Secondhand September: Furnishing a Sustainable Future

Why Choosing Pre-Loved Furniture and Homeware Matters More Than Ever

As September rolls in and we’re reminded of the powerful “Secondhand September” movement, most of the focus typically falls on fashion. But there’s another industry that’s quietly contributing to environmental degradation, overconsumption, and waste — homeware and furniture.

From fast furniture to cheaply made home décor, our homes are filled with items that often come at a high environmental cost. This Secondhand September, it’s time to look beyond wardrobes and into our living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms — because the principles of reuse, sustainability, and conscious consumerism apply just as powerfully in our homes as they do in our closets.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• Why secondhand furniture and homeware matter
• The environmental and ethical impacts of fast furniture
• How you can get involved in Secondhand September (beyond clothes)
• Practical tips, creative ideas, and places to shop sustainably

The Hidden Cost of New Furniture

We all love a beautifully styled home — but the cost of furnishing it with trendy, mass-produced items is much higher than the price tag.

1. The Rise of “Fast Furniture”

Fast furniture is the homeware equivalent of fast fashion: cheap, mass-produced items that are designed to be replaced frequently rather than last a lifetime. Think particleboard shelves, flat-pack TV units, or trendy tables that fall apart after a couple of years.

The problem?

• In the UK alone, over 22 million pieces of furniture are discarded every year.
• Globally, millions of tonnes of bulky waste like sofas, chairs, and tables end up in landfill.
• These items often contain non-recyclable materials and harmful glues or finishes.
• Many are made using unsustainable timber or plastics derived from fossil fuels.   

     2. The Carbon Footprint of Homeware

Producing new furniture requires vast resources — raw materials, water, and energy. For example:

• Manufacturing a single sofa can emit 90 kg of CO₂.
• Home furnishings account for nearly 30% of global wood consumption.
• Shipping heavy items from overseas (especially Asia) adds significant carbon emissions.

     3. The Ethical Concerns

Many low-cost furniture items are manufactured in countries where:

• Workers may face unsafe conditions and low wages
• Timber is harvested from non-certified, endangered forests
• Toxic chemicals like formaldehyde are used in glues and finishes

Why Secondhand Furniture & Homeware Are the Solution

🌍 It Reduces Waste

By buying secondhand, you’re directly preventing usable items from ending up in landfill. Instead of becoming part of the waste stream, these items get a new life in your home.

💰 It Saves Money

Secondhand doesn’t mean second best. You can often find high-quality, solid wood furniture and unique vintage pieces for a fraction of what you’d pay brand new — sometimes even for free.

🏡 It Adds Character

Pre-loved pieces come with a story. Whether it’s a mid-century sideboard, a retro lamp, or a classic armchair, secondhand furniture adds charm and individuality to your space that flat-pack furniture just can’t match.

🛠 It’s Built to Last

Older furniture is often better made, using solid woods and traditional joinery techniques. With a little TLC, these pieces can last generations.

 

How to Take Part in Secondhand September — At Home

Here are actionable ways you can get involved in the initiative by focusing on your home and furnishings:

1. Make a “No New Furniture” Pledge

Just like the original Secondhand September challenge asks people to avoid buying new clothes for a month, you can apply the same principle to your home:

• Don’t buy any new furniture or homeware in September
• Instead, opt for secondhand, refurbished, or upcycled pieces
• Share your pledge on social media to inspire others

2. Shop Secondhand Locally and Online

There are more options than ever for finding quality secondhand furniture and décor. Explore:

• Charity furniture shops like British Heart Foundation, Emmaus, Sue Ryder
• Re-use centres and community recycling facilities
• Online marketplaces such as:
  
• Facebook Marketplace
• Gumtree
• Freecycle
• eBay
• Preloved.co.uk
• 
  
• Auction houses and car boot sales
• Vintage stores and independent dealers

3. Host or Attend a Furniture Swap

Swap events aren’t just for clothes! You can organise a local furniture and homeware swap in your community or among friends:

• Everyone brings items they no longer want (lamps, stools, mirrors, etc.)
• Items are swapped or donated (Upcycled Upholstery take donated furniture that has no fire label that charity shops are unable to take, please get in touch) 
• Unclaimed pieces can go to charity

It’s a great way to build community and keep items in circulation.

