ADVERTISEMENT

A few years ago, while traveling across Europe, I wandered into a charming flea market in a small seaside town. Among the busy stalls, I stumbled across a vintage dresser that instantly caught my eye. It had the kind of character that hinted at a rich history, and I could easily picture it standing neatly in my living room. Unfortunately, practicality won out, and I left without it. To this day, I still think about that dresser and the story it might have brought into my home.

Unlike my missed opportunity, many Redditors have been luckier in their searches for unique furniture. They’ve been sharing their incredible finds across the platform, and we’ve gathered some of their most beautiful pieces. Take a look below!

#1

I Was Told To Post This Here: My Parents Planted An Appletree When I Was Born. Sadly, It Died A Few Weeks Ago, So I Made A Bookshelf Out Of It

I Was Told To Post This Here: My Parents Planted An Appletree When I Was Born. Sadly, It Died A Few Weeks Ago, So I Made A Bookshelf Out Of It

TrashTashy Report

The hunt for the perfect furniture can be long and exhausting. We all want to find pieces that make our homes inviting and reflect our personal style but turning those visions into reality is often easier said than done. In fact, a Houzz survey revealed that 98% of people are unhappy with how their homes look, even after trying their best to decorate.

Curious about why so many of us struggle with this, Bored Panda got in touch with furniture maker and woodworker Liam O’Connor. He believes the root of the problem lies in the prevalence of mass-produced, low-quality products. “Most mass-produced furniture is made from MDF with laminate, essentially glued-together sawdust with a plastic coating,” O’Connor explains. “It doesn’t feel natural, and the designs are soulless and cold.”

#3

Not In Bad Condition For Being 400 Years Old

Not In Bad Condition For Being 400 Years Old

MSG_Engineering Report

ADVERTISEMENT

According to The Washington Post, just fifty or sixty years ago, even affordable furniture in the US was typically made using higher-quality materials. Many budget-friendly options were crafted from local plywood—with thin layers of wood glued together. Today, most furniture on the market consists of Chinese-made plywood or pressboard, while pieces labeled as “solid wood” might actually be rubberwood with glued-on veneer.

“Everyone is just trying to reduce cost,” says CoCo Ree Lemery, a furniture designer who has worked with brands like Pottery Barn and West Elm and is currently a visiting professor of furniture design at Purdue University.

For instance, rubberwood is cheaper than most other types of lumber because it’s a byproduct of latex production, though it doesn’t hold up well over time. Wood products from China are similarly inexpensive, but their quality can be highly unpredictable.

#4

An Old Home Style Bar In Italy From 1960

An Old Home Style Bar In Italy From 1960

reddit.com Report

#5

Last Year I Finished My Apprenticeship To Become A Furniture Maker. This Piece Is The Culmination Of My Skill. It Also Represents A Major Life Goal After I Made A Career Switch To Become What I Always Wanted To Become. I Also Won First Place In The Yearly Competition! What Do You Think?

Last Year I Finished My Apprenticeship To Become A Furniture Maker. This Piece Is The Culmination Of My Skill. It Also Represents A Major Life Goal After I Made A Career Switch To Become What I Always Wanted To Become. I Also Won First Place In The Yearly Competition! What Do You Think?

MrWoodworker Report

#6

Bought This At An Auction. Thought It Was Unique And Looked Pretty

Bought This At An Auction. Thought It Was Unique And Looked Pretty

bubbablake Report

ADVERTISEMENT

“The whole industry has just changed so dramatically,” Lemery says. She describes the nonstop pressure of designing for major retailers as “soul crushing.” When she created pieces that were more expensive to make, and therefore pricier for customers, her employers would quickly discontinue them. “My most successful products, sadly, have always had the biggest margin, so they’ve had the lowest cost.”

#7

I Built A Bulldozer Bed For My 2 Y/O

I Built A Bulldozer Bed For My 2 Y/O

whatupwiththat Report

Add photo comments
POST
sbj
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's one lucky kid and I bet they don't have many sleepless nights in this cosy looking bed

View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

A Side Table I Made To Look Like A Sitting Guy

A Side Table I Made To Look Like A Sitting Guy

liamoco123 Report

Add photo comments
POST
John Mosley
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's art, if the artist says it's a guy then it is. You make a girl table if you want one.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Our Favorite Auction Find- This Game Table

Our Favorite Auction Find- This Game Table

cristi5151 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Huddo's sister
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not as good as this, but my grandad made a chessboard table using old coins when decimalisation came in. It looks so good, but I don't know if anyone has played chess on it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

As an independent craftsman, O’Connor advocates for handmade furniture made from real wood. “It has a particular warmth to it,” he says. “It makes spaces feel cozier, and when you buy from local woodworkers and designers, you get something unique that’s crafted just for you.” Although the price is usually higher, O’Connor believes it’s more cost-effective in the long run because it won’t fall apart like mass-produced alternatives. He even suggests trying your hand at making your own furniture to add a special touch to your home.

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

I Made A 600 LED Programmable Infinity Mirror Coffee Table!

