Moved to London? Check.
Got the keys to your new flat? Check.
Found a great place around the corner to help make your new place feel like home? Not so much.
There’s thousands of shops in London where you can spend a small fortune to decorate your flat. But we know from experience this isn’t always practical if you’ve just moved to a new city (and you can’t afford to wait a few pay days for a decent couch).
That’s where upcycling and buying second hand comes into play. Not only is it good for your wallet, it’s better for the environment too – plus it gives you the chance to get creative and make your new home entirely unique to you.
With that in mind, here are a few tried and tested places to find upcycled and second hand furniture in London.
Goldfinger Factory
This furniture-showroom-meets-cafe, based in Trellick Tower, is a fantastic place to purchase artisan decorations, upholstery and even pay for refurbishments/repairs.
But it’s not all about gorgeous upcycled furniture. Goldfinger Factory are committed to giving back to the community – including providing free interior design courses to young people who’d like to acquire the skills and knowledge to make it in the industry.
It’s so good, in fact, we’d recommend setting aside a Saturday afternoon to explore Goldfinger Factory in all its Modernist glory.
greeninmind.org
If the thought of re-painting pinewood cupboards and sanding old dining tables sends you into a cold sweat, check our greeninmind.org.
This wonderful company is dedicated to breathing new life into tired or out-of-fashion furniture and creating something truly one of a kind. Every item is unique – thanks to its co-founder Gary – and is a great way to make your new home feel special, without resorting to buying brand new.
If you’d like to learn more, we suggest reading about their upcycling process and seeing exactly what goes into creating these stunning items.
Old Spitalfield Market
Got a free Thursday anytime soon?
Old Spitalfield Market is legendary for its furniture, accessories and all sorts of weird and wonderful items on Thursdays. Here you’ll find everything from independent businesses to exclusive boutiques, meaning you can spend as little or as much as you fancy.
It’s also a great excuse to grab a quick bite and do some much-needed people watching in this vibrant part of London.
Second-hand furniture in London
You’re not short of places to buy furniture and dabble in interior design in this city. This blog is only a tiny snapshot of everything on offer – and that’s not including what’s available online too (think preloved.co.uk, snaply.co.uk and even gumtree).
All the advice we can give is be patient, get creative, and don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and do some experimenting.
Are there any other markets and shops you’d recommend for second-hand and upcycled furniture? Share your thoughts and let us know on Twitter.
