You’ve probably already spent a few evenings scrolling through DoneDeal or wandering around a furniture shop, wondering whether to buy new or used. The Irish market for dining tables and chairs is surprisingly varied — this guide compares the five main routes to save you hundreds of euros and a lot of hassle.
Savings on used furniture: 50–80% vs new (CJM Furniture (Irish furniture dealer)) ·
New furniture lead time: 8–16 weeks (CJM Furniture (Irish furniture dealer)) ·
Winter sales begin: 26 December (Irish Examiner (Irish news outlet))
Quick snapshot
- DoneDeal, Adverts.ie and Gumtree are free Irish marketplaces for second-hand tables and chairs (Image.ie (Irish lifestyle magazine))
- Used furniture in Ireland offers 50–80% cost savings compared to new on premium brands (CJM Furniture (Irish furniture dealer))
- New furniture lead times in Ireland are 8–16 weeks, while used stock is immediately available (CJM Furniture (Irish furniture dealer))
- Exact average price of dining sets in Ireland across all retailers
- Specific dimensions of tables from each retailer at any given time
- Current stock availability at local stores (varies by season)
- The exact condition of used furniture from private sellers is unknown until inspection
- Winter sales in Ireland start December 26 and extend beyond January (Irish Examiner (Irish news outlet))
- Used furniture from dealers is available immediately, no wait (CJM Furniture (Irish furniture dealer))
- Check delivery policies – many stores offer free delivery over €100 (Bargaintown (Irish discount home store))
- Inspect used items for frame quality before buying (RTE (Irish public broadcaster))
Here are the key facts at a glance.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Savings on used vs new dining sets | 50–80% (CJM Furniture) |
| New furniture lead time | 8–16 weeks (CJM Furniture) |
| Winter sales start date | 26 December (Irish Examiner) |
| Free Irish marketplaces for second-hand | DoneDeal, Adverts.ie, Gumtree (Image.ie) |
| Narchie platform sellers | 2,800+ selling vintage items including tables and chairs (RTE) |
| Tip for used chairs | Inspect frame (bones) before fabric (RTE) |
| Avoid impulse buys in sales | Only buy if you’d pay full price (Irish Examiner) |
| Invest in quality | Buy cheap, buy twice (Irish Examiner) |
Where can I find table and chairs for sale near me?
Using DoneDeal for local listings
DoneDeal is the largest peer-to-peer marketplace in Ireland for furniture. According to Image.ie (Irish lifestyle magazine), DoneDeal, Adverts.ie and Gumtree are free to use. To narrow results, search by brand names like “Neptune” or “Bo Concept” to find higher-end used dining sets.
The sheer volume on DoneDeal means competition drives prices down, but it also means you need patience to find a diamond.
Local furniture stores in Ireland
Brick-and-mortar stores like Murphy Furniture (specialist retailer) and Bargaintown (Irish discount home store) offer the advantage of seeing the set in person. Bargaintown provides free delivery on orders over €100. JYSK and IKEA also have showrooms across Ireland.
Online retailers with nationwide delivery
JYSK (Scandinavian furniture chain) and IKEA Ireland (global flat-pack retailer) both offer online ordering with delivery across Ireland. IKEA’s standard delivery takes 5–7 working days. JYSK offers click-and-collect from its stores.
If you live outside Dublin, online ordering with delivery can save you a trip, but check the delivery fees — they can add €30–€60 to the total.
The pattern: Local marketplaces give you variety and lower prices; online retailers give you convenience and warranty. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise cost or peace of mind.
What are the best options for dining table and chair sets?
Murphy Furniture dining sets
Murphy Furniture offers coordinated dining sets in wood and glass. Their sets typically include a table and 4–6 chairs. You can view the ranges on their website or at their showroom.
Bargaintown dining sets
Bargaintown sells a variety of sets with optional assembly services. Their online catalogue includes modern and traditional styles. Free delivery applies over €100.
