The Best Secondhand Furniture Stores in London

Furnishing a London flat feels a bit like a bank robbery waiting to happen. But as tempting as an Ikea trip sounds (if not only for the meatballs 😉), why not give your space some personality? 

London’s second-hand furniture stores are overflowing with pieces with way more character than anything you'll find at IKEA (sorry, not sorry). 

Source: https://oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/

So, ditch flatpack and get stuck into this guide – it's your key to finding pre-loved treasures and creating a space that's totally you. 

Let's get into it.

Old Spitalfields Market

Old Spitalfields Market is an absolute must-visit if you're on the hunt for unique pieces to make your space pop.

Why we love Old Spitalfields:

• Major vintage vibes: This place is dripping in history – it's been a market since forever (over 350 years), so it’s safe to say it’s pretty well-established. A go-to place for all kinds of great stuff.

• Loads of choice: Clothes, furniture, art... you name it, they got it. Prepare to get obsessed.

• Different vibes every day: Antiques on Thursdays, vinyl on Fridays… They've got themed days throughout the week. Check the website for the lowdown.

• Rain or shine: A covered market means you can shop no matter what the weather's doing.

• Support small biz, feel good: Buy from indie sellers, get indie perks like unique pieces, and feel good about supporting local creators.

Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 10am-5pm

Insider tip: Don't sleep on the street food – it’s amazing. 

Barnet Furniture Centre

As London’s best-kept furniture spot and charity, this non-profit helps furnish homes for low-income families and keeps perfectly good furniture out of landfills by upcycling.

Why we love Barnet Furniture Centre:

• Easy on the bank account: Seriously affordable furniture, perfect for when you're ballin' on a budget.

• Doing good feels good: They're a non-profit helping families in need, so anything you spend helps people who need it.

• Hidden gem: It doesn’t get too busy here. Some of the best pieces stick around for longer, giving you a better chance of getting the good stuff.

• Community love: Two-tier pricing means if you’re claiming benefits, you can furnish your place for less.

  
  

Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm

Top tip: Check their website or socials for updates on new items and offers. 

Ganddee

Okay, so we’re not technically a secondhand store, but we’re pretty damned good at the thrifty bits. The Ganddee app gives you a nudge towards the best secondhand furniture sales in London well in advance. 

No more FOMO, just sweet secondhand scores delivered straight to your phone.

Why Ganddee is a must-have:

• Stay in the know: Find the best local thrift sales - never miss out.

• Not just furniture: We’ve got it all (almost)! Clothes, furniture, even vegan cafes. We’re all about making sustainability a little simpler.

• Real reviews from real people: Get the inside scoop from other thrifters, no BS.

• Save your faves: Build your ultimate thrifting map and plan your secondhand adventures.

• No more greenwashing: We only list shops with legitimate sustainability credentials.

Get the app: Ganddee is free on iOS and Android.

Second Time Around

Ever wished you could raid your cool aunt's apartment for vintage? Second Time Around is the next best thing. They've done the digging for us, so you can check out effortlessly stylish pieces without the awkward family gathering.

Why we love Second Time Around:

• No more junk: They hand-pick the best stuff, so you can skip the sifting and get straight to the good stuff.

• Online stalking encouraged: Everything’s on their online store, so you can check it all out before you head over. Basically window shopping, but from your couch. Not through a window. 

• Lazybones approved: They offer free delivery within 2 miles, and they'll assemble your furniture for you. Winning!

• Worry-free zone: Get a 6-month warranty on all electrical and gas appliances.

• Out with the old: Need to get rid of old furniture? They'll clear it out for you and recycle it responsibly.

Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 10am - 6pm

Wrapping up

So, that's the lowdown on scoring amazing secondhand furniture in London. But before you hit the streets, don't forget to grab the Ganddee app. It's your go-to guide for all things preloved in London.

Ganddee helps you:

• Find the hidden gems: Discover awesome furniture shops near you, from indie stores to charity shops bursting with treasures.

• Stay in the loop: Get the inside scoop on sales, events, and pop-up shops happening in your area.

• Do good, look good: Discover cool brands and initiatives that are making a positive impact on the world.

Basically, it's your free, personal guide to making your place look amazing without spending a fortune (or harming the planet).

Download Ganddee here.