Why Eco-Conscious Consumers Seek Out Unique Secondhand Pieces
Photo by Jilbert Ebrahimi on Unsplash
Although we’ve seen a surge of influencers promoting a buy-new mentality directly to consumers daily, we are still starting to see a significant shift toward more homeowners embracing their inner creative genius by seeking out used or secondhand items for their interior design projects. Not only is it becoming increasingly trendy to opt for preloved pieces, but these one-of-a-kind treasures bring personality into your home that factory goods just can’t match.
Selecting used furniture and decor items is not only an economical choice, but it can also be a way to showcase a more personality-driven interior. According to GlobalData, the resale home furnishings market was $12 billion in 2019 and is projected to hit $16 billion annually by the end of 2022 – an impressive 33% increase. With 97% of shoppers saying there is no stigma associated with buying secondhand, some analysts have anticipated that this market could grow to up to $22 billion in annual sales by 2027.
The trend towards using secondhand items in interior design has been driven by both practical considerations such as cost savings and style choices related to unique pieces that can’t be found anywhere else. The appeal of reusing furnishings that are already made has also created an eco-friendly movement. Not only does upcycling save resources, but it also means fewer products need to be manufactured from raw materials.
In addition, buyers are becoming increasingly conscious of their purchases’ impact on things like carbon emissions, something that benefits significantly from reusing existing products instead of relying solely on new ones. Rather than buying something brand new, mass-produced, and generic, used, or secondhand items offer invaluable sustainable benefits as they are given a second life instead of adding to the growing number of environmental resources used in the production process.
The growing trend of decorating homes with secondhand furniture
Luckily, the dramatic increase in eco-conscious shopping practices lately is driven by the growing awareness among consumers of the environmental impact their shopping habits can have, along with more widespread access to resources like online thrift stores and secondhand consignment shops that can help them make more sustainable decisions.
Furniture waste is becoming an increasingly problematic environmental issue in many parts of the world. The sheer volume of furniture being discarded every year is staggering. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans produced a whopping 12.2 million tons of furniture waste in 2018. Unfortunately, it can take decades or even centuries for these pieces to decompose and release harmful chemicals into the environment.
Many consumers are also now aware that traditional furniture manufacturing usually involves toxic chemicals and materials such as formaldehyde, which can harm environmental and human health. Architect Lloyd Alter explains, “The best way to avoid formaldehyde is to buy used, whether it is an older home where it has had the time to off-gas, or furniture that has stood the test of time.” Low levels of this toxin can irritate the nose, throat, skin, and eyes and can be potential triggers for those with asthma. Therefore it is best to stay clear of cheaply made newer items and purchase high-quality secondhand pieces instead.
The benefits of purchasing secondhand furniture and pieces for interior design
The secondhand shopping movement is celebrated for its unique ability to provide homeowners and interior decorators with one-of-a-kind furniture that embraces natural character, quality craftsmanship, and more affordability than mass-produced products do not. Thrift shopping also offers environmental and economic benefits, allowing shoppers to save money while reducing their carbon footprints. Here are just a few of the numerous benefits of shopping sustainably:
Natural character
People are increasingly beginning to favor second-hand used items over new mass-produced ones, especially when it comes to natural character and having something unique for the home or space. With furniture in particular, “there is a strong parallel between clothing and furniture that is demonstrated through timeless design,” according to Furniture Today.
Consumers understand the advantages of having something of higher quality that will last longer than something more easily discarded. Once they become aware of the benefits of buying secondhand from both an environmental standpoint as well as financial savings, they start wanting to make those decisions when purchasing products more often.
Ultimately, secondhand shopping allows consumers to create a look that cannot be replicated with mass-produced trends. With no two pieces being the same, it makes it easier for homeowners to create a customized look for their space.
Vintage or antique items can also help complete a room with unique statement pieces giving it a wow factor one can’t achieve with mass-produced items. These items found when shopping secondhand often come with their own stories and histories that can’t be recreated in mass-produced items. So, finding the perfect piece of furniture with its own quirks or imperfections is a great way to add personality and character to your home at no extra cost.
Higher quality
Secondhand furniture can be an excellent way to get your hands on higher-quality pieces. Secondhand items are often made from better quality materials than mass-produced ones due to an emphasis on quality back in the day, as opposed to now, where retailers primarily focus on quantity. This is evident in the construction of secondhand items, typically made from durable wood and metal components designed to stand the test of time.
The shift in focus has resulted in numerous products being cheaply manufactured and, ultimately, of lower quality. Ellen Ruppel Shell, author of “Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture,” explains that we no longer expect craftsmanship in everyday objects, suggesting that perhaps we don’t even feel we deserve it. She goes on to say that “Objects can be designed to a low price, but they cannot be crafted to a low cost.” This is particularly true when considering the sturdiness and longevity of secondhand items compared to those found at discount stores.
For example, many mass-produced furniture items are usually made from materials like particleboard or fiberboard. Furniture made from particleboard tends to split more efficiently and is much less durable than solid wood. Therefore, when designing to last, buying older pieces that have proven their durability is much more sustainable than using mass-produced furniture built to be temporary.
