At Draumr, we understand that every home tells a unique story reflecting their owners’ values and how they want to present themselves to the world. We spoke to several, people about this, all of them were part of a recognizable group which we wanted to understand. To summarise and communicate the wide spread of information we collected, we found it useful to create a fictitious persona, who we have called Eva.
Here is Eva’s story. She is a young professional and also a busy mum and she would like to share her experiences. For her a personal and unique interior is all about creating a comfortable and functional haven for her family. As a young professional her budget is limited. She solves that problem by combining items she already has, with new and second hand items. This is her journey of how she finds and buys second-hand furniture.
Balancing Style, Sustainability, and Budget
As a busy mum she is constantly juggling family responsibilities, personal expression, and the need to make sustainable choices. Creating a beautiful home on a budget is important, and second-hand furniture has become her go-to solution. How does she navigate this journey?
Knowing her Style
Before she starts browsing the internet, she has a clear vision of the aesthetic she wants for her home. This helps her to stay focused and make quick decisions even with her hectic schedule. She loves blending modern pieces with vintage finds to create a unique and cozy atmosphere.
Measuring Up
She never underestimates the power of measurement! With kids running around, space can be tight, so she double-checks the dimensions of both the room and the furniture she’s considering. This ensures that everything fits perfectly and avoids the hassle of returns or adjustments.
Embracing the Unexpected
She finds Second-hand shopping like a treasure hunt. She keeps an open mind and is always ready to explore unique pieces. Sometimes, Eva finds items that can be repurposed or upcycled to suit her needs, adding a personal touch to her home decor.
Inspecting Before Investing
Quality is key, even when buying second-hand. She takes time to inspect any pre-loved furniture closely to ensure it’s in good condition. This step guarantees that she gets the most out of her second-hand treasures without compromising on quality.
Exploring Trusted Online Trading Sites
With these tips you, as a young professional can also search for the best second hand items. If you want to inspire yourself on the internet, here are some fantastic online platforms for second-hand furniture:
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MarktPlaats ("De grootste Marktplaats van Nederland")
- Website: marktplaats.nl
- Largest NL online trading site
- 8 million monthly visitors
- 350,000 new adverts per day
- 7 million adverts live
- Norwegian owned
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Whoppah (International trading platform for designer furniture)
- Website: whoppah.com
- Used by 200,000 sales organizations
- Over 1 million users
- Curates and checks items
- Free delivery
- Bidding process
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Reliving – “Dé marktplaats voor circulaire meubels”
- Website: reliving.nl
- NL & BE
- Broad range of 2nd hand products
- Focus on Circular Economy
- Delivery organized (not free)
- No commission?
Visiting Local Warehouses
Sometimes, it is rewarding and satisfying to enjoy the hands-on experience of visiting local warehouses. Here are the top picks of Draumr:
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Van Dijk and Co
- Address: Papaverweg 46, 1032HJ, Amsterdam – Noord
- Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday – 10.00-18.00, Sunday 11.30-18.00
- Website: vandijkenko.nl
- 2,500 M2 of warehouse space (till the end of 2024)
- Wide range of tables, chests, lights, and porcelain on display
- Largely sourced by Hungarian partner company
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Neef Louis Design: “Design and Vintage Amsterdam”
- Address: Papaverweg 46-48, 1032 GJ, Amsterdam Noord
- Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 - 18.00
- Website: https://neeflouis.nl/
- 1,500 M2 warehouse space
- 2nd designer, vintage, and industrial products on display
- Sourced from Poland, Czech, Ukraine, and Denmark
- 9 people working here
- Involved with product sales, designing of spaces, and hiring of products
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Kringloopbedrijf - De Lokatie
- Addresses: Noord Distelweg 85, Noord Buikslotermeerplein 6, Oost 1e Oosterparkstraat 236
- Opening times: Monday > Saturday 10.00 - 17.00
- Website: https://www.delokatie.org/
- All products for sale are donated
- Donated products can be collected
- Employs about 100 local people
Checking Out Specialists
For unique and specialized pieces, these stores are a real go-to:
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Meijken Vintage
- Address: Gedempt Hamerkanaal 99, 1021 KP Amsterdam
- Instagram: com/meijken_vintage
- Open on appointment
- Handpicked vintage design, furniture restoration
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SJOEGE
- Address: De Clercqstraat 80, 1052 NK Amsterdam
- Instagram: instagram.com/sjoege
- Renovation of furniture
- Specialized in teak furniture
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Retro Studio
- Address: Kanaalstraat 51441 KE Purmerend
- Instagram: instagram.com/retrostudio.nl
- Website: retrostudio.nl
- Open: on Saturday 10.00>17.00, Mon to Friday by appointment
- Curated range of 2nd hand furniture
- Specialized in Scandinavian furniture
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1001 Lampen / Brilman Design
- Address: KNSM Laan 299, Amsterdam
- Website: 1001lampen.com
- Extensive collection of vintage/2nd hand lights of all sorts
- Repairs lamps/lights
- Hires out a range of lamps
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Loui
- Address: P.C. Staalweg 102a, 3721 TJ Bilthoven
- Website: loui.store
- Instagram: com/loui_utrecht
- Viewings by appointment
- 2nd hand furniture from Denmark
- Always at least 300 items for sale
The Draumr Difference
Draumr doesn’t just offer second-hand furniture; they provide a complete sustainable ecosystem for home design:
- Local Expertise: Supporting local experts and artisans with unique and handcrafted furniture.
- Eco-Conscious Designers: Personalized design consultations to create spaces that reflect my environmental values.
- Educational Resources: Learning about sustainable design and DIY projects to upcycle existing furniture.
Join the Sustainable Style Movement
By choosing second-hand furniture, you are not just decorating your home, you’re making a conscious choice for a healthier planet. Draumr helps you to stay connected with sustainable living and beautiful design. Visit the makers to explore the curated selection and sign up for the newsletter to stay updated on our efforts to support a thriving local economy and sustainable home ecosystems.