The Ultimate Guide to Second-Hand Furniture in Canada

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That moment you get the keys to your new place in Canada is incredible. But looking at the empty rooms, the thought of furnishing it all from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially for your budget. New furniture costs can add up fast, leaving you feeling stretched thin which is why creating a realistic Canadian living budget is so important.

But what if you could fill your home with stylish, high-quality pieces for a fraction of the price?

Welcome to the world of second-hand furniture. This is your complete guide to the best places to buy second hand furniture in Canada. Whether you’re searching online, in-store, or on an app, we’ll show you where to find amazing deals. From budget-friendly basics to unique vintage pieces, we’ve got you covered.

Table of Contents

Key Platforms at a Glance

Platform	Type	Best For	Price Range
Facebook Marketplace	Online Marketplace / App	Local Deals & Variety	$ – $$
Kijiji Canada	Online Marketplace	Nationwide Local Finds	$ – $$
Value Village	National Thrift Store	Budget-Friendly Finds	$
Habitat for Humanity ReStore	National Thrift Store	Quality Home Goods	$ – $$
Wayfair ‘Open Box’	Online Retailer	‘Like-New’ Deals	$$-$$$

Best for Local Deals & Variety (The Big 3 Online Marketplaces)

These are the go-to platforms for most Canadians. They connect you directly with sellers in your neighbourhood, offering an endless variety of items updated daily.

Feature	Facebook Marketplace	Kijiji Canada	Karrot
Best For	Massive selection & local convenience	Nationwide reach, especially outside big cities	Vetted local community & mobile-first experience
Pros	Enormous user base, easy communication via Messenger, search alerts	A Canadian institution, strong in all regions, dedicated “Free Stuff” section	User verification helps reduce scams, strictly local focus
Cons	Can have many low-quality listings, risk of scams	Older interface, can have stale listings	Smaller user base than competitors, less selection in some areas

Facebook Marketplace

With a massive, active user base, Facebook Marketplace is the king of local variety. It’s an essential tool for finding everything from a specific used furniture sofa to smaller decorative items.

The built-in Messenger app makes communicating with sellers a breeze, which is why many consider it one of the best apps for buying used furniture.

For more advanced strategies, see our complete guide on how to find hidden gems on Facebook Marketplace.

Pro Tip: Use the “Save Search” feature to get instant notifications for specific items you’re looking for, like a “solid wood dresser” or an “IKEA Kallax.”

Kijiji Canada

A true Canadian classic, Kijiji is one of the country’s most trusted online classified sites. It has a strong presence everywhere, including smaller towns where Facebook Marketplace might be less active.

It’s an excellent place to find popular Canadian brands, discover used modern furniture, or hunt for a set of second hand chairs.

Pro Tip: Shop their online sale section for discounts on basics and winter essentials.

Karrot

Karrot is a newer, mobile-first app that focuses on building a trusted community, making it a top contender for the best app for second hand furniture.

It uses user verification and location-based technology to ensure you’re dealing with real people in your immediate neighbourhood, which helps reduce scams and makes pick-ups easier.

Speaking from my own experience, we’ve had great success finding quality pieces on Karrot. We’ve gotten second-hand furniture from Karrot twice and the experience was awesome.

Both times, the furniture looked almost brand new with all the parts complete—a huge relief when you’re buying used!

Best for Budget-Friendly Finds (National Thrift Chains)

For those searching for cheap second hand furniture, nothing beats the thrill of the thrift store treasure hunt. These national chains are the best places to find truly affordable second hand furniture, with all proceeds supporting great causes.

Value Village

Known for its large, well-organized stores, Value Village is a popular spot for affordable furniture. It’s a great place to hunt for a unique solid wood coffee table or a set of dining chairs.

But it isn’t just for big items; it’s also a great spot for second hand home decor like lamps, mirrors, and picture frames.

The Salvation Army Thrift Store

With locations across the country, The Salvation Army offers some of the most affordable prices on donated furniture. Their mission-driven model means your purchase helps fund important community programs.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

This is a hidden gem that specializes in new and gently used home furnishings, appliances, and building materials. Because they often receive high-quality donations from home renovations and show homes, you can find incredible pieces here for a fraction of their original cost.

While these are great for used items, if you decide to buy new instead, check out our guide to the most budget-friendly new furniture stores.

A Note for DIY Enthusiasts & Treasure Hunters

Sometimes the best find isn’t a perfect, ready-to-use item, but a piece with incredible potential. Platforms like Kijiji and the national thrift chains are goldmines for finding “project pieces” perfect for your next DIY furniture project.

This is the most affordable way to get into the rewarding hobby of furniture flipping and create a custom, upcycled statement piece for your home.

If you’re looking for something that requires less work, be sure to use specific search terms on these platforms. Searching for “gently used” or “pre-owned” furniture will yield items in great condition, while “restored” or “antique” can help you find unique, high-quality pieces with a rich history.

Once you’ve found the perfect dresser to upcycle, get some inspiration from our guide on how to organize your bedroom for maximum storage.

