Over the last few years, a lot of people have been spending a lot more time in their houses, and as such have been on somewhat of an interior design kick. The lonely lockdown months made us all into bakers, fashionistas, and DIY enthusiasts. That means not only have people been donating their old furniture for something in a completely different style, but also that they have been flocking to second-hand stores in order to start a new upcycle project. This, combined with rising costs of living making us all gravitate towards cheaper options, has facilitated the growth of second hand furniture stores. So if you have a design project, or just want to update your living space, here are some of the best second hand furniture stores in Birmingham.
Upcycle Birmingham
Upcycling is a relatively new term for turning old items into something new and different. At Upcycle Birmingham, this is exactly what they do to donated items of furniture. Many charity shops and donation centres just discard damaged items and let them go to the scrapheap, but by refurbishing these pieces, Upcycling both prevent waste and allow for previously unwanted items to be given a new home at an affordable price. From 2014, this social enterprise has been working in partnership with Spitfire Services, a free service that provides advice and help to people in Birmingham who are struggling with housing, financial, or employment issues. And although the store is open to anyone, these are the people who Upcycle primarily aim to help. There is no reason that people who aren’t able to purchase new, expensive furniture shouldn’t have something nice to make their house their own.
2 Renfrew Square, Castle Vale, Birmingham B35 6JT
Second Chance Furniture
Upon first inspection, you may dismiss Second Chance Furniture as just another overpriced furniture store, but this is not the case. As the name suggests, this store takes pre-loved items and keeps them in a warehouse to be sold at a huge discount. Everything they sell is in great condition and looks like new, so you won’t have to worry about losing out on quality for a good price. They sell via their eBay store, and you can either collect your item from their warehouse, or get it delivered to you whether you’re local or national, which is a rare service when buying used furniture.
123, Bridge Walk, Woodcock Ln N, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 6SN
The ReUsers
Much like Upcycle, The ReUsers are an organisation that accepts, restores, and recycles donated furniture and other second hand items so that they don’t go to landfill. ReUsers have free onsite parking and an Ebay shop making purchasing their goods extremely easy. Although the items look very antique shabby chic, everything is cleaned and tested before it is put on the shop floor, so not broken drawers and dusty shelves here! Most importantly, The ReUsers works with JERICHO, which is a social enterprise that helps to give work experience to disadvantaged people such as those suffering disabilities or homelessness.
Norris Way, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield B75 7BB
The Thrifty Gent
This one is for the big spenders. Thrifty Gent travel the whole UK and even Europe to look out for hidden gems that are unique and desirable. One of these gems is a gorgeous Grande 9ft Regency Mirror which has been restored to reveal the true beauty of this unique piece. Everything is one of a kind and hand-picked to be salvaged and sold. But hold on to your wallets, because some of the furniture here can go for thousands of pounds! Second hand isn’t always cheap.
39b Rowheath Rd, Cotteridge, Birmingham B30 2EP
Moseley Vintage Hub
After previously running the Moseley Vintage Fair, the team behind it decided to create a permanent spot for all their furniture and other bits and bobs. Thus, Moseley Vintage Hub was born. They are always on the look out for new pieces to add to their store, so if you have an old cabinet you’ve wanted to get ride of for decades, they’ll happily come to your house and take it off your hands. If you’re in the market for something different, their quirky, vintage furniture is just what you need to add some retro chic to your living room.
C1, The Basement, Bowyer St, Birmingham B10 0SA
Reclamations
Reclamations sell used office furniture at a great price, and cater to individuals as well as companies. They sell desks, chairs, storage units, and lockers basically all the necessities every office needs! With delivery within the Birmingham area and some fantastic prices, you’ll be able to sort out that neck strain in no time.
20A St Andrew’s Rd, Birmingham B9 4LN
122 Great Barr St, Birmingham B9 4AY
Cobwebs Antiques
Vintage pieces are all well and good, but antiques are where the real treasures can be found. For the last 20 years, Cobwebs Antiques have been collecting and restoring antique furniture so that it may find a new life in someone’s home. Rather than the online trend of finding a beautiful mahogany sideboard and painting it bright yellow, the people here are committed to restoring abandoned pieces that were built to last back to how they once were with skill and care. Their finished items are in the shop front ready to be rehomed, with their workshop at the rear of the building filled with work-in-progress projects. Places like this are hard to come by nowadays, but it’s certainly a comfort knowing that there are people who care enough to put the time in to save these beautiful items of furniture. Cobwebs are only open on Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm so make sure to plan your next visit if you want to get some beautiful new pieces for your home!
