Furnishing your home is therapeutic and brings out your creative side. But the expenditure incurred on this can be pretty heavy on the pocketbook. Purchasing used furniture comes as a great option as you can save on a lot of money. But purchasing used furniture is more like placing a bet or taking a risk. You would never wish to waste money on something that would not last long or infect the house with creepy creatures.
Buying used furniture can indeed get you an old vintage piece that adds beauty and style to your home. However, the most important thing you must consider before buying it is to scan it cautiously to know whether the furniture is worth buying or not, as most of the pieces will come with no guarantees. Measure the space well so that it does not prove to be a wasteful purchase. You must know about the entire repair that the furniture needs and the cost involved in doing so. A limited budget must not curb your dreams. Just find these hidden treasures, and you can revamp your home quickly. Just take care of a few tips, and you can get the desired piece home:
Contents
Where To Buy From
There are a lot of options to buy used furniture from. You must explore all the options and go in for the most suitable one. The first option comes in the form of thrift stores where a lot of people donate used furniture. You can find a lot of suitable pieces at a reasonable price. You may also check out the consignment shops that are known for quality pieces of furniture. You can find items at a low price that have been put up on sale. Yard sales are another convenient option. You may find decent items in good condition, and you can easily bargain for a reasonable price. But the furniture has an increased probability of bugs, dirt, or mold. Unlike yard sales, there is an estate sale where they offer the items of the house for sale. You can find a good deal on furniture at a reasonable rate.
At times the hotels and offices go in for a significant renovation. You can also catch hold of such sales. Such items are a great buy as they are in actually good condition. You can also visit a store that rents furniture. Many apps and online marketplaces like a Facebook marketplace give you good deals for used furniture.
Check The Quality Of Wood
Checking the quality of wood is very crucial before you finalize the purchase. You must know the type of wood used to make the furniture.
Consider that the furniture is of poor quality if it’s made of softwood like pine or MDF. These woods are more porous and so attract more significant moisture and become uneven over time. They may also turn yellow over some time. Furniture made of hardwood (oak or maple) is much more sturdy and good in quality. But you must check the condition of the wood. Look for scratches and flaws that you can repair. Always check the drawers and for Molds before you make your purchase.
Make Sure Its Value For Money
You buy used furniture to save on the cost and limit the purchase in your budget. So it is crucial to figure out that the piece of furniture is actually worth the money you pay. You must always check for the price tag and label before buying to know about the manufacturer and assess the cost. You will also quickly get to know about the quality of the product if it is a well-known manufacturer. This research before making a purchase will get you the best deal for the price you pay.
Craftsmanship Quality Check
It might not sound easy to check a piece of furniture to find out the quality of work. But you might consider a few key points to do so. You can determine whether the furniture is of solid wood and not composite wood or particleboard. Solid wood will make it sturdy and durable. Check for dovetailed joints that interlock with each other. It helps the furniture to last long. If not dovetailed joints, check for dowels or screws for holding the joints. They are another excellent option for durable furniture. Always check that the piece must not wobble when moved. The level with the floor needs to be perfect.
Bed Bugs
It is crucial to check for bed bugs if you are purchasing upholstered furniture. Though they might not be visible to the naked eye, you can look for small black or reddish dots on the furniture. Check for scales on the back or under the furniture. There may be bugs inside any cracks or joints. If you find these signs, then skip the purchase.
Test The Furniture Beforehand
You must make sure that the furniture is comfortable enough to use. You will use it for years to come, so comfort is a priority—test whether the sofas or chairs can carry your weight. Pull out the cabinets and drawers to make sure they are in working condition. Also, see if you can fix minor issues and it is worth what you spend.
Double-Check
It is essential to make sure the purchase is within budget, but it is also essential to check whether it is worth spending. Look for any structural problem, missing parts, insect infestation, and whether you will be able to fix it up or not. The strategy is to shop by exploring all the available options, waiting for the correct piece that suits the requirements, and making a well-calculated choice.
