29+ Treasures Found in the Trash

Lifestyle

| LAST UPDATE 11/27/2023

By Sara Salson

From a record player to a certified antique stroller, these vintage items found curbside left many speechless. In fact, they bring an entirely new meaning to "one man's trash is another man's treasure..."

West Elm Coffee Table

It's safe to say that this discarded piece of furniture caught quite a bit of attention while sitting on a busy residential street in New York City. But whoever grabbed this unique West Elm coffee table most certainly lucked out.

trash treasure street finds
trash treasure street finds
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

Saved from the fate of weekly garbage collection day, this coffee table was scooped up quickly by a second-hand enthusiast who could spot a treasure like this from a mile away. While taken home for free, this industrial storage pop-up coffee table actually costs over $800 in-store!

Mini Frigidaire Fridge

Maybe this is what Molly Ringwald was talking about in the 1986 rom-com Pretty In Pink. Well, while that may not be the case, produce, and the occasional soda can would likely look prettier in this pink mini Frigidaire refrigerator. Perhaps we'll never understand why it was tossed to the curb.

trash treasure vintage finds
trash treasure vintage finds
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

But what we do know, is that thanks to @stoopingnyc's big following, this mini fridge was definitely picked up by the end of the day. The post of the fridge alone raked in over 11,000 likes and hundreds of comments from eager bargain hunters looking to take this gem home.

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Tiffany Lamp Set

Tiffany Lamps first became all the rage at the turn of the 20th century during the Art Nouveau movement in the United States. In fact, they became so popular that they inspired their own style of lamp beyond the brand itself. Today, originals and replicas are worth hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars each.

trash treasure vintage finds
trash treasure vintage finds
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

So, we could imagine the shock of many that someone willingly chose to dump not one, but two Tiffany-style lamps on 15th Street in New York City. Left idly by some city bikes and a dumpster, this @stoopingnyc post got quite a lot of attention. Clearly, we never know what we can find right outside our door.

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Antique Cabinet

A trip to Narnia, anyone? This antique wooden cabinet wowed many with its handcrafted details and unique coloring. And yet, its previous owner deemed it unnecessary to keep. Whether it was time for an upgrade or it didn't make the cut for the upcoming move, this special piece was abandoned on the street.

antique vintage street finds
antique vintage street finds
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

Many were left speechless by its sheer size and impressive design. But luckily, what one person deemed trash worthy, another was more than willing to haul all the way back to their apartment. Though something tells us this wasn't the easiest walk back home...

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Vintage Display Cabinet

Now, this is one streetside display with some effort to it! Clearly, the previous owner put some thought into letting this piece go. They took the time to make some signage and print some pictures to go along with the display cabinet. Plus, the protective cardboard box kept it intact for the next owner.

vintage cabinet curbside nyc
vintage cabinet curbside nyc
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

As many people quickly pointed out in the comments, this unique display cabinet would be worth it even if the glass were broken on the doors! That's just how unique its design is. And clearly, even the previous owner knew its true worth, hence all the special precautions taken on the street.

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70s-Era Love Seat

This love seat was tossed to the busy New York City streets just in time for garbage collection day. But luckily, fate had a different plan in store. Thanks to a lucky second-hand collector's good fortune, this piece has found a new home in an NYC apartment.

vintage stoopingnyc finds brooklyn
vintage stoopingnyc finds brooklyn
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

While it may be on the bulkier side, this unique decorative seat would certainly make a statement in any living room. And the lucky collector showed proof of that. Ava Trideva, the sofa's new owner, shared a picture with @stoopingnyc showing just how pleased she was with the find.

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Aqua Corner Sofa

To many, this is the dramatic corner sofa of their dreams, but to one unsatisfied owner, it was worth dumping on the corner of West and India Street, the Greenpoint area of Brooklyn, New York. And that's exactly what happened, resulting in a very popular post on Stooping NYC's Instagram page.

curbside vintage finds brooklyn
curbside vintage finds brooklyn
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

While dozens of friends schemed away about how they were going to carry this enormous statement piece back to their apartment, one lucky stooping enthusiast scored big and brought this velour sofa home. The only question left is whether they had a "pivot!" moment just like in the Friends episode.

