Using & Upcycling Furniture Finds

If you haven’t given much thought to buying used furniture for your home, maybe you should. Buying new isn’t a bad thing, but often times, you can get a much better deal on quality pieces when you buy secondhand.

Is it really worth the time to scout out used pieces?

This is a question that you may be asking. To simply say yes, just isn’t enough, so here are 4 reasons why scouting used pieces is worth the time.

1)    Cost. Unless the piece is a sought after antique, then it’s probably going to be a lot less expensive than something new. Often times, you can find something at a thrift or consignment store that’s very similar to something sold at a chain retailer. It may need a bit of a facelift, but even with the small investment on paint or stain, you’ll still save.

2)    Quality. To say, “they just don’t make furniture like they used to” isn’t quite accurate, considering there are in fact quality pieces being made. Unless you find used heirloom pieces that will stand the test of time, you’ll pay dearly for something new.

3)    Customization. The great thing about finding a great used piece is that you have the ability to make it your own. Reupholstering something isn’t always cheap, especially if you have someone do it for you, but you can still get more bang for your buck. If you are able to sew and have the time to do it yourself, even better. Check out our wholesale upholstery fabrics for affordable inspiration.

4)    Environmentalism. If a piece can’t be repaired then it’s probably safe to consider it disposable. If it can be repaired, however, it just might be worth the effort. Our planet benefits each time we extend the use of objects. If a fresh coat of paint or some new fabric is all it will take to keep the piece out of the landfill, isn’t it worth it?

Tips on how to buy used furniture

Before you buy your newly found treasure, there are some things you should do:

• Take time to inspect it. This includes leaning on it, sitting on it, squeezing it, etc., to make sure that it’s constructed well. You want to buy with confidence, not with fear.
• Be familiar with your space. To be more specific, know your measurements. You want the pieces you buy to fit in the room, but you also want them to fit through doorways and such.
• Stick with your budget. Thrift store prices are usually set, but with other sellers, you might have the opportunity to haggle. Go for it and negotiate down to the last dollar. Always keep delivery costs in mind unless you’ll be hauling it away yourself.

Other places you can find great used pieces would be at garage sales, flea markets, online auctions, junk stores, rental furniture outlets, warehouse outlet sales, local real estate auctions, consignment stores, and salvage yards. Buying used doesn’t mean avoid buying new altogether. There will be times you’ll find exactly what you need at a mass retailer. For those other times however, when you need something a bit more personal, consider buying used.

Visit us at CUTTING CORNERS, to pick out your favorite fabrics for your next project!