The 5 best secondhand furniture in Canberra you’ll be glad you found
My younger sister just got married and is settling into her new home. She’s been on a hunt (with me tagging along) to find the perfect sofa for her living room, and after some digging, we’ve decided to explore secondhand furniture options.
And wow, how it opened up a whole new world of exciting finds! We felt like treasure hunters who just discovered a hidden goldmine of furniture.
Of course, we’ll gladly give you a treasure map, where ‘X’ marks the best secondhand furniture in Canberra!
Whether you’re into vintage or gently used modern pieces, these spots have something for everyone. Because who says you have to shell out a small fortune to give your space a little pizzazz?
1. Ex-Government Furniture
Address: 6 Yallourn St, Fyshwick ACT
Phone: +61262806490
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
If you’re on the hunt for office furniture, this place is a must-visit. They’ve got everything from comfy chairs and sturdy desks to workstations, boardroom tables, and shelving.
New stock comes in every week, so there’s always something fresh. The turnover is high, and some pieces even sell before they’re fully unloaded!
This also means it can be tricky to grab exactly what you want before it’s gone. So, it’s best to keep an eye on the new arrivals to snag the perfect piece before someone beats you to it!
Whether you’re looking for quality or a great deal, this place checks all the boxes.
It’s a solid choice for anyone trying to furnish an office without spending too much. You’ll find exactly what you need at a price that makes sense.
Huge selection
“Very friendly and helpful staff. Huge selection of good quality furniture and accessories.”
– R & K Fitzthum, Google Review
Better value than buying new
“Really happy with my Herman Miller Sayl chair. The chair was very expertly restored and represents far better value than buying new, plus better carbon footprint.”
– Simon C, Google Review
2. The Auction Barn
Address: 10 Wiluna St, Fyshwick
Phone: +61262392095
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The Auction Barn is a must-visit if you’re in Canberra and love finding unique treasures.
What’s really cool is their Re-Imagination project, where they breathe new life into items that might otherwise be forgotten. It’s a creative way of repurposing “orphaned” goods, which is something we really love.
Plus, they’ve got a huge variety of items, so there’s always something interesting to discover.
For those new to auctions, it’s super easy to get involved. Just register, place your bid, and you might walk away with something great at a price that works for you.
However, since the items are unique, they can be a bit pricier than what you’d find elsewhere. But if you’re after something special, it’s definitely worth it!
Helpful and friendly
“Great small business providing a wonderful opportunity to purchase items that can be hard to find elsewhere. Front desk staff are delightful, so helpful and friendly.”
– Hellsbells, Google Review
Fantastic team
“Fantastic Team!!! Staff went out of their way to securely pack and send a large Auction Bundle to me. Some oversized items which I should have taken more notice of sizing. The Team were very helpful in problem solving and went over and beyond in ensuring items were delivered to me in another State. Many thanks Team, everything arrived safely.”
– Michelle Nicholls, Google Review
3. Dirty Janes Canberra
Address: 80b Collie St, Fyshwick
Phone: +61261694945
Business hours: Daily – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Dirty Janes in Fyshwick is a must-visit for anyone who loves vintage finds. The warehouse is huge and packed with over 90 stallholders, offering everything from antiques and collectibles to homewares and furniture.
You’ll definitely find something interesting here.
For secondhand furniture, Dirty Janes has a solid range. There’s everything from cozy chairs to durable tables, all with plenty of character.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for affordable pieces with a bit of history behind them.
What makes it even better is its focus on sustainability. The store lives by the “reuse and repurpose” mindset, which is a big plus in our books.
Take note that with so many vendors, prices can vary widely, so it’s not always the cheapest option.
Amazing variety
“Amazing variety of antiques & artisan stores, absolutely loved my visit could have spent all day browsing. Most stores were reasonably priced.”
– Emily, Google Review
Great prices
“I wasn’t sure what to expect but I have to say that it’s THE BEST find I’ve experienced in Canberra! It has everything that you may be seeking as well as a little bit of nostalgia from your childhood! Great prices also!”
– Etoy Brown, Google Review
4. Humble House Gallery
Address: 91/93 Wollongong St, Fyshwick
Phone: +61262281988
Business hours: Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Humble House Gallery is a standout when it comes to antique furniture. They boast Australia’s largest collection of Chinese antique furniture, each piece personally sourced from different provinces in China.
The furniture here is impressive, with pieces ranging from beautifully carved cabinets to intricate side tables. You’ll find everything from rustic, weathered charm to detailed craftsmanship that tells a story.
Every item is meticulously restored in-house to preserve its original beauty. This means you’re not just buying furniture; you’re investing in quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
Since these pieces are antiques, they can be on the pricier side. Also, the selection can sometimes feel a bit limited for those looking for more modern styles.
Huge range
“Huge range of beautiful furniture and decor items well placed and displayed informative polite and friendly staff . There is an air of calmness and understated style at this shop making your time here quite special.”
– Brett Paton, Google Review
Hidden gem
“Some really incredible pieces! A hidden gem in Canberra for authentic Chinese antiques.”
– Amalia Stavreas, Google Review
5. Down Memory Lane
Address: 34 Geelong St, Fyshwick
Phone: +61262281048
Business hours: Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Down Memory Lane is a great spot for anyone into antique, vintage, or retro collectibles.
The store offers a wide range of items from the 1920s to the 1980s. This includes kitchenware, linen, clothes, jewelry, and even radios.
The vintage collection stands out with pieces that reflect design and artistic heritage from the interwar years and after WWII. Not only are these items beautiful, but they’re also functional and ready to use.
What makes Down Memory Lane special is the character of its pieces. Each item tells a story, making it more than just shopping—it’s about finding something with real history behind it.
However, some items can be a bit on the pricier side due to their age and uniqueness. Also, the selection may not always be huge, so it’s a bit of a hit-or-miss experience.
Excellent place
“Excellent place tucked away from the madding crowds. Loads of interesting stuff – we bought some mid-century, hard to find, ‘proper’ kitchenware at reasonable prices. Lovely service from a very nice lady who wrapped and packed our purchases in a box. We will definitely return.”
– Alan Muxworthy, Google Review
Best op shop
“Best op shop I’ve ever been too. Went yesterday and found so much stuff. Could have spent hours here but due to commitments it wasn’t possible. The kids got some books and I got some fabric and patterns etc. This will definitively be our first stop next time we visit Canberra again. Thank you!!”
– Maja William, Google Review