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Antique Cabinet

Now, this one is almost too good to be true. And we can't stop racking our brains as to why someone who toss this antique-looking cabinet amongst some garbage bags and a construction site right by 59th Street in Lincoln Square. How could decorative cabinets possibly get better than this?

incredible antique finds brooklyn
incredible antique finds brooklyn
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

Even if the odd screen here or there needed a little repair, people were absolutely ecstatic over this street find. Luckily, the doors of the storage piece were taped closed to preserve their decals and hinges, making this a second-hand steal in relatively good condition!

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Globe Cart

No, this isn't some highly prized prop from an adventure film from back in the 1940s or 1950s. To the shock of many, this was an abandoned globe bar cart left on the bustling streets of Manhattan and up for grabs! Complete with artistic decals and a domed top, this is one unique find...

incredible vintage finds nyc
incredible vintage finds nyc
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

And while we can't imagine why anyone would be ditching this statement piece from their apartment, it certainly made one stooper exceptionally happy. Back in November, this photograph was posted to the @stoopingnyc page only to be swooped up in a matter of hours.

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Fully-Functioning Piano

Aspiring musicians, behold! This two-tiered synthesizer was left on the streets of Brooklyn with a certain passive-aggressive note explaining its working condition. "Take me!" the note read. "I still work - unlike my free-loading ex-boyfriend!!" Yikes. But hey, it's quite the find!

vintage finds nyc brooklyn
vintage finds nyc brooklyn
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

With multiple settings and a play-back device built-in, this synthesizer certainly made one second-hand collector and piano player happy. And definitely happier than the note-writer who is apparently going through a tough breakup... Keep scrolling for more curbside treasures.

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High-Rise and Bar Stool Set

When walking the streets of city neighborhoods, it's fairly common to find the odd chair or table that got the boot from its former apartment. But a whole set? Now that's pretty rare. But, as luck turned out, someone was ready to ditch this full bar and stool set.

vintage finds nyc streetside
vintage finds nyc streetside
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

Over in the Brooklyn borough of New York, this perfectly-maintained table and stool set was left up for grabs on Saint Marks Avenue. But, we could only guess it didn't stay on the curb for very long. After all, how often can ya get a whole set for free?

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Record Player

If this roundup is proving anything, it's that there are some pretty exquisite finds waiting to be picked up from the curbs in Brooklyn. And people are more than kind when it comes to making sure their purged items find a good second home rather than end up in the dump.

amazing finds left streetside
amazing finds left streetside
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

Just like the synthesizer, someone took the time to ensure passersby knew that this was no busted record player. "Free! I work!" the note read. "Did you just manifest a free working record player? Yeah you did. 2022 is your year!" Well, here's to hoping!

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Retro Couch

In need of a "free and clean" retro green couch? It appears there was some fresh new feng shui underway in someone's apartment, or maybe the time simply came for an upgrade! Either way, this well-maintained sofa hit the curb in - of course - Brooklyn.

antique finds streetside sofa
antique finds streetside sofa
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

It certainly didn't take long for thousands of likes to start pouring in on this post, with hundreds of friends tagging their Brooklyn pals in the comments section to give them a heads up about this sweet streetside sofa. "It's giving major Friends vibes," one person wrote.

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Regal Armchair

From its unique proportions to its detailed (and most likely hand-crafted) wood carvings, this regal armchair most definitely made a statement while hanging out on Park Place. If only furniture could talk, right? Because this looks like a relic of history.

amazing finds nyc streetside
amazing finds nyc streetside
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

While large in dimensions and maybe not so suited for the average cramped New York living room or salon, one second-hand enthusiast certainly saw this throne as worth saving and welcomed it home. One thing's for sure - this is quite the statement piece!

