5 Places to Shop for Second-Hand Home Décor

Second-hand pieces with memories and a lived history that enriches their surroundings remain a perennial favourite in interiors. For those who want to bring more of these valuable, inspiring and beautiful furnishings and accessories into their living spaces, we have gathered five places to discover this delightful world in Istanbul.

Our interest in the new and creative is well known. We love choosing every detail, from furniture to cushions, that enriches and beautifies our world. But what about pieces passed down from previous generations? Although our first response may be a reminder of childhood, second-hand objects also symbolise appreciation and meaningful touches.

Sometimes a candlestick, sometimes an armchair… They may not be old enough to qualify as antiques, but these usable, joyful second-hand details, large or small, always find a corner in a stylish interior. Whether you love gentle retro touches or simply enjoy discovery, this article offers five popular, enjoyable shops for a second-hand décor shopping route.

With its delightful, spacious premises in İstinye, Dank! offers a colourful world full of surprises. Repaired and transformed second-hand furniture represents different periods and styles. Set in a large hangar, the shop is also a workshop where new designs emerge from old products.

It offers a reason to see how older pieces can be loved with their scratches and imperfections intact. With boutique products by different designers and fresh interpretations of familiar objects to discover, this rich world may draw you back again and again.

Instagram: @dankistanbul

Address: İstinye, Balabandere Cad. No:17, D:17, 34460, Sarıyer, İstanbul.

In a charming Karaköy setting, this is a lively place that is a pleasure to explore. Its motto brings a fresh perspective to second-hand design: “Retro life! Again!” Balancing old and new, Atölye Başka divides its products into five collections: Reenkarne, Dajavu, Retrospektif, İkona and NeoRetro.

Each collection’s story encourages discoveries that nurture creativity. Remaking, restoring or paying tribute to selections from different design periods, Atölye Başka offers a broad range from accessories to furniture, alongside its own designs.

Instagram: @atolyebaska

Address: Maslak, Ahi Evran Cad. No:5, D:173, 34485, Sarıyer, İstanbul.

Located in Zekeriyaköy, House of Junk is a popular brand known for carefully curated collections. Enriched by travel and moments of discovery, its range brings together finds from scrap dealers, antique shops and auctions. You are likely to encounter unexpected designs in a variety of sizes and forms.

Its vintage selection, with a strong aesthetic appeal, is an oasis for lovers of period pieces. You can discover House of Junk not only in Istanbul, but also in London and Barcelona.

Instagram: @house_of_junk

Address: Zekeriyaköy, 6. Cad. No:10, 34450, Sarıyer, İstanbul.

You can find Dada Kuzguncuk in one of the colourful little streets of Kuzguncuk, a tucked-away corner of Istanbul that retains its historic character. We are certain you will discover much more than a second-hand shop. Also an art studio, Dada Kuzguncuk stands out for its wide range of products, from furniture to accessories. Browsing and choosing vintage pieces inside a historic building is a particular pleasure.

In this art-filled shop, you can make discoveries beyond the passing of time. In its own words: “Life flows at a different pace at Dada Kuzguncuk. The commotion and chaos of the outside world remain behind the door.” As this peaceful motto suggests, those wishing to pause time and take a look back into the past will surely find their way to Kuzguncuk.

Instagram: @dadakuzguncuk

Address: Perihan Abla Sok. No:6 Kuzguncuk, Üsküdar, İstanbul.