

DON'T: Ignore bed bugs and other pests

Let's be real – the biggest fear with second-hand furniture is bringing unwanted critters into your home. This is especially true for upholstered items.

Always check:

• Seams of upholstered furniture

• Dark spots on mattresses (sorry for the mental image)

• Cracks and joints in wooden furniture

If a shop smells musty or you spot signs of infestation on any piece, walk away. No bargain is worth that nightmare.

DON'T: Fall for fake "antiques"

The vintage furniture market is packed with reproductions masquerading as originals. The classic signs include:

• Too-perfect "distressing"

• Modern screws in supposedly antique pieces

• Inconsistent wear patterns

• Machine-perfect dovetail joints on "handmade" pieces

When a dealer says "authentic vintage" but the price seems suspiciously low, your antique radar should be beeping.

DON'T: Buy without considering logistics

That stunning 1950s marble-topped sideboard won't be so stunning when you realize it weighs more than your car and lives on the third floor of a walk-up.

Before purchasing, consider:

• How you'll transport it

• Whether you need specialist movers

• If it will fit through your doorways/up stairs

• The actual weight of the item

Some shops offer delivery, but many require you to handle transportation yourself.

DON'T: Skip checking for smells

That gorgeous velvet sofa might look perfect in the shop, but if it's been sitting in someone's smoking home for 40 years, that smell is basically permanent.

Take a subtle sniff (we won't judge) of upholstered pieces, and be especially wary of:

• Cigarette smoke

• Mildew or dampness

• Pet odors

Some smells can be treated, but deep-seated odors in furniture foam are nearly impossible to completely remove.

DON'T: Compromise on what you love

Just because something's a "good deal" doesn't mean it deserves a place in your home. The beauty of second-hand furniture shopping is that there's always something else around the corner.

Wait for pieces that make your heart skip a beat, not just your wallet smile.

Where to Hunt for Second-Hand Furniture in London

London is a treasure trove for furniture hunters. Here's where to start your search:

For budget finds:

• British Heart Foundation Furniture Stores

• Emmaus

• Local charity furniture shops

For mid-range quality:

• Vintique (Peckham)

• The Peanut Vendor (East London)

• Atomic Antiques (Shoreditch)

For high-end vintage:

• Alfies Antique Market

• Kempton Antiques Market (worth the trip outside London)

For the real treasure hunt:

• Facebook Marketplace (set up alerts for specific items)

• Nextdoor app (local listings)

• Car boot sales in wealthy areas

Your second-hand furniture journey starts here

Finding incredible second-hand furniture is part skill, part patience, and a tiny bit of luck. But armed with these do's and don'ts, you're already miles ahead of most shoppers.

Remember: the best pieces tell a story, and there's something magical about giving a well-crafted item a second life in your home.

Download the Ganddee app to:

• Find the best second-hand furniture shops near you

• Connect with other furniture hunters

• Discover hidden gems across London

With Ganddee in your pocket, you'll never miss out on that perfect vintage find again.

Happy hunting! 🪑✨