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Marvel Collection

Attention all comic book lovers! This Marvel purge would certainly be a dream come true for the odd Avengers or Shang-Chi fan walking along Fifth Street. Understandably, people couldn't believe who would be willing to leave this enormous haul on the curb!

vintage collectibles nyc streetside
vintage collectibles nyc streetside
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

With so many comic book stores willing to trade or outright buy certain comic editions, whoever left this collection behind most likely missed out on some cash. But on the flip side, leaving this for free would definitely score some serious karma points.

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Vintage Pram

Speaking of relics of history! This vintage pram seems like it rolled right out of old-time New York. From its beautifully lined interior to the spoked wheels, this is one antique find that people were shocked to see up for grabs. But the previous owner didn't put it out without writing a note.

vintage finds left curbside
vintage finds left curbside
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

"Vintage, clean & functional," the note read attached to the stroller. "Free - please take care of me." While some stoop finds' authenticity can be up for question, this one is a confirmed antique. And the rarity of it was certainly reflected in the post, which raked in over 17,000 likes.

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Retro Liquor Cabinet

When it comes to people letting go of no-longer-needed furniture in New York City, there's no holding back with quality. These aren't our average broken and busted IKEA shelving unit. No, these street finds are bursting with originality. Just take this liquor cabinet, for example...

amazing finds left curbside
amazing finds left curbside
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

Detailed sliding doors and beautifully stained wood - could it get any better than this custom-looking design? Plus, in addition to style points, this unit is incredibly versatile. Records, wine bottles, even plates, and glasses! Everything will look better in this number.

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Unique Statement Table

Speaking of unique pieces... Check out this table! Perfect of an entryway or even an entertainment console and television stand, this beauty was left in Lower Manhattan and up for grabs for any passersby willing to haul it back home. And there were quite a number of people interested.

antique finds nyc curbside
antique finds nyc curbside
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

New York City never stops proving that one person's trash is another person's treasure, and nowhere is this more true than on the @stoopingnyc page. From one person's disregarded furniture to a post raking in thousands of likes, it's clear that people aren't afraid of a good second-hand find like this one!

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Mandolin Guitar

We've seen furniture, the odd collectible item here and there, but this one has really left a mark. Who would be willing to part with such a gorgeous instrument? The stringed instrument pictured below is a mandolin, a unique and historic variation on the classic acoustic guitar.

amazing finds left curbside
amazing finds left curbside
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

It's certainly not as commonly played by music enthusiasts, but for those who know how to work around its unique paired strings, it creates a sound like no other. As did the Instagram post, which raked in tons of traffic of stunned musicians shocked to see this piece left on the street!

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Tiffany Blue Couch

Now, sofas left on the sidewalk aren't the rarest thing to come by. But, it's safe to say that seldom are they this uniquely colored or in such great condition! Most abandoned couches make their way to a dump because of the wear and tear - but not this one!

antique finds left curbside
antique finds left curbside
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

From the bright Tiffany blue coloring to the fact that it's confirmed 100% leather and in great condition, this sofa would most likely catch any passersby eye. And with the help of a moving service or some very determined roommates, this item found a new home in Queens, New York.

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Antique Trunk

First the globe cart, and now this? This streetside find looks like it teleported straight out of a turn-of-the-century adventure book. A peek inside could reveal anything from some long-lost maps or even jewels from a faraway kingdom... This item certainly does spark the imagination!

vintage teasures trash nycvintage teasures trash nyc
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

The loyal followers of @stoopingnyc certainly agreed. "Pandora, you forgot something," one user commented, while another suggested giving the chest a sage before bringing it home. One thing's for certain: this decorative storage solution would get people talking.

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Bundle of Yoga Mats

With a serendipitous find like this one, it may be the very sign someone was looking for to start practicing yoga or pilates - or even open their very own studio! After all, there are more than enough in this box left on St. John's Place in Brooklyn.

incredible gems found trashincredible gems found trash
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

The yoga instructors, gym teachers, and yogis of New York piled into the comment section inquiring about who the lucky collector was that snagged the stash - in addition to pleading for a mat or two. When it comes to the treasures of NYC curbs, they clearly don't last long.

