Jun 08 2011

Tips For Buying Used Furniture

Posted by Modern Homes in Furnishings

If you’re thinking of updating or adding to the furniture in your home, it really is worth considering buying second hand. Not only can you save money, you can find unique pieces full of personality and customise bargain furniture to fit your home perfectly. Follow these top tips when buying second hand furniture.

  1. Don’t forget to measure up your room and take those measurements with you when you head out to look at second hand furniture. That dining table may be beautiful, but it’s not going to be such a great buy if it can’t actually fit into your living room!

  2. Remember to keep in mind the mood and style of the room you want to buy furniture for. Any new pieces you buy will need to work in harmony with their surroundings, so although that black lacquered bedside table may well be beautiful, is it really going to work amongst your white bedroom furniture?

  3. Make sure you set yourself a realistic budget and try to stick to it! When you’re shopping for used furniture, you’ll need to remember to factor in any refurbishment costs if the pieces you love need a bit of work before they’re usable. Professional upholstery can be expensive, so make sure you take this into account when deciding whether you’re actually getting a bargain.

  4. If you’re looking at second hand wooden furniture, make sure you know the type of wood it’s made from. In general it’s safest to stick with hard woods like oak and maple and these are incredibly durable. Softer woods can deteriorate and weaken over time, so aren’t always the best choice if you’re buying second hand.

  5. Take your time and check over used furniture thoroughly before parting with your hard earned cash. Look at the construction of joints and drawers and check for signs of rot or woodworm. It’s really important with sofas or weight-bearing furniture that you lift up any cushions and check the supports to make sure they’re still strong and sturdy.

  6. Look out for potential in the second hand furniture you see. Some pieces may look a little tired, but a quick sanding and few coats of paint can often make a big difference. Shabby chairs can be made to look good as new with a bit of re-upholstery and some items can be re-purposed to fit perfectly in your home. Dressers can be cut down and decorated to make wonderful bathroom storage cabinets.

Shopping for second hand furniture can save you money and allows you to snap up and customise bargain pieces to inject real personality into your home. Follow these tips and see what you can find!

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