Buying secondhand furniture provides a number of significant benefits, including reduced costs for higher-quality furniture and a smaller ecological impact. Whether you are planning to spruce up your new rental apartment or condo unit, considering used furniture is always a good idea. Aside from the fact that they are affordable, used items can be very durable and well-made.
There are good furniture models made from classic brands that can be found in local thrift stores and vintage shops. These furniture are often unique and you won’t find any other like it in the market. However, there are some serious risks that come along with buying furniture. There are a few things to watch out for when buying used furniture, even if some old furniture is quite safe to bring into your house. Before spending any money, be sure to follow these 7 tips first.
1. Check the material type
Know what type of material is made of. If you are purchasing a sofa set for example, find out if it is made of leather, cotton, or velvet. Does it have wooden or metal legs? Knowing these features will help you to know in advance how to properly maintain and care for the furniture. Moreover, it will also guide you in making an informed decision. You don’t really want to purchase something and then regret it after a few days because it isn’t comfortable enough for you.
2. Look for labels
Most people acquire second hand furniture for a variety of reasons, but one of the main ones is to save money and get something that may otherwise be out of their price range. Before making a purchase, inspect the product for a tag or label to be sure you’re getting what you paid for. You can judge the furniture’s quality by finding out who made it. Therefore, it’s wise to look for a maker’s mark before purchasing any old furniture.
3. Check for quality craftsmanship
While judging a piece of furniture’s construction quality may be difficult, there are a few telltale signals that may be used to spot high-quality furniture. Solid wood furniture, as opposed to particle board or composite wood, is a terrific sign of a durable, well-made item.
When moving the furniture, it shouldn’t creak or wobble. If purchasing a quality couch is your objective, start by paying special attention to the frame. A good-quality couch will have a solid hardwood frame, especially one made of “kiln-dried” hardwood composed of oak, beech, or ash, as opposed to cheaper sofas that may have frames made of particleboard, plastic, or metal.
4. Look for damages, scratches, and dents
Check for any form of damage such as cracks, scratches, stains, paint smears, and others. Look everywhere especially those areas that cannot be seen in plain sight such as under the seating, on the legs, and drawers. Some damages may appear small and unrecognizable but they might cause more damage in the future. A small crack for example can get bigger when being subjected to a heavy load. When transporting the product, damage can also occur so as much as possible, you want to check the furniture’s condition before officially purchasing and bringing it in your home.
5. Inquire about the furniture’s history
Ask the seller about the item’s history. How long was it used by the last owner? What was the reason for selling? Are there any damages, disadvantages, and other upkeep precautions that you should know before buying? It is easy to determine a couch will be uncomfortable to sit on by the lumps on the seat or back. Upholstered furniture that has seen a lot of wear is better left alone.
6. Read the product description
Be aware that certain items may seem different in real life and in photographs. Photos of the products in the store could be staged, and the lighting used for the photography might have an impact on the color of the furniture. Don’t let attractive pictures deceive you easily. To learn what the furniture is made of, how it was manufactured, how to maintain it, and its measurements, be sure to read the product description.
7. Review the store’s return policy
Before you check out the items, make sure you read and understand the store’s return policy. There are furniture retailers that will allow you to return an item as long as you pay the shipping fee. There are also retailers that charge a restocking fee. However, there are also certain furniture, especially upholstered ones that are not returnable. To avoid confusion in case of a situation where you feel the need to return the item, make sure to review the return policy and you agree with it.
Whether you are planning to buy a new set of furniture for your new home, or considering replacing your old ones, there’s always something you can find online. Singapore Furniture Rental now has a Shopee store where you can purchase some of the most popular home furniture items. Browse our catalog of furniture products and find the next furniture piece to add to your home! Check our Shopee store here.
