You’ve trudged around every store and market looking for a table that’s the perfect size for your dining room or a sofa that complements your retro living room decor, but all you’ve gotten for your troubles are aching feet. If you’ve experienced the frustration of not knowing where to buy used furniture that matches your tastes, it’s time to consider an easier alternative to brick-and-mortar shopping.
Everything But The House makes shopping for used furniture online quick and simple, and the extensive inventory of furniture in a range of styles means you have a higher chance of finding exactly what you want. Buying used furniture online may seem like a daunting proposition, but once you know a few simple tips and tricks, you’ll quickly be able to settle into the thrill of hunting for bargains while you give your aching feet a rest.
It sounds obvious, but it’s essential to know exactly what you’re buying before you drop cash on it. Many manufacturers produce home furnishings with antique or vintage finishes, and a brand new reproduction may look similar to a refurbished original. That beautiful vintage sofa you found online may be worth significantly less than you think if it turns out to be modern construction.
There’s nothing wrong with purchasing modern furniture or reproductions; they can look just as attractive as vintage pieces! They often benefit from quality manufacturing and modern fabrics and materials. The problem arises if you believe you’re buying an original and pay more for the privilege. Shopping at a reliable source like EBTH minimizes the risk. Doing your own research helps, too. The more you know, the easier it is to spot modern pieces, and the easier it is to determine how much you’re willing to pay. Check to see if a manufacturer’s name is included in the item description, and establish identifying information from tags and labels. Additionally, take time to learn the difference between different materials and finishes, such as wood veneer and wood composites. Many contemporary wood-look pieces are actually made of composites, while vintage pieces often utilize solid wood.
Some used furniture may have gone through hard times, but it’s possible to look beyond any cosmetic damage to see how beautiful the piece could be with a bit of work. If you’re into a bit of DIY work, stripping wooden furniture and then applying new coats of varnish or paint is a simple way to restore the original beauty. Reupholstering a chair or sofa gives it a new lease on life. Buying used furniture is a smart way to obtain quality goods, but there may be significant costs associated with restoring the furniture afterwards.
According to figures published by Home Advisor, people spend an average of $150–$1,300 for professional refinishing, which factors the size, style, and age of the item into the overall price. Whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional, you might want to factor the additional costs into your purchase price.
When you’re purchasing secondhand furniture, consider the types of materials used in the furniture’s construction. Hardwoods — such as maple, cherry, and oak — are incredibly durable and last much longer than softwoods such as pine. Buying hardwood products is a sound investment; they’re more likely to be in very good condition and can last for many years if you care for them properly. Metal furniture is another smart choice due to its durability and the relatively simple process involved to restore it to its original condition by sanding and painting.
Shopping online isn’t the same as seeing items in person, so you need to spend a bit of extra time studying their descriptions and pictures carefully. Most item descriptions include details of the various materials used in the construction of the piece, so satisfy your curiosity and make sure you know all about the furniture before committing to a purchase. Use the zoom feature on images to get a close-up look at the patterns on fabrics. Think twice before buying anything really bright or with a strong pattern or motif. Will you still love that style this time next year? If your tastes tend to shift, something with a neutral style may be more fitting.
When you’re looking at pictures of used furniture online, it’s often difficult to visualize the true size of the piece. In your mind’s eye, that bed may look perfect for your master bedroom. But in reality, it could be too wide.
Before committing to a purchase, check all of the dimensions carefully. It often helps to mark out the size of the furniture in the room where you intend to use it by laying out masking tape on the floor. This makes it easier to visualize how the furniture will work within the space and ensures your new purchase won’t prevent doors from opening. Measure doorways to verify it’s possible to get the furniture into the house, and allow enough room to freely move around other furniture without banging into it. When you’re purchasing a dining table, leave a 42-inch clearance for the chairs and so diners can comfortably move around and sit down.
Once you know how much space you have available and what your budget is, it’s time to start hunting for the perfect piece to complete your home’s look. Everything But The House is a smart place to find what you’re searching for through a wide selection of personal collections and quality vintage and modern used furniture from estate sales. Whether you want a comfortable vintage couch for the study or a classic coffee table for the living room, you’re sure to find something that matches your taste.
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