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It’s no secret that most housing prices are continuing to climb. That means that more and more renters and owners may be struggling to furnish their homes without blowing the budget.
That’s where second-hand furniture comes into play.
The market for used furniture has grown by more than 50% since 2015. And it’s projected to just keep on climbing.
That’s because second-hand furniture often places first when it comes to durability, budget-friendliness, and charm. Thrifted pieces can add warmth and character to a room without breaking the bank. Plus, they’ve already stood the test of time. Talk about a win-win-win!
But how exactly do you master the art of furniture thrifting? After all, there’s a fine line between charmingly vintage and just plain out-of-date.
It all comes down to casting a wide net, searching strategically, negotiating when possible, and ultimately knowing when to pass.
Here’s how to score big in the furniture thrifting game:
When it comes to thrifting, it helps to cast a wide net. That’s especially true if you’re looking for something specific.
First, hit the pavement. Stop by to browse some nearby thrift or antique shops. If you’re looking for quality (solid wood tables, couch cushions with springs, etc.), you might want to limit your search to higher-income areas. Local yard or garage sales might also have a few diamonds in the rough.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in person, it’s time to take to the net. There are now dozens of websites and online marketplaces you can use to find the perfect piece of second-hand furniture.
Just a few of our favorites include:
Your budget, preferences, and location can all help determine which sites are right for you.
You never know when someone will list that perfect piece. And when it comes to second-hand buys, the early bird usually gets the worm.
You can set up notifications tied to specific search phrases on some sites. This way, you'll be pinged immediately when someone lists an item containing your phrase of choice (say, “Turkish rug”).
If this isn’t an option, you’ll have to check in the old-fashioned way. Every few days, launch a new search. Pay attention to what’s been newly listed and what’s been scooped up. When you’re in the know, you’ll be more poised to pounce when something eventually catches your eye.
While you’re searching for furniture, you’ll want a keyword strategy. For example, say you’re looking for a demilune table. Some sellers might not know the technical term and will just list it as a “half-circle table.”
Create a list of keywords that could describe your item and check in on each of them as you shop.
For the demilune table, the keyword list might include:
Each search term will pull up different results, so you’ll have a better chance of finding exactly what you want.
Finally found the perfect piece only to be put off by the price? Don’t worry. The beauty of furniture thrifting is that there’s usually a little wiggle room.
Start by determining what your absolute price cap is—how much can you realistically pay? You may want to decide to never agree to pay more than this number!
Then, ask if the seller would accept a lower price than listed. Usually, there will be a back-and-forth until the two of you can reach an understanding.
Remember, you’ll always want to be kind and polite in your ask. And there’s always a chance they’ll shoot you down. But hey, it’s worth a shot, right?
Knowing when to commit and when to move on can be key to furniture thrifting. You probably never want to end up with something broken, misrepresented, or out of budget.
If you’re buying in person, you might want to inspect the item before you pay. Look for cosmetic or structural issues, damage that wasn’t reflected in the listing, or any other red flags.
You might want to take measurements yourself, too, even if the seller provided some. There’s nothing worse than bringing a new couch home only to find it won’t fit in the living room or through the front door.
If you’re buying online, don’t be afraid to ask for more photos, videos, or information. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the return policy offered by your site of choice.
Thrifting furniture may not always be easy, but it sure can be worth it!
With just a little planning, research, and gumption, before long your home can be filled with some very special, second-hand finds. And your bank account might just breathe a sigh of relief.
Happy thrifting!