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Thrifting Furniture in Hackney A Guide to Second Hand Shopping

Written by Petter Nov 10, 2023 · 18 min read
Thrifting Furniture in Hackney  A Guide to Second Hand Shopping

Welcome to the world of second-hand furniture shopping in Hackney! If you're looking for unique and affordable furniture pieces to add character to your home, this vibrant borough of London is the perfect place to explore. From vintage finds to upcycled treasures, Hackney is a haven for furniture enthusiasts seeking sustainable and budget-friendly options.

From bustling markets to hidden gems tucked away in alleyways, Hackney offers an array of options for second-hand furniture seekers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie to the thrifting scene, this guide will help you navigate the borough's charming streets and discover hidden treasures that will transform your living space into a reflection of your unique style.

As we delve into the heart of Hackney's second-hand furniture scene, we'll uncover the best spots to find hidden gems, tips for savvy shopping, and inspiring ideas for transforming pre-loved pieces into stylish additions to your home. Join us on this adventure as we explore the wonders of thrifting in Hackney and bring a touch of vintage charm to your living space.

second hand furniture hackney

Discover unique pieces, upcycle finds, and sustainable options.

  • Treasure hunt in local markets.
  • Explore independent furniture stores.
  • Find hidden gems in charity shops.
  • Upcycle pre-loved pieces.
  • Shop sustainably and affordably.
  • Add character to your home.
  • Support the circular economy.
  • Unearth vintage and antique finds.

Hackney's second-hand furniture scene offers an eclectic mix of styles, eras, and materials, ensuring you'll find pieces that reflect your unique taste and create a home that tells a story.

Treasure hunt in local markets.

Hackney's vibrant markets are a treasure trove of second-hand furniture, offering a unique and exciting shopping experience. From bustling street markets to charming indoor markets, there's something for every taste and budget.

  • Columbia Road Flower Market:

    Every Sunday, Columbia Road transforms into a bustling market, where you can find an eclectic mix of second-hand furniture, vintage clothing, and beautiful flowers. Keep an eye out for hidden gems among the stalls, as you never know what you might discover.

  • Hackney Flea Market:

    Held on the last Sunday of every month, the Hackney Flea Market is a haven for bargain hunters and vintage enthusiasts. With a wide range of furniture, homeware, and clothing on offer, you're sure to find unique pieces to add character to your home.

  • Chatsworth Road Market:

    Located in the heart of Hackney, Chatsworth Road Market is a vibrant street market with a diverse selection of second-hand furniture. From antique pieces to mid-century modern finds, there's something for every style and budget. Be sure to haggle with the vendors for the best prices.

  • Broadway Market:

    Known for its delicious street food and independent shops, Broadway Market also boasts a small but charming selection of second-hand furniture stalls. Browse through vintage furniture, upcycled pieces, and quirky homeware to find unique items that will add personality to your space.

Remember to arrive early to get the best selection and be prepared to rummage through piles of furniture to find the hidden gems. Don't forget to bring cash as many vendors may not accept card payments.

Explore independent furniture stores.

Hackney is home to a thriving community of independent furniture stores, each offering a unique and carefully curated selection of second-hand furniture. These stores are a great place to find high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces that will add character and charm to your home.

Some of our favorite independent furniture stores in Hackney include:

  • The Hackney Furniture Company:

    This charming store specializes in mid-century modern furniture and lighting. With a focus on quality and sustainability, The Hackney Furniture Company offers a carefully selected range of vintage and upcycled pieces.

  • The Old Cinema:

    Housed in a former cinema, this eclectic store offers a mix of vintage furniture, industrial pieces, and upcycled treasures. The Old Cinema is a great place to find unique and eye-catching items that will make a statement in your home.

  • Revival Retro:

    As the name suggests, Revival Retro specializes in retro and vintage furniture from the 1950s to the 1980s. From colorful Formica tables to sleek Danish modern chairs, Revival Retro has something for every lover of vintage style.

  • Hackney Wick Furniture:

    Located in the vibrant Hackney Wick area, this store offers a diverse selection of second-hand furniture, upcycled pieces, and handmade items. Hackney Wick Furniture is a great place to find unique and affordable furniture that reflects the creative spirit of the area.

When exploring independent furniture stores in Hackney, be sure to take your time and browse through the entire selection. You never know what hidden gems you might discover! And don't be afraid to ask the store owners questions about the history and provenance of the pieces. They are often happy to share their knowledge and help you find the perfect piece for your home.