I Made A 600 LED Programmable Infinity Mirror Coffee Table!

Procupine Report

Add photo comments
POST
Little Wonder
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a kid, Target had infinity frames and I was desperate to own one and now I have just remembered I am an adult, with money. BRB.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

Talk About A Dining Room Table! A Real Labor Of Love. I'm Finally Finished. A 6 Foot Black Walnut Table Top Filled With All Things Floral And Magical Crystals

Talk About A Dining Room Table! A Real Labor Of Love. I'm Finally Finished. A 6 Foot Black Walnut Table Top Filled With All Things Floral And Magical Crystals

houseoffloravana Report

O’Connor let us in on his process for making furniture that stands the test of time. It involves careful planning, selecting high-quality wood, and drawing ideas from various sources. He usually begins by browsing Pinterest or looking for inspiration in nature and cartoons. Once he has a vision, he brings it to life through 3D models on his iPad or detailed sketches. With the design finalized, O’Connor picks out the lumber before heading to his shop to start crafting.

ADVERTISEMENT
#15

Princess Castle Themed Bookshelf For My Daughter. She's Happy!

Princess Castle Themed Bookshelf For My Daughter. She's Happy!

casualbuilds Report

“Choosing the lumber is one of the most exciting parts,” O’Connor tells us. “Most woodworkers use rough sawn lumber, which is unsanded and full of rough marks, like an uncut gem. I love digging through piles to find the perfect piece with just the right grain, color, and character.”

#16

I Just Finished Painting My Dresser

I Just Finished Painting My Dresser

nerd271 Report

#17

Hand Carved Solid Mango Wood Headboard. My Wife And I Ordered This From India Along With A Half A Shipping Containers Worth Of Other Pieces A Couple Of Years Ago

Hand Carved Solid Mango Wood Headboard. My Wife And I Ordered This From India Along With A Half A Shipping Containers Worth Of Other Pieces A Couple Of Years Ago

Familiar_Big3322 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mrs Irish Mom
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it bad that when i look at alot of these stunning pieces my first thought isnt thats stunning its, how many hours am i going to spend cleaning it

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

My Second Piece Of Furniture. Only Took 4 Months And $1k In Walnut

My Second Piece Of Furniture. Only Took 4 Months And $1k In Walnut

DeltaDP Report

Next, he surfaces the lumber to ensure all sides are parallel or perpendicular to one another. After the pieces undergo a glue-up and dry, he refines them for precision. “I find great joy in shaping intricate joints like dovetails or dados, and it’s incredibly satisfying when everything fits together perfectly during assembly,” he shares.

ADVERTISEMENT
#19

I Made This Out Of Leftover Ash Flooring From Craigslist

I Made This Out Of Leftover Ash Flooring From Craigslist

matrickswayze Report

#20

Why Buy A Dog Kennel When I Can Just Make One To Fit My Space And Look

Why Buy A Dog Kennel When I Can Just Make One To Fit My Space And Look

SrJebuss Report

Add photo comments
POST
Andi
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i was worried about getting a cage for my dog as it seemed a bit mean but with the door open and a Welsh blanket over it it was like her bedroom she could go to for some peace. then I read simply ' dogs like dens'. happy girl.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Some Tables I Made

Some Tables I Made

NinjaTurtleNerd Report

After that, O’Connor starts working on the finer details. He creates custom templates and uses a router to achieve exact dimensions. “Finally, I glue everything together, then sand and finish,” he says. This meticulous approach results in furniture that’s not only beautiful but built to last.

#22

Oversized Cedar Lounge I Just Finished

Oversized Cedar Lounge I Just Finished

BlackClagger Report

#24

How Did I Do On My First Refinished Piece?

How Did I Do On My First Refinished Piece?

jadedheart3 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda

One of O’Connor’s recent creations that he’s particularly proud of is a cat bed designed to resemble a whimsical creature, complete with a soft, tongue-shaped pillow for pets to sleep or lounge on. “It was also my first time doing upholstery, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment with this piece,” he beams.

#25

Wove A New Danish Cord Seat For My Moller 75 Chair

Wove A New Danish Cord Seat For My Moller 75 Chair

adavis9691 Report

#27

Was Asked To Post This

Was Asked To Post This

Ktwann92 Report

So next time you’re on the hunt for new furniture, remember that quality and character can make all the difference. Choose pieces that feel right for you, whether you find them at a thrift store, have them custom-made, or even decide to build your own. That way, you’ll be able to create a home you’ll love for years to come.

#28

This Organic Jigsaw Table(S)

This Organic Jigsaw Table(S)

malleeman Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#29

Vinyl Record Collection DIY Full-Wall Shelving. 15mm Steel Tubing And 9mm Birch Plywood

Vinyl Record Collection DIY Full-Wall Shelving. 15mm Steel Tubing And 9mm Birch Plywood

MrFurther Report

#30

Refinished This Vintage 60s/70s Rotating Side Table! Here’s A Before And After

Refinished This Vintage 60s/70s Rotating Side Table! Here’s A Before And After

splattertaint Report

Note: this post originally had 79 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.