ADVERTISEMENT

New York City is known for many things. It is a haven of diversity, a global hub of finance and arts, and, as a famous popstar once encapsulated it, a “concrete jungle where dreams are made of.” It is also where you can take home free stuff from the streets.

For New Yorkers, this practice is known as “stooping,” and fascinatingly enough, people do encounter excellent finds. This trend has taken a life of its own, and there is a dedicated Instagram account for it. 

We’ve collected photos from the page showing discarded furniture, pop culture mementos, and artwork worthy of the centerpiece spot in the living room. Indeed, NYC is a captivating place.

#1

A vintage dollhouse with a note labeled "Free" left on a NYC curb for anyone to take.

stoopingnyc Report

PrettyJoyBird
Community Member
1 year ago

Wow!

View more comments
RELATED:
    #2

    Grand piano with bench left on the NYC curb for treasure hunters, showcasing an unexpected street find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    Wow! Calling all friends with muscles! And a truck.

    View more comments
    #3

    Vintage stove with floral ceramic handles left on NYC curb for stooping.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    Wow!

    View more comments
    #4

    Red cabinet left on a NYC curb, part of the Stooping NYC trend for discovering curbside treasures.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Jill Jones
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I wish I lived near there and was strong enough to carry it.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #5

    Free plants displayed on a rack curbside in NYC, offering various greenery as a stooping treasure for passersby.

    stoopingnyc Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Better selection than my local Asda

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    Green sofa on NYC curb, part of Stooping NYC: treasures left for others to find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    PrettyJoyBird
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Looks brand new. Lovely color.

    View more comments
    #7

    Stacks of books arranged on brownstone steps in NYC, left for others to find, exemplifying urban treasure stooping.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    I'd have to check out every one of those.

    View more comments
    #8

    Free hand-painted tiles left on NYC curb in a cardboard box for anyone to take home and love.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    OK.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    A brown swivel chair and wooden cabinet left on an NYC curb for stooping enthusiasts to find and repurpose.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Mimi M
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    D**n, that chair is unreal. Peak Mid-Century Modern.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Plants left on curb in NYC include ferns and potted greenery on decorative metal stands.

    stoopingnyc Report

    coffee_meowniac
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Wait but how do you know these are free? 🤔

    View more comments
    #11

    Blue floral side table with intricate patterns, left on a porch, representing a treasure as part of Stooping NYC finds.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Mimi M
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Beautiful. I've got no great place for it, but still beautiful.

    View more comments
    #12

    Vintage floral cabinet left on NYC curb for treasure seekers.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    I have the perfect spot for this.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #13

    Arcade machine left on NYC curb, showcasing the culture of stooping and treasure finding.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Fuket
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I bet that wasn't outside long.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #14

    Vintage cash register left on NYC curb for others to find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    coffee_meowniac
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    For anyone wondering, I think this is a very old cash register :) maybe from 1910?

    View more comments
    #15

    Vintage chair with wooden arms and a beige cushion found on the curb in NYC.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Fuket
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Love this.

    View more comments

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    Pink toy kitchen left on the curb, part of a 'Stooping NYC' find, waiting for someone to claim.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    Some little kid somewhere is going to love this.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    Stacks of books and shopping bags left on the NYC curb, showcasing a treasure trove of literature for passersby.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Luis Hernandez Dauajare
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited)

    Looks like most books are on politics or economics. There is a commentary here...

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #18

    Book on the curb with note about Christian capitalism; a typical find from Stooping NYC.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    Ha!

    View more comments
    #19

    Turquoise sectional sofa left on NYC curb, free for taking, as part of the Stooping tradition.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Dolevaal
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Love the colour 💙

    #20

    Green vintage cabinet with glass door and "free" note, placed on a NYC curb as seen in Stooping NYC.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    I like this. Would look great in my dining room.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #21

    Street treasures in NYC: Nested tables and vintage easel left on curb, ready for new owners.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    What is that piece on the right?? Or maybe I shouldn't ask...

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #22

    Pink vintage loveseat on NYC curb, a 'Stooping NYC' treasure find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Mimi M
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited)

    Dye the upholstery (perhaps a dark burgundy) and this would be nice.