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Drafting Table

For old-fashioned pencil and T-square drafting enthusiasts, this find would be a dream come true by any means! And the followers of @stoopingnyc recognized the rarity of this curbside find. "These are expensive congrats to whoever gets it," someone wrote.

vintage gems nyc trashvintage gems nyc trash
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

With such a bustling artistic community and hundreds - if not thousands - of tattoo parlors in the city, we can think of a bunch of talented New Yorkers who would happily take this stranded table home. "I would die for this," one eager follower commented.

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Beetlejuice Sign

Any Tim Burton fans out there? After the film's release in 1988, Beetlejuice became an instant classic in America. From yearly Halloween costumes to famous tunes, this film has remained a pop-culture classic, so it's understandable why someone would have the film's sign in their house.

incredible gems found trashincredible gems found trash
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

What isn't so clear is why anyone would be letting it go - especially in the autumn, when the post was first uploaded to @stoopingnyc. "It's almost Halloween. I don't understand," one confused pop culture fan commented. This sign was quickly scooped up and made for an excellent party decoration just a month later!

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Entertainment Stand

Brooklyn did it again! This creative entertainment stand was left on the curb in the busy New York City borough, but not for long at all. After all, who would just pass this beauty by on the street before immediately scheming to get it back to their apartment?

vintage gems nyc trashvintage gems nyc trash
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

Dozens of thrilled New Yorkers piled in the comments looking for details on the make and model of this great living room edition, even pleading to pay big bucks to trade with the lucky second-hand gem collector. You never know what ya'll find right outside...

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Snack Dispensers

It seems like someone was looking to purge some old-fashioned snack dispensers from their home, convenience store, or diner. But why? These classic staples trigger instant nostalgia for almost anyone who looks at them... And so it's not hard to imagine they got a lot of attention while sitting by some trash.

new york city collectibles
new york city collectibles
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

While someone felt these were worth discarding, others jumped at the opportunity to take one or both of these classic candy dispensers home. The only thing missing is some nostalgic candy brands like Bazooka chewing gum or some colorful gumballs! Keep scrolling for more...

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Cushioned Bench

Now, over in the Queens borough of New York, someone made the tough decision to ditch this elegant and antique-looking wood-backed couch. And from the looks of it, the original velour lining is in great condition! So why the toss to the curb for finders keepers?

new york city treasures
new york city treasures
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

While we may never know the intentions of these trash tossers, we are certain that there was more than one passerby that eyed this beauty from top to bottom. After all, how common is it to find such a unique piece of furniture in such a great state? Well, apparently more common than not, according to @stoopingnyc!

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Mustard Cabinet

This may not be the first cupboard that has sparked some Narnia-esque imagination, but it certainly is a looker! When it comes to the streets of New York City, it's clear that the sky's the limit when it comes to priceless pieces that will be tossed aside with yesterday's paper.

new york city vintage
new york city vintage
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

Luckily, the majority of these items don't even come close to making it to the local dump. Rather, a quick glance at the viral Instagram account will see this piece - and so many others - picked up in a matter of minutes! And quite frankly, when it comes to beautifully crafted cabinets like this one, we don't blame them.

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Baby Blue Microwave

While it may be difficult to see the exact message left on the Post-It, it's confirmed that this tossed-out appliance was both free and working. And after a quick search on the internet, it's clear that someone walked away with this second-hand appliance that costs over $150 in-store!

stooping new york city
stooping new york city
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

And just like the baby pink mini fridge listed earlier, this Daewoo microwave is really tapping into the retro aesthetic with the rounded knops and bright coloring. While taking home appliances on the street can be a gamble, someone lucked out with this one!

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Hot Pink House Set

And last but not least, here we have a second-hand enthusiast's dream haul. That is, if they're a fan of the color pink, of course. This bright and fun collection of dining chairs, an armchair, set of drawers, door, and even fridge was up for grabs in Queens, New York!

vintage finds nyc curbsidevintage finds nyc curbside
Instagram via @stoopingnyc

It appears that Barbie's playhouse went through a major upgrade, and in the meantime, some unique furniture was stranded along the way. But, as it turned out, there were over 12,000 followers who jumped at the opportunity to take this collection home.

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