Photo by Elena Popova on Unsplash
Who doesn’t love a good hidden gem? You know, the statement piece you see in your friend’s house and think, “Where on earth did they find that?” Second hand furniture store shopping is like that. While this type of shopping can be a little off the beaten path, websites or retail locations that sell used furniture are often chock-full of amazing and unique finds. And the best part — you don’t have to spend a fortune to get your hands on some seriously beautiful pieces.
In fact, according to a recent report, the global second hand furniture store market is expected to reach over 27 billion dollars by 2027. So whether you’re looking for a unique item or a piece from a top brand that you don’t want to pay full price for, consider these shopping tips when looking for secondhand furniture. Who knows what hidden gems you might find next!
Inspect every piece
It can be extremely tempting to buy quality used furniture as soon as you see it without doing a deeper dive. With so many gorgeous pieces constantly popping up in consignment shops and local thrift stores, you may be tempted by a good deal. However, there are some essential things to keep an eye out for when inspecting furniture in person:
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Make sure there are no apparent signs of damage. When checking for damage, be sure to look for things like scratches, dents, watermarks, or burn marks.
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Check for structural problems. This includes things like loose joints, cracks, and wobbly legs. Do a thorough investigation to ensure the piece has good bones. Often, antique furniture looks beautiful from the outside, but when looking closer could have sticky drawers or rotting wood on the inside.
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Inspect the fabric. Check for tears, rips, or stains if you’re secondhand shopping for upholstered pieces. It is also good to be wary of bed bugs or dust mites. While you don’t usually have to be concerned about these when shopping in a thrift store, thoroughly inspect the upholstery if you are buying from a garage sale or flea market.
If buying from a second hand furniture store online:
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Read the description carefully. This will give you a good idea of the piece’s condition and any damage that might be present.
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Check out multiple pictures. The best furniture listings will have several photos that you can browse through. Be sure to look at each one carefully to get a sense of the piece as a whole.
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Get measurements before you buy. It’s always a good idea to measure the space where you’ll be putting your new furniture beforehand. You can double-check to ensure that the piece will fit in the designated spot.
When it comes to visiting a vintage or second hand furniture store, it’s essential to scrutinize each piece before purchasing. By taking the time to inspect each item, you can avoid buying damaged or defective furniture. You can also get a better idea of the piece’s condition, which can help you decide if it’s worth buying.
Always look at the tags, labels, and makers marks
When treasure hunting at your local second hand furniture store or online marketplace, it’s good to check the tags, labels, and makers marks on any furniture you’re considering purchasing. This information can tell you a lot about the piece, including its history, material composition, and even how to care for it.
For example, a tag might indicate where a piece was made or if it is made of solid wood, which is more durable than particle board and will last longer. Or, you might find that a piece is actually antique and worth much more than what the seller is asking for it. Generally, designer furniture will always have a tag or marking.
Also, many people don’t realize this, but there is a lot of replica furniture out there today. And while some replicas may be okay, others can be pretty deceptive. So by looking for tags, labels, and makers marks, you can avoid being scammed by sellers trying to pass off fake furniture as the real thing.
What is a makers mark?
A makers mark is a stamp, symbol, or signature placed on furniture to identify the piece’s maker. This can be helpful for shoppers who are interested in buying a specific piece of furniture, as it can help them identify the item and learn more about the maker. Maker’s marks can be found on various furniture items, from antique pieces to modern-day items.
In some cases, the maker’s mark may be the only identifying factor on the piece of furniture, so it is essential to know what to look for. When shopping for furniture, be sure to look for a maker’s mark to learn more about the piece and its history and how much it might be worth. For vintage items or mid-century modern furniture, these makers’ marks can mean the difference between a $300 and a $3,000 piece.
Someone experienced in repurposing or reselling old furniture will know precisely what maker’s marks to look out for before making their purchase. However, the average consumer will have no idea. Manufacturers such as Drexel Heritage, Dixie Furniture, and Lane are just a few that you should watch when looking at preloved furniture.
Tags & Labels
Before buying any secondhand furniture, it’s always good to look closely at the labels and tags. This information can tell you a lot about the item. Knowing where it was made, how it was made, and when can influence your decision to purchase the item. This is valuable information to help you determine the piece’s overall quality.
For example, if you’re looking at a piece of furniture made in a high-end factory, you can be reasonably sure that it’s well-made and will last for many years. On the other hand, if the piece was made in a lower-quality factory, it may not be as durable and could fall apart much sooner. Checking labels and tags is a simple but essential step in assessing the quality of any piece of used furniture.
Consider the unconventional
There’s no need to break the bank when furnishing your home. Secondhand furniture can be a great way to save money and add character to your space. However, secondhand furniture can also be a bit of a gamble. Finding pieces that fit your style and budget can be challenging, and making them work in your home can be even tougher.
That’s why it’s essential to get creative when shopping for secondhand furniture. Rather than buying everything new, try mix-and-matching different pieces to create a unique look. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to placement. A dresser can double as a TV stand in the living room, and an old armoire can be repurposed as a bar. Interior design has no limits! Get creative and have fun with it.
With a bit of imagination, you can turn any piece of furniture into a stylish and functional addition to your home!
Compare prices before buying
Before buying that beautiful secondhand coffee table or stunning vintage armchair, it’s good practice to do your research and compare prices. Just because an item is being sold at a secondhand store doesn’t mean it’s a bargain. In fact, sometimes secondhand stores mark up their prices, knowing that buyers might not be aware of the actual value of the piece.
So, how can you avoid getting ripped off? The best way is to try and find a similar or the same piece elsewhere and see what it’s being sold for. If you’re looking online, this can be as simple as doing a quick Google search or searching for an item on eBay. By comparing prices, you’ll be sure to get the best deal on your next piece of secondhand furniture.
Why Kaiyo?
If you’re in the market for some gently used furniture, Kaiyo is an excellent option to consider, especially if you’re looking for deals on top brands because we are an online marketplace for pre-loved furniture. Everything we sell is inspected, cleaned and ready to be delivered in as fast as two days. Shoppers can find discounts on top brands of up to 90% off retail prices. We offer a wide selection of different types of great furniture, including sofas, storage, dining room sets, desks & office chairs, bed frames & headboards, and even home decor! Plus, our experience is seamless and stress-free for both buyers and sellers.
So if you’re looking to save some money on your next furniture purchase, be sure to check out our website.
Key Takeaways
Secondhand furniture is a great option when furnishing your home on a budget. With a little effort, you can find hidden gems that are stylish and well-made. However, it’s crucial to inspect your pieces for damage before making a purchase and be aware of signs that a piece may be of lower quality than you had hoped.
Additionally, using your imagination to design your space around secondhand and vintage pieces can lead to some truly unique and personal results. And most importantly, don’t forget to check online and compare pricing before committing to a purchase! You can often find great deals for low prices if you take the time to research.
Shopping for secondhand furniture can be a fun and rewarding experience with these tips. Who knows – you may even end up with a one-of-a-kind piece that becomes a treasured family heirloom for years!