Find hidden gems in charity shops.

Charity shops in Hackney are a treasure trove of hidden gems, offering a wide variety of second-hand furniture at affordable prices. Whether you're looking for vintage finds, upcycled pieces, or simply good quality furniture on a budget, charity shops are a great place to start your search.

  • British Heart Foundation Furniture & Electrical:

    With two locations in Hackney, the British Heart Foundation Furniture & Electrical stores offer a wide selection of second-hand furniture, electrical appliances, and homeware. Proceeds from sales support the British Heart Foundation's vital work in fighting heart disease.

  • Oxfam Furniture Hackney:

    Located on Kingsland Road, Oxfam Furniture Hackney is a spacious and well-organized charity shop with a large selection of furniture, books, clothing, and homeware. Oxfam is known for its high-quality second-hand items, and all proceeds support Oxfam's work in fighting poverty around the world.

  • Shelter Hackney Furniture & Homeware:

    Shelter Hackney Furniture & Homeware is a small but well-stocked charity shop that specializes in furniture and homeware. You can find everything from sofas and armchairs to tables, chairs, and kitchenware. All proceeds from sales support Shelter's work in fighting homelessness and bad housing.

  • Cancer Research UK Furniture Store Hackney:

    The Cancer Research UK Furniture Store in Hackney is a great place to find good quality second-hand furniture at bargain prices. You can find a variety of furniture styles, from traditional to modern, as well as a selection of electrical appliances and homeware. All proceeds from sales support Cancer Research UK's vital work in fighting cancer.

When shopping for second-hand furniture in charity shops, it's important to be patient and persistent. The best items often get snapped up quickly, so it's a good idea to visit charity shops regularly to see what's new. And don't be afraid to ask the staff if they have any hidden gems in the back.

Upcycle pre-loved pieces.

Upcycling is a great way to transform old, unwanted furniture into stylish and unique pieces that reflect your personal style. With a little creativity and some simple DIY skills, you can upcycle almost any piece of furniture into something new and exciting.

  • Repaint or reupholster:

    One of the easiest ways to upcycle furniture is to repaint or reupholster it. This is a great way to give a piece of furniture a fresh new look and make it match your existing décor. You can find a wide variety of paints and fabrics specifically designed for furniture at most home improvement stores.

  • Add new hardware:

    Another simple way to upcycle furniture is to replace the hardware. New knobs, handles, or drawer pulls can give a piece of furniture a whole new look and feel. You can find a wide variety of hardware options at most home improvement stores and online retailers.

  • Repurpose furniture:

    Sometimes, the best way to upcycle furniture is to repurpose it. For example, an old dresser can be turned into a media console, a nightstand can be turned into a side table, or a coffee table can be turned into a bench. With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless.

  • Combine different pieces:

    Another fun way to upcycle furniture is to combine different pieces to create something new. For example, you could combine an old table base with a new tabletop to create a unique dining table. Or, you could combine two old chairs to create a loveseat.

Upcycling furniture is a great way to be creative, reduce waste, and save money. With a little effort, you can transform old, unwanted furniture into stylish and unique pieces that you'll love for years to come.

Shop sustainably and affordably.

Shopping for second-hand furniture in Hackney is a great way to shop sustainably and affordably. By buying used furniture, you are reducing the demand for new furniture, which in turn reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills. You are also saving money, as second-hand furniture is often much cheaper than new furniture.

  • Reduce your carbon footprint:

    Buying second-hand furniture helps to reduce your carbon footprint. The production of new furniture requires a lot of energy and resources, and it also generates greenhouse gases. By buying used furniture, you are helping to reduce the demand for new furniture and, therefore, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted.

  • Support the circular economy:

    When you buy second-hand furniture, you are supporting the circular economy. The circular economy is a model of production and consumption that aims to eliminate waste and pollution by keeping resources in use for as long as possible. By buying used furniture, you are helping to keep furniture out of landfills and you are also creating a demand for second-hand furniture, which encourages businesses to sell more used furniture.

  • Save money:

    Second-hand furniture is often much cheaper than new furniture. This is because the cost of materials and labor has already been paid for. You can often find high-quality second-hand furniture for a fraction of the price of new furniture.

  • Find unique and stylish pieces:

    Second-hand furniture stores are often full of unique and stylish pieces that you won't find in big box stores. This is because second-hand furniture comes from a variety of sources, including homes, businesses, and estate sales. You're sure to find something that reflects your personal style and adds character to your home.

