DIY expert Jaharn Quinn, who has spent 20 years upcycling homewares, shares her advice on finding and buying pre-loved furniture. She emphasises that thrifting is about preparation, not luck, and offers practical tips for beginners and seasoned shoppers alike.
Before heading out, Quinn recommends compiling a thrifting inventory of specific items you need, such as a bedside table or chest of drawers. This helps you stay focused when you feel overwhelmed. She also suggests packing plenty of blankets or towels in your car to protect furniture during transport, along with a toolkit containing antibacterial wipes, a measuring tape, a notebook with ideas and measurements, paint swatches, and a screwdriver set.
Where to look? Charity shops are a great starting point, especially larger ones with more inventory. Tip shops, often located near council dumps, sell donated items that might otherwise go to landfill. Recycling centres, where local businesses donate excess supplies, are another option; stock changes daily, so grab what you like. Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and eBay require quick action and careful checking of seller profiles to avoid scams. Council kerbside pickups offer free furniture, but Quinn advises going early, wearing safety gloves, and thoroughly inspecting pieces for damage.
Quinn stresses the importance of sustainability: 'Quick and cheap perpetuate the cycle of buying new, throwing it away, and buying new again.' By thrifting and upcycling, you can save money and reduce waste while creating a beautiful home.
