10 Things You Should Always Buy Secondhand and Why
In today’s consumer-driven world, there is an increasing awareness of the importance of sustainability. However, when it comes to decorating our homes, we often overlook the impact it has on the planet. Each year, Americans dispose of over 12 million tons of furniture, with a staggering 80 percent ending up in landfills. This number grows yearly as we continuously replace outdated pieces with new ones.
To make matters worse, manufacturing new furniture generates 100 times more greenhouse gases than refinishing. However, buying secondhand is an easy solution to our furniture waste problem. Not only is buying secondhand a more sustainable option, but it can also be a great way to add unique pieces to your home decor.
Fortunately, American consumers have been catching on to the new secondhand shopping movement. In 2020, spending on secondhand furniture and home goods reached a whopping two billion dollars and is expected to continue to grow rapidly. Consignment stores and online secondhand shops are thriving more than ever as people find new ways to shop sustainably.
This article will explore the different types of secondhand furniture you should invest in and why. From vintage finds to gently used contemporary pieces, there are countless options that will enhance your home without harming the planet.
Benefits of buying secondhand
While buying secondhand is highly beneficial to the environment, there are plenty of reasons to do it that directly benefit the consumer. Here are a few advantages you can appreciate when purchasing secondhand furniture and home decor:
Higher quality items
Regarding furnishing your home, shopping secondhand is an excellent way to ensure you get high-quality furniture that has stood the test of time. “When shopping secondhand, you are more likely to find high quality, one-of-a-kind pieces without the high prices,” says Kelly Finley of Joy Street Design. Unlike newer items made with cheaper materials, secondhand items are more likely to be built to last and are often crafted with better materials.
More affordable pricing
One of the most significant advantages of shopping secondhand is that it allows a budget-friendly way to furnish a home. Most pre-owned furniture and home decor items are sold at a fraction of the price of their new counterparts, allowing you to buy high-quality items without breaking the bank.
Added character
One of the best things about shopping at consignment furniture stores is the possibility of finding unique pieces that have a story to tell. When you shop for secondhand home décor and furniture items, you save money and get something with charm and character that you wouldn’t find with new items. Whether it’s a vintage armchair, a retro lamp, or quirky artwork, secondhand finds add another layer of depth to your space that can’t be found anywhere else.
Sustainable practices
Buying furniture secondhand helps to support sustainable practices in several ways. Firstly, it reduces the demand for new products to be manufactured and therefore helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting down on new production and transportation. Every new item that is made requires raw materials and energy, which significantly impacts the environment.
Secondly, shopping secondhand promotes the reuse of resources. For example, when we buy used furniture and home decor, we give a new life to items that would otherwise be discarded in landfills.
10 items you should always consider buying secondhand
Buying secondhand furniture and home decor items can be an excellent way to furnish your home while saving money and reducing waste. However, not all secondhand goods are created equal. Here are the top 10 furniture and home decor items that are best purchased secondhand:
Upholstered furniture items
Buying secondhand upholstered furniture can give you a unique opportunity to create a personalized piece. Many older furniture items have unique shapes, textures, and patterns that cannot be found in modern pieces. Upholstered items that are great for buying secondhand are:
1. Chairs: Purchasing a cozy upholstered armchair with a fun pattern is a great way to add comfort and personality to your space.
2. Sofas: Retro sofas in fun, bold colors or antique sofas with intricately carved frames can be charming additions to your home.
3. Accent pieces: What better way to make a statement with accents than purchasing something unique secondhand? One-of-a-kind items are plentiful in the secondhand market, perfect for accenting your home and adding character.
Of course, when buying secondhand upholstered furniture, you must be careful about checking for scratches, tears, and stains. It’s important to carefully inspect any used items before purchasing them to ensure they are free from damage beyond repair. However, even with some wear and tear, you can still salvage the item by reupholstering it.
Reupholstering used furniture is often more affordable than buying a new piece. “Chairs can easily be reupholstered and updated with a fresh coat of paint,” says interior designer Marika Meyer. This can be a fun and satisfying way to personalize your home decor with your choice of pattern, texture, and design.
Solid wood items
Solid wood furniture is known for its durability and longevity, making it a popular household choice. However, purchasing brand-new solid wood pieces can come at a steep price.
Fortunately, secondhand stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces often have a decent selection of solid wood furniture at a fraction of the cost. A few solid wood items that are great secondhand finds are:
4. Dining sets: Purchasing a new dining set can be costly, especially if you want solid wood. Fortunately, secondhand solid wood dining sets come much cheaper and still look great!
