Secondhand shopping can be both a thrill and a pill. There’s no doubt that shopping for furniture at local resale shops is the best way to furnish a home or apartment without going way over budget. However, as with any secondhand shopping, it can be challenging to distinguish between quality pieces and junk if you’re not an expert. Sometimes, if the design is good, a piece can look high-end but lack the durability and functionality needed for long-term use.
Secondhand furniture stores know this, yet they may still label low-quality items with high prices. When browsing your local stores, keep this checklist to ensure you’re getting good value for your money!
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Furniture Resale Shops Near Me: Quick Indicators of Quality
Brand
One of the easiest ways to assess furniture quality is to research the brand. Well-known brands with a track record of producing high-quality furniture are generally more reliable than lesser-known ones. While a brand name isn’t the sole quality indicator, it provides an idea of the furniture’s reliability. It will also make it easier to look up similar pieces to see if the pricing makes sense. Some popular high-end brands to look for include West Elm, Restoration Hardware, and Pottery Barn.
Sturdiness
When you look at a piece of furniture, does it appear stable and sturdy? Give the piece a simple usage test by opening drawers and pressing (or sitting if it is a chair or sofa) gently on the top. The piece should feel solid and not wobbly. If made of wood, stone, or metal, it should be solid and durable without noticeable cracks or signs of rust.
Finish
Assuming it hasn’t been refinished recently, a quick look at the finish can reveal much about its quality. The finish should be smooth and free of bubbles or cracks, presenting a uniform appearance.
Furniture Resale Shops Near Me: Detailed Quality Inspection
Hardware
Similar to the finish, the hardware should be smooth and untarnished. On closer inspection, check if the hardware is bolted from the inside for extra stability. The hardware should feel weighty and solid.
Cushions
For sofas and chairs, perform a quick sit test. As you sit, note if you feel any hard corners, lumps, or uncomfortable springs. The padding should completely and evenly cover the seat. Two-sided cushions are recommended, as they can be flipped to extend the piece’s life. Check to see if the cushions sag at the edges, as this is a clear sign of poor or old padding that needs to be replaced.
Fabric
Regarding the upholstery, look for fabric free from stains, holes, and pulls. Beyond these obvious indicators of wear, consider the fabric weave. Tightly woven fabrics, like polyester, are generally more durable and spill-resistant than natural fibers like cotton. However, be cautious of low-quality polyester that feels scratchy or thin.
Craftsmanship
Inspect every last inch before you purchase any piece in a secondhand furniture store. Here are some questions to consider:
- Do you feel comfortable and supported by the design?
- Do the joints seem sturdy and secure?
- Is the upholstery tightly and securely fitted around the entire piece?
- Are the buttons and zippers firmly in place?
- Are the seams straight?
- Are patterns and stripes straight, and do they match at the seams?
Support the Circular Economy: Shopping at Furniture Resale Shops Near Me
Beyond cost savings and the joy of hunting for treasures, one of the top benefits of shopping secondhand is supporting the circular economy. By purchasing pre-loved furniture, you are reducing waste and giving existing pieces a second life.
If you have concerns about quality control, consider shopping online on secondhand furniture platforms like Kaiyo. We eliminate any worries by selling only name-brand pieces that have been cleaned, inspected, and priced fairly according to resale market value.
