When to Pick Up Furniture from the Curb for Free
In today’s world of budget-friendly home decor shopping, finding items for free can be an exciting opportunity not to be missed. Whether you call it “curb shopping” or “stooping,” many of us have experienced the thrill of spotting a potential treasure on the side of the road and deciding to take it home. This trend has been growing in popularity, driven by current design trends.
According to the American Society of Interior Designers’ 2025 ASID Trends Outlook Report, vintage pieces and unique finds are highly sought after, qualities that can often be found on curbsides. The appeal of secondhand items lies in their eco-friendly nature, as picking up these items gives them a new life instead of ending up in a landfill.
Design experts like Kerrie Kelly and Joanne Palmisano have successfully incorporated curbside finds into their projects, turning discarded items into beautiful and functional pieces. These designers emphasize the importance of seeing the potential in seemingly overlooked items, a skill that sets them apart in curbside treasure hunting.
So, the next time you spot a unique piece on the curb, don’t hesitate to stop and explore the possibilities. Curbside finds can not only add character to your space but also contribute to a sustainable approach to design.
“Inability to a home,” she says. Claire Zinnecker, Founder and Creative Director of Claire Zinnecker Design, who has a curbside dresser in her guest room, shares a common viewpoint when it comes to picking up stuff: “One person’s trash is another’s treasure. All it takes is some imagination.”
Get Hands-On for Quality Control. When you do spot a possible curbside score, Malina recommends giving the item a “gentle shake for sturdiness.” If you’re after noteworthy brands, she advises, “open dresser drawers to check for markings. Look on the underside of tables and chairs. And turn over lamps, dishes, or glassware for signatures.”
You might also gauge the quality just from where the item has been located. As Palmisano says, if the curbside piece is next to a cool, old house, or if the neighborhood is generally known for being old-school, “there may be some good finds.”
In general, even if something doesn’t bear a label, Kelly is always on the lookout for solid construction: real wood instead of particle board, sturdy frames, and unique details that make a piece worth restoring.
Avoid Upholstery. How do you decide if a curbside piece is safe to take home? First, Malina suggests checking for any creepy-crawlies roaming in drawers or for any rotting in crevices. Kelly says that a quick inspection for mold or general structural damage is key. And of course, if the piece has a strong odor, deep water damage, or is beyond repair, keep driving.
Upholstered pieces aren’t usually safe to bring home. “I’m not a fan of upholstered pieces,” Palmisano says. “First, you don’t know how long they have been outside. Second, you just don’t know if pets have been sitting on them, or if they are filled with other critters. If I see a cool tablecloth or linen piece, then I know I can wash that—but anything larger with upholstery on it, I steer away from.”
Consider the Time and Money You’ll Invest in a Refurb. “If a large, cumbersome piece requires extensive refurbishment, think twice before taking on the chore or the expense of making it usable again,” Malina says. “Custom upholstery and furniture restoration are pricey services.”
Make Sure It’s Yours for the Taking. Not sure if an item is resting on the curb while its owner carries something else inside—or waiting to be picked up by the garbage truck or claimed by a new owner? Malina says that if an item is sitting suspiciously close to the home, or there’s a moving truck nearby, definitely ring the doorbell to find the former owner, or approach a mover and ask before spiriting it away. But if the items are next to trash bins or accessorized with a “free” sign, then Palmisano says that they’re fair game.
Make a
For Palmisano, she enjoys restoring a wood table to its original beauty, but when it comes to metal, she opts for painting. Zinnecker notes that painting can have a significant impact with minimal effort, making it a great DIY project. She is also open to trying new things, stating that not investing much money in a piece allows her to experiment freely without worrying about the outcome. The designers agree that as long as the item is not upholstered and is still in decent condition, picking up a curbside find is usually a good idea. Be sure to follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok for more inspiration.
