Used design classics: furniture, lighting and icons of the twentieth century

Some furniture outlives every fashion: design classics are the pieces that have been built, copied and collected for decades, and here you find them second-hand.

This collection gathers the classics from our entire range: seating by Vitra, Herman Miller and Fritz Hansen, modular systems by USM Haller, lighting by Artemide and Flos, glass art from Murano and sofas by Cassina and De Sede. Every piece is used or vintage, individually checked and described with photos of its true condition. The mid-century icons and the Bauhaus classics make a good starting point.

What makes a piece a design classic?

Time. A classic solves a problem so well or so beautifully that it stays in production for decades: the Eames side chair, the USM Haller sideboard, Artemide's Tizio. Buying a classic second-hand gets you proven design instead of short-lived trends.

Is buying used classics worth it?

Usually twice over: you pay far less than list price, and good pieces hold their value or gain. You recognise originals by maker labels and embossings; what we know about provenance and year is stated on every product.

How do you start a collection?

With a piece you use daily: a chair, a lamp, a side table. A single classic changes a room more than five new pieces of furniture, and from there the collection grows by itself. Use the filters above the grid for price, colour and availability, or browse the era and maker pages linked further down to explore exactly the part of modernism that suits you.

Used design classics: furniture, lighting and icons of the twentieth century

  • Design classics are the backbone of 2nd home. The main paths into the collection: the mid-century icons, the Vitra range and the USM Haller furniture.

    Browse by era

    Browse by maker

    From the Swiss USM Haller system via the Eames world of Vitra and Herman Miller to Cassina, Fritz Hansen and Knoll: the maker pages lead you straight to the pieces in stock for each brand.

    Lighting and glass

    Classics are not just furniture: vintage lamps from Artemide to Stilnovo and glass art from Murano complete a well-furnished home.

  • Sustainability: the second round is the best

    A classic that is passed on needs no new production and no new raw material. That is exactly why used design classics are the most sustainable way to live well: proven quality that has already lasted decades and will last more.

    How to combine classics

    The safe rule: one strong piece per room, with calm companions. An Eames chair next to a plain sofa, a USM Haller unit under a bright wall, a Murano vase on an empty table. Classics get along with each other, but they need air.

    What connoisseurs look for

    • Maker label, embossing or serial number on the piece
    • Original condition: untampered frames and original upholstery
    • Honest traces of use instead of hidden damage
    • Documented provenance where available

    Keep browsing

    Related paths: the lounge chairs for the classic reading chair and the sideboards for a storage statement.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Which brands will I find in this collection?

The big names of modernism: Vitra, Herman Miller, Fritz Hansen, Knoll, Cassina, USM Haller, Thonet, De Sede, plus lighting by Artemide, Flos and Louis Poulsen and glass art from Murano. Stock changes daily.

Are all pieces originals?

Yes, we only take in originals. Maker labels, embossings and serial numbers are documented during inspection and stated in the product description. We reject replicas.

How do I know if a classic is a good investment?

Three questions help: is the design still in production and in demand? Is the piece an original with documented provenance? And is the condition good or honestly described? Early versions and rare variants have the greatest potential.

Do design classics fit ordinary homes?

That is exactly where they belong. Most classics were designed for ordinary homes and offices, not museums. A single good piece next to everyday furniture often works better than a fully styled ensemble.

What do second-hand design classics cost?

The range is wide: small classics like lamps or side tables start in the low three figures, sought-after armchairs and sofas sit above that. Almost always well below list price, with documented condition.

Are the pieces vintage or used?

Both: from vintage originals of the 1950s to 1980s to more recent used production. Age, maker and condition are stated with every piece, so you know exactly what you are getting.

Can I sell my own classics through you?

Yes, checked classics are the core of our range. Submit your piece with photos through our sell page, we check condition and demand and come back with an assessment.

How is the furniture delivered?

Smaller pieces arrive well padded as insured parcels, armchairs, sofas and sideboards by freight carrier. Our service team settles the details for each piece with you before dispatch.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our design classics - from new to used and vintage.

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you don't have to wait long for delivery, our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available for immediate delivery. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Although we offer vintage and second-hand furniture, we carefully inspect each piece.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • sustainability

    By selling second-hand furniture, we promote reuse and reduce the consumption of resources. At the same time, we reduce CO2 emissions.

    You can find out more on our sustainability page.

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