Shopping for second-hand furniture in Hackney is a great way to shop sustainably, affordably, and stylishly. So next time you need a new piece of furniture, be sure to check out the many second-hand furniture stores in the borough.

Add character to your home.

Second-hand furniture can add character and charm to your home that new furniture simply can't match. Each piece of second-hand furniture has its own unique story to tell, and it can bring a sense of history and personality to your space. Whether you choose a vintage dresser, a mid-century modern armchair, or a rustic coffee table, second-hand furniture can help you create a home that is truly unique and reflects your personal style.

Here are a few tips for adding character to your home with second-hand furniture:

  • Mix and match different styles:

    Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles of second-hand furniture. This can create a eclectic and interesting look that is full of personality. For example, you could pair a vintage dresser with a modern nightstand or a mid-century modern armchair with a rustic coffee table.

  • Use second-hand furniture as a statement piece:

    A unique or eye-catching piece of second-hand furniture can be used as a statement piece in your home. For example, you could place a vintage armoire in your living room or a mid-century modern credenza in your dining room. A statement piece can help to define the style of your home and make it more memorable.

  • Upcycle second-hand furniture:

    Upcycling second-hand furniture is a great way to add your own personal touch to your home. You can repaint or reupholster furniture, add new hardware, or even repurpose furniture to create something new. Upcycling is a great way to be creative and make your home truly unique.

  • Shop at a variety of second-hand furniture stores:

    There are many different second-hand furniture stores in Hackney, each with its own unique selection of furniture. Be sure to shop around at a variety of stores to find the best pieces for your home. You may also want to check out online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist for second-hand furniture.

With a little effort, you can use second-hand furniture to add character and charm to your home. So next time you need a new piece of furniture, be sure to consider shopping at a second-hand furniture store in Hackney.

Support the circular economy.

The circular economy is a model of production and consumption that aims to eliminate waste and pollution by keeping resources in use for as long as possible. Second-hand furniture plays a vital role in the circular economy by extending the lifespan of furniture and diverting it from landfills.

When you buy second-hand furniture, you are helping to close the loop in the circular economy. Instead of buying new furniture, which requires the extraction of raw materials and the use of energy and resources, you are buying furniture that has already been produced. This reduces the demand for new furniture and helps to conserve resources.

Second-hand furniture can also be repaired and upcycled, which further extends its lifespan and keeps it out of landfills. By repairing and upcycling second-hand furniture, you are helping to reduce the amount of waste generated by the furniture industry.

Here are a few ways you can support the circular economy by buying second-hand furniture in Hackney:

  • Shop at second-hand furniture stores:

    There are many different second-hand furniture stores in Hackney, each with its own unique selection of furniture. Be sure to shop around at a variety of stores to find the best pieces for your home. You may also want to check out online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist for second-hand furniture.

  • Buy furniture that is durable and well-made:

    When buying second-hand furniture, look for pieces that are made from high-quality materials and that are well-constructed. This will ensure that the furniture lasts for many years to come.

  • Repair and upcycle second-hand furniture:

    If a piece of second-hand furniture needs to be repaired, consider repairing it yourself or taking it to a professional furniture repair shop. You can also upcycle second-hand furniture to give it a new look and feel. Upcycling is a great way to be creative and make your home truly unique.

  • Sell or donate second-hand furniture when you are finished with it:

    When you are finished with a piece of second-hand furniture, consider selling it or donating it to a charity shop. This will help to keep the furniture in use and out of landfills.

By supporting the circular economy through the purchase, repair, and upcycling of second-hand furniture, you can help to reduce waste, conserve resources, and create a more sustainable future.

Unearth vintage and antique finds.

Hackney is a treasure trove of vintage and antique furniture. Whether you're looking for a one-of-a-kind piece to add character to your home or you're a collector of vintage furniture, you're sure to find something special in Hackney.

Here are a few tips for unearthing vintage and antique finds in Hackney:

  • Visit vintage and antique furniture stores:

    Hackney is home to a number of vintage and antique furniture stores, each with its own unique selection of furniture. Be sure to visit a variety of stores to find the best pieces for your home. Some of our favorite vintage and antique furniture stores in Hackney include:

    • The Hackney Furniture Company
    • The Old Cinema
    • Revival Retro
    • Hackney Wick Furniture
  • Shop at vintage and antique markets:

    Hackney is also home to a number of vintage and antique markets, which are a great place to find hidden gems. Some of our favorite vintage and antique markets in Hackney include:

    • Columbia Road Flower Market
    • Hackney Flea Market
    • Chatsworth Road Market
    • Broadway Market
  • Look for vintage and antique furniture online:

    You can also find vintage and antique furniture online, but it's important to be careful when buying furniture online. Be sure to read the description carefully and ask the seller any questions you have before making a purchase.