Best for Curated & Vintage Styles (Specialty & Consignment Shops)

If you have a specific aesthetic in mind and aren’t afraid to invest in a timeless piece, this is where you’ll find it. These specialty and consignment shops are the best places in Canada to discover high-end used furniture and unique antique pieces.

Because they do the hard work of curating their collections, you’re more likely to find authenticated second hand luxury furniture and iconic second hand design furniture from top brands. It’s the perfect way to get a statement piece with character.

GUFF (Toronto): A must-visit for anyone who loves mid-century modern and vintage teak furniture.
The Sellution (Vancouver): A long-standing consignment store offering a wide range of high-quality, contemporary, and vintage pieces.
Rehaus (Montreal): Specializes in stylish, pre-owned furniture from well-known brands, making modern design more accessible.

Best for ‘Like-New’ Deals with a Guarantee (Our Top Picks)

Want a great deal without the risk of a private sale? These options offer returned, open-box, or refurbished items that are practically new—often with a warranty.

Wayfair’s Open Box Deals

Wayfair’s “Open Box” section is full of items that were returned by other customers. These products are inspected for quality and then resold at a significant discount. It’s a fantastic way to get a brand-name item for much less.

If you’re trying to decide between major online retailers, you may also want to read our detailed Wayfair vs. IKEA furniture comparison.

Amazon Renewed

The Amazon Renewed program offers refurbished, pre-owned, and open-box products that have been professionally inspected and tested to work and look like new.

It’s especially great for finding home office items like desks, chairs, and monitors, all backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee. (Check out Amazon Renewed Furniture here)

Best Buy Marketplace

While known for electronics, Best Buy Marketplace also has a great selection of refurbished and open-box home office furniture. If you’re setting up a workspace, this is a smart place to look for deals on ergonomic chairs and desks.

The Savvy Shopper’s Checklist: 5 Steps for a Safe Purchase

Buying used furniture is exciting, but it’s important to be smart and safe. Follow these five essential steps before you hand over your cash.

These steps are a great starting point, but for a more detailed breakdown of everything you’ll need for a new home, see our complete first apartment checklist of essentials.

Step 1: Inspect for Structural Damage

Check for wobbles on a dining table, test the drawers on a dresser, and ensure all joints are tight.

Step 2: Check for Pests (Especially with Upholstery)

Carefully inspect upholstered items like couches, sofa and mattresses for any signs of bed bugs or other pests. Look for small dark spots or shed skins. In fact, it’s better to avoid mattresses if they are used and not almost brand new.

Step 3: Verify Measurements Before You Go

Don’t just eyeball it. Ask the seller for precise measurements and compare them to your space to ensure the piece will fit through your doors and into its intended spot.

Step 4: Plan Your Transportation in Advance

For larger pieces like a bed frame or armoire, you may need to rent a truck. Have a plan ready before you commit.

Step 5: Use a Safe Payment Method

For private sales, use cash or an e-transfer once you have inspected the item. Avoid sending money in advance to sellers you don’t know.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much cheaper is second-hand furniture in Canada?

On average, you can expect to pay 50-70% less than the retail price for used furniture. For high-demand items or vintage pieces, the discount may be smaller, while common items like desks or bookshelves can often be found for even less.

What is the best day of the week to shop for used furniture?

For thrift stores, try shopping on Mondays and Tuesdays, as many people make donations over the weekend, leading to fresh stock. For online marketplaces like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, the end of the month is often best, as people who are moving list many items for sale.
H3: Is it safe to buy a used couch or mattress?

Is it safe to buy a used couch or mattress?

It can be, but it requires extra caution. You must thoroughly inspect any upholstered items for signs of bed bugs, stains, and odours before purchase. If you have any doubts, it’s best to pass. For mattresses, buying from a service like Amazon Renewed, which includes a guarantee, is a much safer option.

What are the best furniture brands to look for second-hand?

Look for brands with a reputation for durability. Used IKEA furniture is popular and affordable. Canadian brands like Structube and EQ3 are great finds, and higher-end brands like West Elm or Crate & Barrel can be found at a significant discount.

Are there other ways to find used furniture besides stores?

Absolutely. Keep an eye out for local estate sales, which are fantastic for finding high-quality antique pieces. In the summer, community garage sales can be a goldmine. Finally, local auction houses sometimes have dedicated furniture sales.

Can I get second-hand furniture delivered?

Yes. While local marketplace deals often require you to arrange your own transport, major retailers with ‘Open-Box’ sections like Wayfair have delivery built-in. Furthermore, many of the specialty and vintage shops we listed will arrange for shipping across the country. Finally, some individual sellers on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace may also offer local delivery for an extra fee—it’s always worth asking!

Finding Your Perfect Piece

To sum up, furnishing your home in Canada doesn’t have to be expensive. For the best local deals, turn to online marketplaces like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. For unbeatable prices, don’t overlook national thrift chains like Value Village and ReStore. And for a risk-free find, check out the ‘Like-New’ deals from retailers like Wayfair.

Have you found an amazing second-hand gem in Canada? Share your story and your favourite place to shop in the comments below—your tip might help another newcomer! Happy hunting!