Ideas for cheap furniture sources in the United Kingdom

With people changing their interior design on an increasingly regular basis second hand furniture can be a great way to buy quality brands at really low prices.

Online

eBay is one obvious choice when looking for used furniture. On our pages you will find the latest listings for all types of furniture. Freecycle is another great marketplace where people are literally giving away their unwanted tables chairs and sofas. Preloved is also worth checking out as a way of both buying and selling furniture or any other used items. Online sources aren't always convenient though when that bargain sofa you have found is hundreds of miles away and 'pick up only' so here are some more ideas.

The High Street

When looking around the large furniture store in your local high street or retail park look out for ex display models. Never be afraid to ask the salesman if there is an area of the store for these items. Even expensive department stores like Heals have sections hidden away where they keep sofas and chairs that are no longer used on the shop floor. They usually have nothing but surface marks that would clean out easily. I have seen sofas and chairs from brands like Ligne Roset at a fraction of their original prices.

Charity shops are another excellent source of quality used furniture. Relatives of often donate entire home contents when loved ones pass on and charity shops have a great selection of twentieth century furniture ranging from heavy oak and antique pine pieces to sixties and seventies G-Plan and Ercol. Furniture from these periods was built to last and can be had as cheap as a chipboard bookcase from Ikea.

Charities

Local and district councils offer services that take in second hand furniture and sell it on with additional discounts available to council tenants, those claiming benefits, the disabled and pensioners. These are often located in large warehouse spaces such is the size of the range they stock. Delivery services are also sometimes available. Sofas can be had for as little as £50 and dining tables and chairs for as low as £30.

You can find these furniture recycling schemes by taking a look at your local council's website. There are also non government organisations that run not for profit furniture reuse and recycle programs. www.frn.org.uk is a great resource for finding services like these in your local area. These services really are valuable, not just as a way of making affordable furniture available but also as a way of reducing landfill.

Factory Seconds

Even the best quality furniture makers don't get it right all the time. What they consider un-sellable may be perfectly acceptable to you and me, especially when it is half price or less! Furniture manufacturers usually sell these products on to other companies and there are many of these around the country. Just search for factory second furniture online and you will probably find one near you.