JYSK dining sets
JYSK provides affordable Scandinavian designs in oak, pine, and painted finishes. Many sets are extendable, seating 4–6 people.
IKEA tables and chairs
IKEA has tables and chairs for every area of your home, according to its website. The INGATORP extendable table seats 4–6, and the BJURSTA table expands to seat 8. Prices start around €99 for a basic table.
One pattern across all four: extendable tables are the most practical choice for Irish homes where space is at a premium. The trade-off: you pay a premium for the extension mechanism, but you avoid needing a separate larger table for guests.
The implication: each retailer offers a distinct trade-off between price, service, and convenience.
Where to buy used table and chairs in Ireland?
DoneDeal as a primary marketplace
As noted, DoneDeal has the largest selection of used tables and chairs in Ireland. Search by county to find sellers nearby. RTE (Irish public broadcaster) recommends inspecting the “bones” of second-hand chairs — check the frame joints and stability, not just the fabric.
Other online second-hand platforms
Image.ie also highlights Narchie (2,800+ sellers) and Gaff Interiors as marketplaces for pre-loved furniture. Christy Bird in Dublin 2 and Wild Vintage in Dublin 3 specialise in antiques and midcentury pieces.
Tips for inspecting used furniture
- Check for wobbles in the table legs and chairs
- Test all extension leaves fit properly
- Look for scratches, stains, or damage on the surface
- Ask about delivery — many sellers on DoneDeal expect you to collect
What this means: Used sets can save you 50–80% off retail, but you need to be willing to inspect and collect. If you’re handy, small tweaks like spraying chair legs or replacing a lampshade can transform a bargain into a centrepiece (Image.ie).
How to choose the right table and chairs for your home?
Consider room size and shape
Standard dining tables seat 4–6 people. Measure your room: allow at least 90 cm behind each chair for people to sit and stand. Rectangular tables fit narrow rooms; round tables suit square rooms.
Material choices: wood, glass, metal
Glass tables suit small spaces visually because they don’t block the view. Wood is warmer and hides scratches. Metal frames are durable but can feel cold. Irish Examiner advises investing in quality to avoid buying cheap twice.
Number of seats and extendability
Extendable tables are practical for entertaining. They typically seat 4–6 as standard and expand to 6–8. If you host guests more than once a month, an extendable table is worth the extra cost.
Budget considerations
Dining sets in Ireland range from €200 (budget IKEA or used) to over €2,000 (solid wood sets). Image.ie suggests searching for specific brand names on second-hand sites to get premium furniture at a fraction of the price.
The implication: Your budget determines the material and whether you go new or used. If you have €500, you can get a decent new set from JYSK or a high-end used set from a private seller. The choice is between immediate quality and long-term durability.
What are the top retailers for table and chairs in Ireland?
Here is a comparison of the five main channels for dining sets.
| Retailer | New / Used | Price Range (approx) | Delivery | Assembly | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DoneDeal | Used (mostly) | €50–€500 | Seller-dependent | No | None |
| Murphy Furniture | New | €400–€2,000 | National (fee varies) | Yes (optional) | 1–2 years |
| Bargaintown | New | €200–€1,200 | Free over €100 | Yes (fee) | 1 year |
| JYSK | New | €150–€1,000 | National (€29–€49) | No (DIY) | 2–5 years |
| IKEA Ireland | New | €99–€899 | National (€39–€69) | No (DIY) | 1–10 years |
The five retailers cover the full spectrum: from no-frills used bargains (DoneDeal) to premium new sets with service (Murphy Furniture). The catch: the more service you get (delivery, assembly, warranty), the higher the price. For many buyers, the sweet spot is a mid-price new set from JYSK or Bargaintown with free delivery.