    View more comments
    #23

    NYC curb finds: Giant bread and onion slice cutouts near a store entrance, with a paper bag of groceries beside them.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Firstname Lastname
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I'd grab them for my Halloween costume. I'd be the toast of the town.

    View more comments
    #24

    Motorcycle left on NYC curb with a "free" sign, part of Stooping NYC treasures.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    What?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    Free flowers in plastic cups on a rack, part of a stooping NYC treasure find on the curb.

    stoopingnyc Report

    coffee_meowniac
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Aww that is sweet actually

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #26

    Street scene with a green chair, white desk, and beige armchair on the curb, showcasing Stooping NYC treasures.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    I'd grab the armchair in a flash. The desk chair is kinda cool, too.

    View more comments
    #27

    A gorilla statue with a "Take me, I need a home" sign left on the NYC sidewalk for others to find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I'd have him in a flash!

    View more comments
    #28

    Colorful geometric cabinet left on NYC curb for stooping treasure hunters.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Sofia Monteiro
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited)

    Wow! I could change a room colour just for this

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #29

    Pink tufted sofa left on NYC curb, perfect for treasure hunting.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Rose the Cook
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Nice couch even if it is pink.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #30

    Free records left on a NYC curb, with a "please take me" sign, offering treasures to passersby.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    Wow. There must be a few good ones in there.

    View more comments
    #31

    Curbside treasures in NYC include a drum set, lamp, chair, and potted plant waiting for new owners.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Bonnie Blue Bird
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Poor plant needs a home

    #32

    Book titled "How to Date Men When You Hate Men" found on NYC curb, part of Stooping treasures.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Luis Hernandez Dauajare
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    That fact that someone gave that away says a lot...

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #33

    Miniature wooden dollhouse found on NYC curb, showcasing open rooms and stairs.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    With a little work this could be a nice home for a hamster or gerbil.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #34

    Discarded routine board with daily checklist found on NYC curb.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    Guess not. 🤭

    View more comments
    #35

    Colorful curb finds in NYC: red hand chair, green seat, and cloud sculpture await new owners on the stoop.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Fuket
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Let me know if you need a hand...

    View more comments
    #36

    Pink velvet chairs with fringe left on NYC curb as street treasure for others to find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Fuket
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Living on the fringe...

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #37

    Ornate gold-framed mirror left on NYC curb, reflecting a building.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Fuket
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I could see myself taking this home.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #38

    Katz's deli sign discovered in Stooping NYC, featuring large red letters on a tall, white column in a room corner.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Kiss Army
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    That is how my husband has my number listed in his cell phone. I call our cats the Kitty Kommittee and so he spells Kat's with a "K' for the home number.

    View more comments
    #39

    Vintage tins left on a NYC curb for others to find, showcasing unique floral and colorful designs.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Gabby M
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Antique

    View more comments
    #40

    Minion-themed chair spotted on a curb in NYC, part of Stooping NYC treasures.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    Barber? Dentist? Psychopath?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #41

    Street treasures in NYC: a kitchen cabinet, wooden dresser, and stacked washer-dryer set left on a city curb.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Rose the Cook
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Is that a washer/dryer combination?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #42

    Vintage stereo cabinet left on the curb, showcasing “Stooping NYC” treasures for others to find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Robert Beveridge
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    If you could sum up the late eighties in a single photograph...

    View more comments
    #43

    Free flowers in NYC: Bouquet on the curb with a sign offering them for free, showcasing urban treasure sharing.

    stoopingnyc Report

    #44

    Cherry blossoms in black bags on NYC curb, labeled "Free Cherry Blossoms on Corner of Crosby & Prince."

    stoopingnyc Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #45

    Container of black dumbbells left on the curb, discovered while stooping in NYC.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Fuket
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Weight a second... did that say free?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #46

    Peloton bike left on NYC curb as an urban treasure for others to find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    New Year resolutions gone to pot already

    View more comments
    #47

    Yellow dresser on curb, topped with a box, plant pot, and items, part of "Stooping NYC" curbside treasures.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Karen Krause
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Maybe strip or different paint job...

    #48

    Patterned armchairs with unicorn and floral design left on NYC curb for “stooping” treasure seekers.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Fuket
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Oh deer...

