Photographer: John Paul Urizar
In an age where sustainability and individuality are becoming increasingly significant in home decor, the charm of upcycling and finding timeless pieces is more relevant than ever.
Of course, many second-hand treasures can be found on TradeMe or Facebook Marketplace, but if you’re still a fan of the old brick-and-mortar, we have the best stores in your area to find your new mid-century modern or retro treasure.
From Auckland to Dunedin, New Zealand has a myriad of second-hand furniture stores that offer a treasure trove of opportunities for those seeking to furnish their homes with character and conscience. These hidden gems provide a chance to breathe new life into antique treasures, help reduce waste and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a unique statement piece or simply looking to inject some vintage flair into your space, exploring the best second-hand furniture stores in your area can be a rewarding journey.
We’ve uncovered some of the top spots across New Zealand where you can discover exquisite furniture, embrace the art of upcycling and transform your home with character.
The best second-hand furniture stores in New Zealand
French & Sons
87-89 High Street, Bulls
Everything at French & Sons is, you guessed it, French. Antique furniture, homewares and artworks are imported by Mel and Jimmy French, who share a passion for the country. The family travels to France once a year, handpicks pre-loved treasures and brings them home to Rangitikei to sell in their shop to other antique enthusiasts.
From original Napoleon III wooden candlesticks and iron candle wall sconces to large stone urns and industrial lights, Mel and Jimmy sell it all.
Eclectic Antique Centre
254 Hardy Street, Nelson
Annual trips to the US ensure an excellent mix of furniture, china, glassware and more are stocked in this Nelson store. The owners have a combined 50 years of experience in the antique industry, starting by attending garage sales and auctions to collect vintage and antique treasures.
Since moving to Nelson in the early 2000s, they became known as the antique supermarket, with a wide range of Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Mid Century and Retro pieces.
L’Original
339 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, Hastings
You’ll find industrial, antique and designer finds from France and more in this Hastings shop, owned by French-Kiwi couple Korreen and Mehdi Sanssar. The couple also offers wholesaling, buying tours and large-scale renovation services, to help discerning clients find timeless, antique pieces.
Antique Alley
240 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland
Cluttered in the best way possible, this Auckland antique store stocks silverware, crockery, artwork, furniture, jewellery and collectables. In 2024, the store celebrated its 53rd birthday, establishing itself as an institution for all things vintage and collectable in Auckland Central.
‘We buy and sell almost anything’ has been Antique Alley’s catchphrase for almost 20 years, and it’s quite right. The store is a must-visit for any avid collector in Auckland.
Junk & Disorderly
164 Balmoral Rd, Mount Eden, Auckland
You’ll find a fascinating mix of old and new in Junk & Disorderly’s large hangar-like space. There’s always something new to discover, and often there’s live music to keep you entertained. Look out for the mannequin named Adam too, who’s always hanging around the store.
If you visit on a Sunday, you’ll likely encounter Central Flea, the vintage clothing, antique and collectables market that encompasses the carpark, and attracts vendors and shoppers from all over.
Vintage Industries Ltd
207 Devon Street East, New Plymouth
In the heart of New Plymouth, one store offers world-salvaged vintage goods. From hand-picked marine antiquities to lighting, decor and clothing, Vintage Industries is a treasure trove of unique hand-picked vintage items from across the globe.
Inspired by the founders’ love of all things nautical, Vintage Industries was founded in 2012 to provide vintage marine pieces sourced from ships. Each piece is revived with love and care, to be given new life in somebody’s home.
Wistle and Co
399 New North Rd, Kingsland, Auckland
As one of the newer stores selling vintage, Wistle and Co do things a little differently. Considering themselves a ‘modern era furniture store’, Wistle and Co upcycle vintage pieces to fit more seamlessly into today’s design ethos. They also sell furniture on consignment (if you’re looking to sell), design and manufacture new items, and restore vintage homewares and furniture to provide a timeless style, with a slice of history.
Alongside their upcycled goods, they sell products from local businesses, craftspeople, creators and artists.
Add+Vintage
31 Marion Street, Te Aro, Wellington
In the centre of Wellington, this vintage treasure trove is hiding in plain sight. With a range of mid-century and retro pieces to furnish a new home, or add that statement piece to pull your interior decor together, you’ll struggle to leave Add+Vintage empty-handed.
More second-hand shopping stories:
- 13 things you should never, ever pass up at an op shop
- 6 homewares to buy at op shops, according to an interior designer
- Modern love: The experts define mid-century design
- How Mid-Century Swag owner Jodi Newnham has nailed her interior style
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