According to Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 60% of Canadians plan to thrift or buy pre-owned items this year, and 72% say they would consider thrifting furniture. Saving money is the primary driver—83% agree that thrifting makes economic sense—and 60% say they are proud to show off their finds.
Why thrifting furniture is gaining popularity
Lindsay Nieminen, a digital content creator from Langley, BC, is an experienced thrifter who encourages beginners to start with quality. She shares: “My favourite pieces to thrift are solid wood furniture because it’s sturdy, long-lasting, and easy to refinish.”
Rachelle Tessier, the Ottawa-area owner of Project Pine Designs, builds custom furniture and teaches tool education. She also praises the value of upcycling old wood: “Furniture made with real wood will always stand the test of time. Even if its original finish is dated or not to your taste, it can offer the perfect canvas to refresh and make it your own.”
Tips from the pros
Lisa Voycey, Director of ReStore at Habitat for Humanity Canada, recommends that when a piece catches your eye, you give it the wobble test. Does it feel sturdy? Well made? Is the design simple? Will you have to take things apart? When in doubt, she suggests starting with a classic coffee or end table. You can often find them for under $10—or even free.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores (including three in Ottawa) offer a mix of new and gently used home goods, with proceeds supporting Habitat for Humanity. They are excellent places to source materials, but not your only option.
Where to find thrifted furniture
Nieminen advises: “My advice for beginners is to start with online marketplaces… Also, check out Buy Nothing communities on Facebook, where people give away things they no longer need.” Freebies? Really? Robin Whitford, a rug hooking teacher from Hammond, Ontario, says yes. She shares: “If I see something someone is giving away… I have no qualms about taking it home as long as I can clean it properly!” She tends to avoid soft furnishings like mattresses and sofas, but notes, “I have taken a vintage table, metal sculpture and garden pots. They just get hosed or scrubbed before coming inside. I truly believe someone else’s trash can be someone else’s treasure.”
The joy of giving old pieces new life
Wood is very forgiving, making it ideal for beginners who want to try refinishing. Whether it's a dark, dingy desk transformed into a colourful console table or a sturdy rocking chair passed down through generations, thrifting allows you to create a unique home while saving money and reducing waste.
