By Per Obiora
Published on Sep 30, 2025
Design-forward and budget-smart is not a contradiction—it’s a lifestyle. If you love West Elm lines, Restoration Hardware weight, DWR classics, or a great Pottery Barn workhorse, you don’t have to pay retail (or compromise on quality). Here’s my opinionated, US-only 2025 shortlist of where to find the good stuff—from curated marketplaces to charity ReStores and local gems. Bonus: buying second hand keeps furniture out of landfills and supports local shops and consignors. That’s peak taste.
Why it slaps: Kashew partners with professional sellers and consignment stores across the U.S., so listings skew designer, well-made, and accurately described—often up to 80% off retail. You’re supporting small businesses while shopping sustainably. Begin with brands you already love: Restoration Hardware, Design Within Reach, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Room & Board. If you’re RH-curious, start here—our RH budget guide is a fan favorite.
Chairish is a curated marketplace for vintage and design-led pieces (think Milo Baughman to Ligne Roset). Shipping for furniture is typically handled via white-glove or freight and can take weeks—plan ahead. Learn how Chairish shipping works and compare costs before you bid.
When you want “heirloom today,” 1stDibs connects you to vetted dealers for vintage, antique, and contemporary design at the highest tier. You’re paying for provenance, expertise, and selection—great for statement pieces and investment seating or credenzas. About 1stDibs.
Marketplace is unbeatable for local deals if you’re willing to message, drive, and negotiate. Heads-up for 2025: Facebook ended prepaid shipping labels for new listings on Feb 24, 2025, so most furniture is back to local pickup or “use your own label.” That’s fine for sofas (you wanted to inspect in person anyway). See reporting and Help Center references for the change. Check out Facebook Marketplace.
Yes, it’s old school. It’s also where entire mid-century sets change hands at 8am on Saturdays. Use specific searches (“Room & Board bed frame queen”) and sort by newest. You may be able to score a great deal if you are willing to do some leg work. Check out Craigslist.
eBay’s search tools + seller ratings make it great for specific SKUs (say, a discontinued West Elm dresser). For bulky furniture, filter for Local Pickup to skip freight and inspect in person. Buyer local pickup and seller local pickup explain the flow.
ReStores sell donated furniture and home improvement goods; proceeds fund affordable housing. Expect sturdy, functional staples and the occasional designer surprise. Find your nearest ReStore and plan a loop. Habitat ReStore.
Think Goodwill, but online—and yes, furniture pops up (especially accent chairs, side tables, media consoles). Snipe like it’s 2009, set a max bid, watch shipping. ShopGoodwill furniture.
OfferUp is solid for everyday pieces and the random unicorn (we’ve all seen that Eames-ish lounge appear and vanish in an hour). Use saved searches and be ready to move fast. OfferUp furniture.
Every city has its cluster of consignment darlings and vintage warehouses—perfect for testing sit depth, opening drawers, and checking construction IRL. Our deep-dive guides (like Dallas) map dozens of great stores with hours, ratings, and tips. If you’re in North Texas, start here.
You’re keeping quality materials in circulation, skipping fast-furniture landfill fodder, and supporting independent sellers and local shop owners—while dialing in a more personal, less catalog-copy look. If you need fresh inspiration, our 2025 interior trends guide leans heavy on sustainability, natural textures, and artisan pieces—exactly the kinds of items that age beautifully and resell well.
Start with a hero piece—a sofa, credenza, or dining table—and build around it. Browse the latest on Kashew, filter by brand and room, and let the circular economy do its thing.