We have 3 tips to help you save the planet and your pennies, by switching to second hand furniture.

The old adage, ‘They don’t make them like they used to’ really does apply to furniture. Scandi flat-pack maestros Ikea should be awarded for services to budget-friendly living, but there may come a time for the finer things in life.

From '70s globe drinks cabinets to '80s leather La-Z-Boys, vintage furniture has character. And in a world where finite resources demand a switch to more sustainable living, the circular economy is on a roll.

If you are considering the leap from pre-packaged to pre-loved, here are a few tips for making the right purchases.

1>> BUY FROM CHARITY SHOPS

Purchasing pieces of second-hand furniture from charity shops is not only a sustainable way of circulating goods, it also profits a charitable cause. And don’t expect to be faced with a jumble of chipped and broken cast-offs.

There are many charity shops across Ireland that use profits for great causes, from supporting disadvantaged people world wide to helping to clothe and feed homeless people here in Ireland.

Expect to find lots of retro furniture. Prices are reasonable for the pieces and quality of craftsmanship – and every penny is well spent. Sticking with the theme, if you want to get rid of furniture to make way for new purchases, some charity shops can arrange free collections. Try St Vincent de Paul (svp.ie) or Age Action (ageaction.ie).

2>> HUNTING DOWN BARGAINS ONLINE

Donedeal.ie, Adverts.ie, Gumtree and of course eBay, the world’s favourite online bring n’ buy sale, are great places to find a bargain piece of furniture. Sifting through what’s available can be overwhelming, so it’s best to settle on some specifics first.

Deciding on particular brands or design periods – such as art deco, mid-century or contemporary – will help whittle down the options. Admittedly, it is tricky to authenticate pieces but do some research and have a few questions ready to ask the seller. It’s also worth looking at past reviews on their profile.

Other important considerations include the item’s measurements and the delivery distance. Most buyers will be expected to either collect the item themselves or arrange a courier, so factor those costs into your budget.

3>> PICKING UP FREEBIES

Believe it or not, not everyone is out to make money. Whether it’s a retired couple in a hurry to downsize or a family that has run out of space, some people are desperate to get rid of their furniture. In fact, you’re doing them a favour by picking it up and providing a new home.

Don’t forget, there’s a charge attached to getting a skip or bringing your trailer to the local recycling centre. And dumping rubbish is illegal.

Some buy and sell websites advertise free items, including weshare.ie and Facebook (both Marketplace and Groups).

A more sophisticated site, the grassroots and non-profit set up Freecycle (freecycle.org) allows you to search based on your location – reducing carbon footprints even further by not needing to travel so far.

Membership is free and the site is carefully monitored.

For more about the circular economy visit crni.ie