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Furnishing your room

Furnishing a room in Groningen, whether you are a student moving into your first apartment or an expat looking to refresh your living space, offers a unique experience. The city provides various options beyond traditional furniture stores, with the Netherlands being particularly famous for its ‘kringloop’ (thrift stores), online platforms like Marktplaats, and social media groups on Facebook where people sell, swap and give away furniture. These options are not only budget-friendly but also offer a sustainable way to furnish your space.

Furniture shops

For those who prefer the convenience of buying new furniture, Groningen has several traditional furniture stores that offer a wide range of options.

IKEA

Located just outside the city center, IKEA is a go-to destination for many when it comes to affordable, stylish furniture. Whether you need a new bed, a desk, or kitchen essentials, IKEA offers a variety of designs and price points. Their flat-pack furniture is easy to transport and assemble, making it ideal for students and young professionals.

Leen Bakker

Leen Bakker is another popular choice. The store offers a wide selection of affordable furniture and home decor. The store is known for its modern designs and discounts, making it a good option for budget friendly shoppers.

Jysk

For those looking for Scandinavian-inspired furniture and homeware, Jysk offers an array of products ranging from bedding to living room furniture. The store combines functionality with design, providing options that are both practical and stylish

Kringloopwinkels (thrift stores)

‘Kringloopwinkels’, or thrift stores, are a staple of Dutch culture and a fantastic option for those looking to furnish their rooms in a sustainable and budget friendly way. Groningen is home to several ‘kringloopwinkels’, each with its own unique selection of second hand furniture and home goods.

Mamamini

One of the most well-known thrift stores in Groningen is Mamamini. This store has multiple locations across the city. Each store offers a wide variety of second-hand furniture, from vintage chairs and tables to home decor items. Shopping at Mamamini is not only affordable but also supports local charities, as the income go to various social causes.

GoudGoed

Another popular thrift store in Groningen, GoudGoed, offers a diverse selection of furniture and household items. Their inventory is constantly changing, so you never know what beautiful products you might find. Whether you are looking for a retro sofa or a unique lamp, GoudGoed is worth a visit.

Winkel van Sinkel

This thrift store is a gigantic one that has a lot of stuff for very low prices. For the real treasures you need to search a little bit since this store can be quite a mess.

Marktplaats

Marktplaats is the Dutch equivalent of eBay and has become a go-to platform for buying and selling second-hand goods, including furniture. The platform is incredibly popular in the Netherlands and offers a broad selection of items at various price points.

Facebook groups

Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, have become increasingly popular for buying, selling and swapping furniture in Groningen. Several groups cater specifically to the local community, offering a more personal and community-driven approach to furnishing your room. Here are some groups listed:

  • Free your stuff Groningen: This group is one of the largest and most active buy-and-sell groups in Groningen. Members post a wide variety of items, from furniture and home decor to electronics.
  • Buy and Sell in Groningen:This group is for the international community in Groningen. It is an excellent resource for expats who are new to the city. Members often post items for sale or trade, including furniture, kitchenware and other essentials.
  • Swapping Groups: These are also several groups focused on swapping items rather than selling them. These groups promote sustainability by encouraging members to exchange goods they no longer need for something they do.