5. China cabinets: There are beautiful antique and vintage china cabinets on the secondhand market that modern designs simply don’t hold a candle to. For intricate carvings and infinite character, the only pieces to consider are secondhand.
6. Tables and desks: Solid wood tables and desks stand the test of time beautifully and are of excellent quality secondhand. An old roll-top desk or a coffee table with gorgeously carved legs can be found at great prices on the secondhand market.
Bedroom essentials
Your bedroom should be the area of the home with the most personality and comfort. The best way to add character and charm to your bedroom is by purchasing special secondhand items only you own. Then, make your bedroom unique with nostalgic decor and vintage furniture that brings peace and comfort to your personal space.
7. Bedframes: Bedframes can be purchased as solid wood or upholstered pieces, and both can be excellent secondhand finds.
8. End tables and nightstands: These smaller wood pieces can be purchased for extra cheap secondhand and can come with detailed carvings and intricate hardware that are hard to find in new items.
9. Dressers: Beautiful vintage and antique dressers can be extremely versatile in your home. “You can find dressers composed of quality woods with nice details like dovetail drawers and transform them into an entertainment center,” notes designer Kelly Finley.
Artwork and décor
The tenth and final type of item that is great to buy secondhand is:
10. Decorative accents: Buying artwork and decor secondhand is a smart move for a variety of reasons. One of the key benefits of buying secondhand artwork and decor is the added character and depth that comes with each piece.
Unlike mass-produced items at a typical home goods store, secondhand pieces often have a fascinating history and story. Owning these items can add a unique touch to your home and give your space a more personalized feel.
How to shop smart
Knowing what to buy and what to avoid can make all the difference in creating a beautiful and functional home. From vintage gems to classic staples, thrift shops can become treasure troves when you know what to look for. Here are a few tips for shopping smart on the secondhand market:
How to find the best secondhand deals
One of the best ways to start purchasing items secondhand is by shopping at your local thrift store. These stores are often stocked with various secondhand furniture and home decor items at very affordable prices.
However, if you can’t find the items you’re looking for at your local thrift store, you may consider looking at secondhand furniture stores online. Platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or online consignment marketplaces can be a great way to find items that may be harder to come by in your area. Not only that, but you can also compare prices and find the best deals without having to visit multiple stores physically.
Make sure you know the measurements of your space before you start shopping. Measuring your space beforehand ensures you better understand what will fit and what won’t, making your shopping experience more efficient and less frustrating.
Lastly, always look for high-quality items made from superior materials. You want to avoid particle board, laminate, and sometimes even veneer, as these materials are usually less durable and of inferior quality. Instead, opt for furniture made of solid wood, metal, or high-quality upholstery.
How to know when an item is worth its price
To ensure you’re not overpaying for an item, it’s crucial to research and know what to look for. First, you should research the manufacturer of the item you’re interested in purchasing. Like brand-new items, some brands are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, durability, and attention to detail.
Next, look at the materials used to create the item. Solid wood furniture, for example, will be worth a higher price point than particle board furniture. Then, when possible, identify any unique details in a piece of furniture or home décor item. For example, a vintage lamp with a Tiffany-style stained glass shade may be worth more than a similar lamp without any identifying details.
If you’re unsure about the value of an item, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional. Interior designers or antique dealers can provide valuable insight into the quality and value of specific items.
How to spot damage and wear
When shopping for secondhand furniture, it’s crucial to carefully examine each item for damage before making a purchase. If buying in person, start by examining the condition of the item. Look for scratches, dents, or cracks in the wood or metal frame. Check for wobbliness, and make sure that all legs are firmly attached.
If you’re considering upholstered furniture, look for any tears, stains, or signs of wear on the fabric. You can also test the cushions by sitting on them to see if they feel firm and supportive.
If buying from an online marketplace, it’s essential to thoroughly read the item description and look at all available photos. Pay attention to any notes on the item’s condition, including any repairs or restorations that have been made. If you have any questions about the item’s condition, don’t hesitate to ask the seller for more information or additional photos.
How Kaiyo can help
If you’re looking for secondhand furniture and home décor, shop with Kaiyo today. Our online marketplace offers a vast selection of high-quality, gently used items with discounts of up to 90% off retail prices. This curated selection has everything from vintage and mid-century modern pieces to modern contemporary items from top-rated brands. So you can find everything you need to create your dream home by shopping with Kaiyo.
In addition, shopping secondhand at Kaiyo means you are doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint and save furniture from landfills. So help Kaiyo promote sustainable practices with stylish furniture by shopping with us today!
