The Complete Guide to Buying a Secondhand Sofa in Copenhagen

In this guide:

• Where to find secondhand sofas in Copenhagen
• What to check before buying a used sofa
• What secondhand sofas cost
• Are used sofas hygienic, and how to clean them

A secondhand sofa is one of the easiest ways to furnish a home well without paying new-furniture prices — and in Copenhagen, the choice ranges from charity shops to curated vintage stores to established Danish design brands like Bolia, HAY, and Sofa Company.

Is a secondhand sofa a good investment?

Yes, provided you check condition carefully first. A sofa is one of the most expensive pieces of furniture in most homes, and quality frames and cushioning are built to last well beyond a single owner. Buying secondhand means:

• Real cost savings — often a fraction of the new-retail price, especially for recognized brands
• Access to better-made pieces — a used Bolia or HAY sofa can be sturdier than a new budget sofa at the same price point
• A smaller footprint — keeping a well-made sofa in use instead of sending it to landfill

Where can I find secondhand sofas in Copenhagen?

Charity shops and flea markets

Charity shops (genbrugsbutikker) are a good starting point if you want to see and sit on a sofa in person before deciding. Flea markets can turn up good finds too, though selection is inconsistent — you may find nothing, or you may find exactly what you need.

Curated vintage stores

Curated vintage stores offer a more reliable, better-presented selection, usually at a higher price than a charity shop — you're paying for careful sourcing, often cleaning, and presentation, not just the sofa itself.

Online marketplaces

• DBA — Denmark's largest classifieds site, useful if you're searching for a specific brand or model, with a wide, constantly changing selection
• Facebook Marketplace — can turn up good deals, but listings are often less detailed, so you'll need to ask more questions and inspect more carefully before committing
• Biophi — a marketplace to buy from vintage stores in Copenhagen in one place so you can browse and compare without visiting each shop separately. Because the inventory comes from established vintage stores, quality and condition are generally more consistent than an average classifieds listing.

Both DBA & Facebook marketplace require patience and a bit of luck to find the right sofa from the right seller at the right time. The transportation will be on you, which can also be a hassle for many buyers. With Biophi, you get a curated selection and free curbside delivery is available on many sofas.

What should I check before buying a used sofa?

Frame and structure

• Sit on it — the frame shouldn't creak, wobble, or feel unstable
• Check legs and joints for looseness or repairs
• Press down on the cushions and armrests to check the frame underneath, not just the padding

Cushions and upholstery

• Cushions should spring back after being pressed, not stay compressed
• Check fabric for thinning, pilling, or stretched seams
• For leather, check for cracking, peeling, or dryness

Odor and staining

• Smell the cushions and any fabric close up — odors can be harder to remove than they look
• Check for staining in seams and under cushions, not just the visible surface

Quality across different brands

Recognized brands like Bolia, HAY, and Sofa Company are generally built with sturdier frames and better materials than mass-market alternatives — but condition still matters more than brand name alone. A well-maintained sofa from a lesser-known maker can outlast a poorly cared-for designer piece.

What does a secondhand sofa cost in Copenhagen?

• Charity shops and private listings — usually the most affordable option, with prices varying widely by condition. Expect a starting point of DKK 500.
• Curated vintage stores and marketplaces like Biophi — typically priced higher than charity shops, reflecting sourcing, condition-checking, brands and cleaning. Expect a starting point of DKK1,500.
• Recognized brands (Bolia, HAY, Sofa Company) — command higher resale prices even secondhand, but still well below new-retail cost. Many pieces on Biophi are up to 85% cheaper than the new sofa!

To find a good deal: compare similar sofas across DBA, vintage stores, and Biophi before deciding. With Biophi, the price includes free curbside delivery on many sofas.

Are secondhand sofas hygienic?

A used sofa's hygiene depends on its condition and how it's been cared for, not its age alone.

Fabric sofas — look for freshly cleaned pieces, since fabric holds odor and stains more than other materials.
Leather sofas — generally easier to wipe down and maintain over time.

At Biophi, listed sofas are either in very good condition or freshly cleaned, with photos and any defects clearly noted.

How do you clean and maintain a secondhand fabric sofa?

Regular cleaning

• Vacuum cushions and crevices weekly to prevent dust and odor buildup
• Spot-clean spills immediately with a mild fabric cleaner

Deeper cleaning

• Check the manufacturer's cleaning code if known (W = water-based cleaner, S = solvent-based, WS = either, X = vacuum only)
• For stubborn odors or stains, a professional upholstery clean is often worth the cost, especially for a sofa you plan to keep for years

Leather care

• Wipe down regularly with a slightly damp cloth
• Use a leather conditioner at least once every year to prevent drying and cracking

Do secondhand sofas come with a warranty or guarantee?

No — secondhand items generally don't come with a manufacturer's warranty, and that's true at Biophi as well as most other secondhand sources. What Biophi does offer is a standard return policy, so you're not left without recourse if something isn't as described. Beyond that, careful inspection before you buy — checking the frame, cushions, and upholstery as outlined above — is your best protection with any used furniture purchase.

Find your next sofa at Biophi

Once you know what to check for, finding the right secondhand sofa is much easier. Biophi brings Copenhagen's vintage store inventory together online, so you can browse, compare, and reserve a piece — then see it in person before deciding.

Browse secondhand sofas.