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #49

    Leopard print sofa left on NYC curb for others to find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Mama Clare
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Looks like something from studio 54

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #50

    Antique painted dresser left on curb for others to find, requires restoration.

    stoopingnyc Report

    PeepPeep the duck
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    It’s perfect as it is, chips and all

    View more comments
    #51

    Large burger and colorful creatures found on curbside, showcasing Stooping NYC's quirky finds.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Gabby M
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Way too much going on in the bottom right lol

    View more comments
    #52

    Ornate mirror with gold frame on NYC curb, covered partially by a blanket, reflecting the busy street.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    They even left the blanket to wrap it in.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #53

    Disco balls stacked on a New York City curb, reflecting light and colors. Perfect for 'stooping' treasure hunters.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Fuket
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Where's the party at?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #54

    Pink desk with multiple tiers left on NYC curb, waiting to be found as a treasure.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Mimi M
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Nice piece if stripped and re-stained. A handy and practical desk.

    View more comments
    #55

    Books left on an NYC curbside treasure hunt in a metal bin.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Ece Cenker
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    No, they didn't !!

    View more comments
    #56

    Rattan furniture and lamp set on the curb, showcasing Stooping NYC treasures for others to discover.

    stoopingnyc Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #57

    Free star map left on NYC curb, featuring constellations, with a note saying "Free, Happy Eclipse Sun."

    stoopingnyc Report

    GirlFriday
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    This is one I would take and hang in my office

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #58

    Note taped to a suitcase left on the curb, part of a ‘Stooping NYC’ find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Gabby M
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Cute sign lol

    View more comments
    #59

    Curbside treasure in NYC: dresser, baskets, and boots left on sidewalk against a brick building for others to find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Probably some old ladies effects after she died.

    View more comments
    #60

    Red shelf with arch-shaped openings left on the curb in NYC, offering a treasure to find for stooping enthusiasts.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Cara Vinson
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    My cats would dwell here.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #61

    Life-size Obama poster left on NYC curb for free pickup at Prospect Place.

    stoopingnyc Report

    MotherofGuineaPigs
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I have a neighbor that tries to look in my curtains. I want to put this in the window. Surprise a$$hole.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #62

    Weathered wooden booth seats, covered in graffiti, left on the curb as a discarded NYC treasure.

    stoopingnyc Report

    BrunoVI
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Pew! Pew! Pew!

    View more comments
    #63

    Pink cardboard frame with "Barbie Oppenheimer" design, left as treasure on NYC curb.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    I don't need to say it, but more Barbiecore.

    #64

    Sims 3 games left on curb, part of NYC treasure finds collection.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Dolevaal
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I loved Sims as a teenager. I would enjoy them even now but I dont have a good PC.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #65

    Colorful bench with quirky designs left on NYC curb for others to find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Rosecrucian Roeth
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Cat/dog, how did they ever go to the bathroom????

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #66

    White shelving unit with a vase on top, spotted on the curb in NYC.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Otto Katz
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    100 coats of paint

    #67

    Bags of clay with a sign saying "Clean Clay Just Add Water" left on the curb in NYC for others to find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Jeff Hunt
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    It’s not dog c**p. Honest.

    #68

    Free wooden structure on NYC curb, wrapped in caution tape, available for stooping enthusiasts to find.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Jill
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    How the heck are you supposed to carry this home?? Does that sign on the right say "burnt books"??

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #69

    Skateboard decks repurposed as a rack, found on the curb in NYC.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Scott Riley
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Rack for bowling balls.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #70

    Colorful figurines with a "free" sign on a pole, part of the Stooping NYC curbside treasures collection.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Amanda
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Free to stay right there

    View more comments
    #71

    Microwave labeled free on NYC curb with note about risks, part of ‘Stooping NYC’ treasures.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    Um, no. If it's sketchy, dispose of it properly.

    View more comments
    #72

    Ice sculpture of two helmets on a NYC street at night, reflecting the art of Stooping NYC.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Hassel Davidhoff
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    What is this?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #73

    NYC curbside find with vases, candles, dried flowers, and signed photo at East 85th Street.

    stoopingnyc Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Not a fan, then

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #74

    Framed artwork left on NYC curb, featuring a colorful pop-art style with two figures and an American flag.

    stoopingnyc Report

    G A
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    ?

    #75

    Cardboard box with a plastic container labeled "Free found lizard" on the NYC curb.

    stoopingnyc Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago

    Poor thing.

    View more comments