Why do we fall for second-hand decor?
Very chic Mid Century look, iconic Pop atmosphere of the 60s, funky spirit of the Seventies or tangy inspiration of the 80s… You can’t have missed it: in recent seasons, retro decor has been a hit. We love it for its slightly nostalgic and very comforting side, we adore it for its strong character. Because to adopt it, we rely on mix and match, favoring antique pieces.
Second-hand decor is therefore a perfect solution for creating an interior that sticks to trends, while remaining unique… but not only that! It is also most often a committed act, to consume more responsibly. And it’s finally a more economical solution to afford stylish decor, even when you don’t have a big budget.
Where to shop for second-hand furniture and decorative accessories?
To find second-hand pieces, there are of course the classics: flea markets, garage sales, resource centers and associations such as Emmaüs. And when we don’t have that nearby? We turn to the internet.
A very clear trend, observed on Le Bon Coin, a historic player in the online second-hand market. “We are seeing an increase in visits to all home categories, particularly decoration, furniture and tableware”specifies Caroline Grangied, director of external communications and CSR. “For example, in the decoration category, we went from 4 million visits in January 2022 to 15 million in January 2024, with a peak at 16.7 million in November 2023.”
Second-hand decoration online: instructions for use
At first glance, the prospect of antiquing from your living room is attractive. In practice, however, it is a question of showing a little organization to find good deals: “With more than 72 million online ads, there are a lot of them! You can find everything from farm objects to designer pieces to vintage toys. It is strongly recommended to favorite ads and create alerts, our algorithms are very effective in then suggesting similar pieces or in the same spirit. »
While it’s easy to wander through the aisles of a resource store or garage sale, online it’s better to know what you’re looking for.
“For gems, our advice is also to follow people or media leaders who resemble you. They always have this time in advance to find what everyone will want in 6 months, and therefore potentially available at a very low price. We can cite the example of the Acapulco Villeroy and Boch service for which research exploded after Sophie Fontanel talked about it on her Instagram account, or the slip tableware whose popularity is currently rising after making a comeback in the media and on networks. »
But is second-hand decoration reserved for fans of the vintage look? Not so sure ! “The most common searches are for very generic terms: coffee table, bed… or consumer brands (Ikea, Maison du monde…). If we look at more specific research, we can say that the craze for Togo began a few years ago, but that it still does not fade. On the other hand, travertine is starting to run out of steam slightly, while glass coffee tables, although still less sought after than travertine overall, are on the rise and could soon steal the show. »
What pieces to hunt for?
To get started, you can turn to these iconic design objects which still have their place in your decor in 2024: a vintage edition of the Componibili, an emblematic creation by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell or the Pacha Lounge Chair designed in 1975 by Pierre Paulin by Gubi.
The unbeatable Togo remains a safe bet, both in a retro interior and in a more contemporary decor. Because with its XXL cushion look, it fits perfectly with the sofa trends of the moment.
The slip confirms its return. We fall for a 100% decorative piece such as a pocket, or we adopt the dish or the pitcher to liven up the decoration of the table.
The spring/summer season is marked by the return of porcelain. We also have fun without hesitation mixing a pretty service with a few pieces of slip: display, salad bowl or pitcher.
Have you fallen for the 70s look? To bring the touch of authenticity that may be missing in your interior, think about the floor lamp or simply the ceramic vase.