  • Be patient:

    Finding the perfect vintage or antique piece takes time and patience. Be sure to visit a variety of stores and markets, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The more you know about vintage and antique furniture, the better equipped you'll be to find the perfect piece for your home.

With a little effort, you're sure to unearth some amazing vintage and antique finds in Hackney. So start your treasure hunt today!

FAQ

Have questions about garden furniture? We've got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about garden furniture, along with their answers:

Question 1: What are the different types of garden furniture?
Answer 1: Garden furniture comes in a wide variety of styles and materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and wicker. You can choose from a variety of pieces, such as chairs, tables, benches, loungers, and umbrellas.

Question 2: What material is best for garden furniture?
Answer 2: The best material for garden furniture depends on your needs and preferences. Wood is a classic choice that is both durable and stylish. Metal is another durable option that is often more affordable than wood. Plastic is a lightweight and low-maintenance option, but it may not be as durable as wood or metal. Wicker is a natural material that adds a touch of rustic charm to your garden.

Question 3: How do I choose the right garden furniture for my needs?
Answer 3: When choosing garden furniture, consider the size of your garden, the style of your home, and your personal preferences. Make sure to choose furniture that is comfortable and durable, and that will withstand the elements.

Question 4: How do I care for my garden furniture?
Answer 4: The best way to care for your garden furniture is to clean it regularly with a mild soap and water solution. You should also protect your furniture from the elements by covering it when not in use.

Question 5: Where can I find good deals on garden furniture?
Answer 5: You can find good deals on garden furniture at a variety of places, including home improvement stores, garden centers, and online retailers. You can also find used garden furniture at garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops.

Question 6: How can I make my garden furniture more comfortable?
Answer 6: You can make your garden furniture more comfortable by adding cushions, pillows, and throws. You can also add a rug to help define the space and make it more inviting.

We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about garden furniture. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask in the comments below.

Now that you know more about garden furniture, check out our tips for choosing and caring for garden furniture to make the most of your outdoor space.

Tips

Here are a few tips for choosing and caring for garden furniture to make the most of your outdoor space:

Tip 1: Choose durable materials:
Garden furniture is exposed to the elements, so it's important to choose durable materials that can withstand the sun, rain, and wind. Good choices include teak, cedar, and metal. If you choose wood furniture, make sure it is treated to protect it from rot and decay.

Tip 2: Choose comfortable furniture:
You'll be spending a lot of time relaxing in your garden furniture, so it's important to choose pieces that are comfortable. Look for chairs and loungers with good back support and cushions that are firm but not too soft. You may also want to add cushions and pillows to make your furniture even more comfortable.

Tip 3: Choose furniture that fits your needs:
Consider how you plan to use your garden furniture before you buy it. If you're planning on hosting large gatherings, you'll need furniture that can accommodate a lot of people. If you're just looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, you may be able to get away with a smaller set of furniture.

Tip 4: Care for your garden furniture:
To keep your garden furniture looking its best and lasting for many years, it's important to care for it properly. Clean your furniture regularly with a mild soap and water solution. You should also protect your furniture from the elements by covering it when not in use. If you live in a climate with harsh winters, you may want to store your furniture indoors during the winter months.

By following these tips, you can choose and care for garden furniture that will make your outdoor space a comfortable and inviting place to relax and enjoy.

Now that you know how to choose and care for garden furniture, you're ready to start shopping for the perfect pieces for your outdoor space. With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and functional garden that you'll love for years to come.

Conclusion

Garden furniture is a great way to add style and comfort to your outdoor space. When choosing garden furniture, it's important to consider the materials, comfort, and your needs. You should also care for your garden furniture properly to keep it looking its best and lasting for many years.

By following the tips in this article, you can choose and care for garden furniture that will make your outdoor space a place you love to relax and enjoy. So take some time to browse different styles and materials, and choose pieces that reflect your personal style and needs. With a little effort, you can create a beautiful and functional garden that you'll love for years to come.

We hope this article has been helpful in your search for the perfect garden furniture. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask in the comments below.