Accessibility
Secondhand items are often found at a tremendous discount as opposed to buying new, so shoppers will likely save more money purchasing these higher quality items long term. Joy Street Design says, “When shopping secondhand, you are more likely to find high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces without the high prices.”
While secondhand shopping is more affordable than buying new, it also allows shoppers to get their hands on vintage pieces that they would be unable to find elsewhere. So whether you’re looking for a classic item with some natural character or an antique piece with a bit of history, secondhand stores are full of exciting finds that will add personality and charm to any space.
Environmentally friendly
Shopping for secondhand furniture is an environmentally responsible choice that helps conserve precious resources and reduce carbon emissions. The mass-produced furniture industry emits a staggering amount of harmful greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere yearly, contributing to climate change and other environmental disasters.
Interior designer Rebecca Hay recommends “shopping for used furniture over new store-bought items because there is little to no ecological footprint.” Research has found that buying used furniture significantly reduces an item’s environmental footprint since much of it is already manufactured and doesn’t require additional polluting processing steps before reaching consumers’ homes.
Shopping secondhand saves valuable natural resources and prevents materials from ending up in landfills, where they can release methane and other toxic pollutants into the environment. For example, Hay warns that while older furniture is usually built to last, “newer big box furnishings can break in a few years and end up in a landfill, contributing to greenhouse emissions.” Choosing secondhand furniture over new items from large retailers significantly reduces our carbon footprint while still having beautiful things in our homes.
Customization
When it comes to secondhand goods, the possibilities are endless. The great thing about thrifting for furniture is that it encourages shoppers to get creative. Rather than being limited to mass-produced pieces from big box retailers, shoppers can think outside the box with their choices and create something truly special that reflects their individual style.
The customization aspect of thrift shopping is incredibly appealing. Even when shoppers don’t find precisely what they are looking for, they have the opportunity to make minor changes, like switching out the hardware or refinishing the entire piece from top to bottom. With a little bit of effort, these second-hand finds can be transformed into timeless pieces that really bring a room together.
For example, a person looking for a new sofa may be unable to find one in the size or color they want from a store. However, with some work and imagination, an older couch can be taken apart and reupholstered in the exact color that person wants. Likewise, a secondhand dresser could be given new life by sanding it down and painting it boldly, or you could refinish it by adding new hardware or changing the legs. This allows you to customize the piece based on your style without sacrificing the piece’s original character.
Tips for identifying the best quality when buying used furniture
Before you shop secondhand, you must understand what qualities you should look for to ensure you get the most value out of your purchase. Here are a few tips on how to identify the best quality when buying used furniture:
Check for imperfections
Before purchasing used furniture and home decor, it is essential to check for signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, chips, dents, deep stains, and cracks. These types of cosmetic damage can detract from the piece’s look but might not affect its overall durability.
For used items with fabric upholstery, it is vital to check for tears, fraying, and any discoloration due to age or exposure to sunlight or other elements. Any ripped seams should also be noted when inspecting fabric upholstery. It is also essential to inspect wood pieces closely for signs of termite damage or rot which can weaken the structure of the item and make it less stable. Water damage, termites, mold, or general signs of rotting should always be paid close attention to. In addition, checking underneath wooden furniture will help identify any potential structural issues caused by broken legs or joints.
Research
Researching furniture when shopping secondhand is an essential step in finding quality pieces and ensuring you get the best bang for your buck. This includes looking for branding or marks that can help identify who made the piece and whether it is a designer item that may be worth more. Knowing the brand or designer will also let you buy items confidently, as they often have a reputation for good quality construction and materials.
It is helpful to understand that not all secondhand furniture will be labeled with a maker’s mark, but this does not mean it cannot still be valuable. Often, vintage pieces may have evidence of their craftsmanship, such as dovetailed joints or hand-carved details, which can help you identify their true worth.
Consider the Refinish
Before committing to a pre-owned piece of furniture, it is crucial to consider the amount of work and cost it may take to make the item presentable. Refurbishing involves restoring an item to its original condition or giving it a new look with minor upgrades. Refurbishment costs can range from minimal effort and no money up to several hundred dollars, depending on the piece’s condition.
In addition to refurbishing costs, buyers should also consider their skillset when looking at potential pieces. Are you willing and able to do some basic repairs yourself? Do you want to pay someone else who has more expertise? Knowing your limitations in terms of time and skill can help you decide which pieces you are willing (and not willing) to take on before making a purchase.
Shopping with Kaiyo
At Kaiyo, our mission is to advocate for sustainable living. We are proud to only select quality, one-of-a-kind items that have been carefully inspected by our experienced professionals. This unique inventory is ever-changing and up to 90% off retail pricing.
We also have several environmentally focused initiatives in place to give back what we take. With every purchase made on our site, we plant a tree as part of our Plant A Tree Program, helping offset the environmental impact of furniture productions and restore damaged habitats worldwide.
Since we began operating, Kaiyo has already saved over four million pounds of perfectly good furniture and home goods from landfills. So, when you shop secondhand with us, you can rest assured that your purchase is helping to reduce your ecological footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