Specifications: typical dining set dimensions and materials
Three sizes, one pattern: most Irish homes choose a 4-seater (120 cm wide) because it fits standard kitchens. The table below shows common dimensions.
| Seats | Table Width | Depth | Materials | Extendable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 120–140 cm | 80–90 cm | Wood, glass, MDF | Often |
| 6 | 150–180 cm | 90–100 cm | Wood, glass with metal base | Common |
| 8 | 200–240 cm | 100–110 cm | Solid wood, veneer | Rare |
A 180 cm table fits six chairs only if you have room for 90 cm behind each chair. Measure your dining area before you fall in love with a 200 cm table. Many buyers end up returning because they underestimated space.
Upsides: Buying New
- Warranty and return policy
- Consistent quality, no hidden damage
- Delivery and assembly available
- Customisation (colour, material)
Downsides: Buying New
- Costs 50–80% more than used
- Lead times of 8–16 weeks for some sets
- Higher environmental impact
Upsides: Buying Used
- 50–80% savings (CJM Furniture)
- Immediate availability
- Eco-friendly, keeps furniture out of landfill
- Unique vintage designs
Downsides: Buying Used
- No warranty – buyer beware
- Must inspect and transport yourself
- May need reupholstery or minor repairs
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- DoneDeal, Adverts.ie and Gumtree are free Irish marketplaces for second-hand tables and chairs (Image.ie)
- Used furniture savings: 50–80% vs new (CJM Furniture)
- New furniture lead times: 8–16 weeks (CJM Furniture)
- Winter sales begin December 26 (Irish Examiner)
What’s still unclear
- Exact average price of dining sets across all Irish retailers (no central index)
- Specific stock availability – check individual retailer websites
- Reliability of individual DoneDeal sellers (check seller ratings)
- The exact condition of used furniture from private sellers is unknown until inspection
“When buying used sofas or chairs, inspect the ‘bones’ or frame structure over fabric appearance for reupholstery potential.”
— RTE guide to buying second-hand furniture (RTE)
“Avoid impulse buys in sales; assess if you’d buy the item at full price.”
— Irish Examiner advice on furniture sales (Irish Examiner)
“Invest in quality to avoid buying cheap and buying twice.”
— Irish Examiner (Irish Examiner)
livinglightlyinireland.com, offalyexpress.ie, hello.donedeal.ie, boards.ie
Frequently asked questions
How much do dining table and chair sets typically cost in Ireland?
Prices range from €99 for a basic IKEA table to over €2,000 for a solid wood set from Murphy Furniture. Used sets on DoneDeal start at €50.
Is it better to buy new or used dining furniture?
New gives you warranty and predictability; used saves 50–80% and is available immediately. Your budget and patience level decide.
Can I find a dining set for under €300?
Yes. IKEA’s cheapest table is €99; JYSK has sets from €150. Used sets on DoneDeal frequently go for under €300.
What is the most durable material for a dining table?
Solid wood (oak, teak) is the most durable. Glass and MDF require more care. Metal frames add stability but can scratch floors.
Does JYSK offer assembly services?
No, JYSK sells flat-pack furniture for self-assembly. Their website provides instruction manuals. Bargaintown offers optional assembly.
Are there any warranties on used furniture from DoneDeal?
No. DoneDeal is a peer-to-peer marketplace; warranties are not provided. Always inspect before paying.
How long does delivery take from IKEA Ireland?
Standard delivery takes 5–7 working days. Express delivery is available in some areas for a higher fee.
What is the best way to transport a large dining table from a store?
Most retailers offer delivery. If you collect, bring blankets and tie-down straps. A estate car can fit a 150 cm table with the seats folded.
Related reading
For Irish buyers, the choice between new and used dining sets comes down to one trade-off: immediate savings versus long-term peace of mind. If you have the patience to inspect and the flexibility to collect, the used market on DoneDeal can save you hundreds. But if you value a warranty, delivery, and not having to reupholster, a new set from JYSK or Bargaintown at sale time (after December 26) is the smarter path. Either way, measure your room first.