Buying second-hand furniture is not only a win for the environment, but it's also a great way to pick up one-of-a-kind pieces that add interest to your space. From charity shop finds to vintage gems online, there are heaps of ways to hunt out brilliant buys.

According to a study by Hometree.co.uk, searches for upcycling have increased by 130% in the last year, with Brits looking for more ways to give life to tired-looking items. As part of their research (which excludes eBay), they also found that bookcases, shelving and storage are the cheapest furniture items on resale sites, with the average price sitting at £71.80.

Meanwhile, the second cheapest items of furniture to buy and upcycle are TV stands and entertainment units (£74.85), closely followed by cabinets and cupboards (£93.77). If you're wanting a little DIY project, these are the items to snap up online.

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On the other hand, the most expensive second hand furniture item is chairs, averaging at £450. If you're looking to make a pretty penny, the team at Furniture Disposal London recommend replacing the fabric, adding new foam cushions and reselling it online. You may soon have a small fortune on your hands…

Take a look at the full list below:

  1. Bookcases, shelves and storage (£71.80 average listed price)
  2. TV stands and entertainment units (£74.85)
  3. Cabinets and cupboards (£93.77)
  4. Beds and mattresses (£101.58)
  5. Home office desks (£113.15)
  6. Tables (£116.12)
  7. Wardrobes (£145.21)
  8. Chest of drawers (£174.22)
  9. Sofas, armchairs and couches (£376.96)
  10. Chairs (£450)

Looking for some upcycling advice? "If you are looking for a way to quickly upcycle your bookcase, paint the wood a contrasting colour to your walls. This will give it a new lease of life and a pop of colour within the room," Furniture Disposal London suggests.

"Instead of throwing old TV stands away, turn them into a lower-level storage unit and place them at the end of your bed as a bench or ottoman!"

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Lisa Joyner
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.