Top Tips for Buying High Quality Used Furniture
It can be more affordable.
When it comes to shopping for furniture, there are a few things to consider. First, buying new furniture can be expensive. Secondhand furniture can be a great way to save money, extend your furnishing budget, and get beautiful pieces that will add character to your home. Whether you’re looking for a couch, a table, or some other piece of furniture, buying secondhand is the best way to get high-quality pieces without breaking the bank.
It’s fun.
One of the best reasons to shop secondhand is because it’s fun! You can find unique pieces that you won’t find at your average furniture store. Plus, when you know the furniture is still in great condition, it’s a great way to save money. Sometimes all you need is a new coat of paint to give old furniture a whole new look for your home.
It’s better for the environment.
When you buy new furniture, it often comes from unsustainable sources. The manufacturing process creates a lot of pollution and uses up resources like water and energy. Plus, new furniture generally isn’t as sturdy as secondhand pieces, so you’ll have to replace it sooner. Shopping secondhand is a more sustainable way to furnish your home.
Is it safe to buy used furniture?
When it comes to buying second-hand furniture, not all items are safe to buy used. Some pieces may be damaged and unsafe, so it’s important to ask the seller questions before making a purchase. Here are a few tips for buying high-quality used furniture:
- Ask about the condition of the item. Is it scratched, dented, or broken?
- Check for recalls on the piece of furniture. You can do this by searching online or contacting the manufacturer directly.
- Inspect the furniture for bed bugs, fleas, and other insects.
- Make sure that all parts of the furniture are included in the sale.
- Ask how old the piece is and where it was originally purchased.
- Get an idea of how much restoration work will need to be done before you buy it.
- Make sure you have enough space for the new piece of furniture before committing to a purchase.
- Compare prices between different sellers before making a decision.
What to look for in high-quality used furniture.
Check for a brand name
When furniture shopping, it’s important to check for a brand name you recognize. That way, you can be sure that the furniture is of high quality.
The main goal when buying used furniture is to save money and get good value out of it. So it’s worth considering all aspects of the purchase, including a quality home decor brand and the service of the seller.
A person’s budget is an important factor in knowing what to look for when purchasing used furniture. Knowing how much money someone wants to spend will help them determine what kind of furniture they should be looking for.
It’s also worth looking up the brand of a piece before buying it. This will give you an idea as to whether or not you’re getting a good deal on high-quality furniture.
Look for labels
When looking for high-quality used furniture, it’s important to be aware of what to look for. One thing to check is the label. Do some research to find out where it’s from and what the quality is. Furniture from well-known brands is often a better investment than lower-quality replica furniture pieces. You also need to be sure that you’re getting what you pay for—not all lesser-known brands are bad, but it’s important to do your homework before making a purchase. Checking for a maker’s mark can help with quality assurance. If you don’t recognize the brand, do some research before buying to make sure you’re getting good value for your money.
How to inspect used furniture for quality before buying.
When inspecting furniture for quality, it’s important to focus on the overall integrity of the piece. This means looking at things like joints (dowels or screws are less desirable than dovetailed joints), construction, and materials. You should also check the cushions to see if they’re made from durable material – and if they’re squishy, you’ll want to ask why.
Surface imperfections can also be telling, so take a look for shallow scratches and chipped paint. If these imperfections don’t bother you, then go ahead and purchase the piece – but remember that they can always be fixed. Just make sure that any construction issues are something you’re comfortable dealing with yourself.
Become a Sofa Pro
How do you inspect a used couch?
Looking for a used couch? Here are some tips on how to inspect it:
- Look for any damages, because they might cost more than superficial ones.
- Make sure the furniture is comfortable and is supportive before purchasing it – you don’t want to regret your purchase later on.
- Before you make a purchase, consider the cost of restoration – sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more upfront to save money in the long run.
Check the Wood
Hard vs. Soft
When shopping for furniture made from solid wood, always choose hardwoods like maple and oak over soft woods like pine. Hardwoods are more durable and last much longer than softwoods. In addition, they are less likely to show scratches and dents. So, if you’re looking for a piece of furniture that will last for many years, go with hardwood. However, it’s important to inspect ALL areas of the piece before it goes into use – even if it seems to be in good condition.
Check for Quality Craftsmanship
One of the best ways to judge if the furniture is high quality is to check for craftsmanship. Furniture that’s made of solid wood and has dovetailed joints is a great indication that it will last for many years. You can also look for furniture with metal drawer glides, which will make them smoother and longer-lasting.
When you’re shopping furniture retailers, be sure to ask the seller about the quality of the piece you’re considering buying. They should be able to tell you about any construction details that make it a high-quality piece.
Try Before You Buy
Use the sniff test
When you’re buying new furniture, always give it a sniff test before taking it home. The smell will intensify once the furniture is inside your home. If the smell is too strong, return the furniture and find something else.
Sit on it.
When you’re looking to buy a sofa, it’s important to test out the design before purchasing. Some pieces of furniture are designed to hold weight, but it’s important to make sure they will be comfortable and functional for your needs. Sofa designs can be complicated, so it’s important to sit on them and make sure they won’t cause discomfort down the road. Make sure the sofa is comfortable when you sit on it, even if you are hard on your furniture. Test for firm or sagging spots and make sure they don’t cause long-term discomfort. And finally, make sure the item can handle everyday use before buying it – including how well it fits your body type and the number of people who will be using it with you.
Check out the back of the furniture
When you’re buying furniture, it’s important to check all sides of the item–even if it’s upholstered. That way, you can be sure that you’re getting a high-quality piece and that there are no bed bugs hiding in the crevices.
It’s also important to inspect upholstered furniture for any signs of feeding or molted skin. If there are any bugs present, you’ll be able to see them quite easily on the outside of the furniture. So always be sure to take a good look before purchasing anything!
Look underneath used furniture like couches, chests, and dining tables.
When you are looking to buy high-quality used furniture, it is important that you inspect it thoroughly. One way to do this is by looking underneath the furniture at the support construction. This will allow you to check for any damage, insect habitation, or wobbly legs.
It is also a good idea to get a view from the bottom of the furniture so that you can see if there are any unexpected surprises. For example, checking for signs of infestation such as brown or red stains, along crevices or near screws can be helpful.
Check for pests
Household bugs that might live in furniture
It’s important to be aware of the various types of household bugs that might live in furniture. Bed bugs, for example, can be a serious problem with bedroom furniture and should be avoided at all costs. Bed bugs can be detected with a device like BugView, which is an app that uses ultraviolet light to detect bed bug infestations in walls and mattresses.
Where to find high-quality used furniture.
Downtown Used Furniture has been serving Volusia & Flagler Counties for 26 years. You’ll find just the right furniture and accessories for your home, office, condo or rental unit at Downtown Used Furniture. Browse our huge 16,000 square foot showroom that is fully stocked with the best furniture values.