4. Upcycle and Repair

Before you throw out that scratched coffee table or tired-looking chair, ask yourself: can I fix it or give it a makeover?

Some easy upcycling ideas:

• Reupholster chairs or cushions with fabric remnants
•  or re-stain wooden furniture for a fresh look
• Replace old knobs and handles for a quick style update
• Use decoupage, chalk paint, or contact paper for creative finishes
• Turn old drawers into wall shelves
• Invest in upcycled home decor prints, home office items made sustainably

You don’t need to be an expert — just a bit of patience and creativity can go a long way.

If you would like to learn the basics of Upholstery for yourself, join our Upholstery Workshop at Beckenham Place Park on 28th September. Details here

 

5. Declutter Sustainably

Use this month to do a home detox:

• Go room by room and identify items you no longer use or need
• Donate or sell them via charity shops, online platforms, or local groups
• Don’t bin broken furniture — check if it can be repaired or recycled
• Many local councils offer furniture reuse schemes or bulky item collections

6. Support Businesses That Give Old Furniture New Life

Some businesses specialise in restoring, repurposing, or reselling secondhand furniture. By supporting them, you’re encouraging a more circular economy.

Look for:

• Social enterprises like The Furniture Project, The Reuse Network, or Upcycled Upholstery (us!)
• Independent craftspeople who restore or make furniture from reclaimed materials
• Eco-conscious interior designers or stylists offering sustainable home makeovers

7. Rethink Home “Trends”

Trends drive waste. It might feel outdated next season. Instead of chasing trends, use Secondhand September to:

• Focus on timeless pieces and neutral bases with colour pops 
• Add personality through vintage or handmade items
• Mix old and new for a layered, eclectic style
• Embrace “slow interiors” — where homes evolve over time, not overnight

Inspiring Ideas to Style Your Home Sustainably

Need a little aesthetic motivation? Here are some stylish ways to embrace secondhand furniture at home:

• Vintage bar cart styled with charity shop glassware
• Mid-century sideboard turned into a TV unit or hallway table
• Old ladder repurposed into a rustic towel rack or plant stand
• Assorted secondhand frames for an eclectic gallery wall
• Mismatched dining chairs collected over time for a boho-chic vibe
• Upcycled crates as bedside tables or shoe storage

Remember: a sustainable home isn’t just eco-friendly — it’s full of soul and stories.

 

Beyond September: Making It a Lifestyle

While Secondhand September is a month-long campaign, the goal is long-term change. Here’s some tips to carry the ethos forward:

• Think before you buy – ask: “Do I really need this?”
• Always check secondhand first before buying new
• Set a goal: e.g., furnish 80% of your home secondhand
• Learn more about sustainable interior design and slow living
• Support local repair services, furniture refurbishers, and secondhand shops year-round

Final Thoughts: A Home That Reflects Your Values

Your home should reflect not just your taste, but your values. Choosing secondhand furniture and homeware is a powerful way to reduce your environmental impact, challenge consumer culture, and create a space that’s both beautiful and meaningful.

This Secondhand September, we invite you to look beyond your wardrobe and into your home. Whether it’s choosing a vintage armchair over a mass-produced one, upcycled Gplan dining chairs with biodegradable linen, or fixing up that old coffee table instead of replacing it, — every small decision adds up.

Let your home tell a story — one of sustainability, creativity, and conscious living.

Are you taking part in Secondhand September for your home? Share your upcycled finds, thrifted treasures, or room makeovers using #SecondhandSeptember and tag us #upcycledupholstery we'd love to see your creativity and inspire others to make their homes more sustainable!