When sprucing up a new space with furniture, buying either new or used pieces has its own sets of advantages and disadvantages. For most of us, buying furniture is an investment. Even if they are second-hand, they can still be expensive. As much as possible when buying new stuff, we want to get the most bang for our buck and have a piece that we’re sure will last us a lifetime.
The problem with purchasing new ones is that they may be pricey and you can’t be sure if they will have problems after a few months or years of use. On the other hand, a used item may cost the same as a new one, but it may be much more sturdy and you can be sure that it will endure for a longer time. Additionally, used furniture is typically better designed and constructed.
Before you decide whether or not to buy a used or a brand new one, ask yourself these questions:
What Type of furniture are you buying?
Are you planning to buy a living room set? Dining table set? Side tables? Office furniture? Bedroom furniture? The first step is to always determine the scope of the task or project that you’re going to be doing. This will help you narrow down your search so you can find what you are looking for easily.
Are you living in a rental unit?
If you are living in a rental condo or apartment unit, you may prefer couches that can fit in small compact spaces and can be easily packed when you decide to move. This type of furniture, may it be a living room couch or a daybed are typically minimalist in style and are made of lighter materials.
How much is your budget?
If you’re looking for affordable options, used furniture is a good way to go. But if you are looking for a piece that is brand new but reasonably priced, then you can also purchase that. There are tons of used sofas and chairs that are quality made and are still in good condition at a lower cost. So, if you are a bit tight on budget, buying used furniture is a great alternative. Searching for quality ones however might be challenging.
What is the interior design style you’re aiming to achieve?
Of course, don’t forget about the interior design style of your home. If you hired an interior designer to design the interior of their house, they usually are the ones who search and purchase the pieces for you.
However, if you are designing your interior by yourself, consider how you would want your living room to look like. Do you prefer a contemporary or minimalist space? Or something that resembles the traditional culture, vintage vibe, but with a modern twist? Determine your style and look for items that’s appropriate for the style.
What quality of furniture are you looking for?
In order to guarantee that the cushions on upholstered couches and chairs are free of stains and pests, buy them brand new. But if you like pieces made of metal, wicker, iron, or plastic, you may purchase used ones and restore their original beauty by washing them with water and mild dish soap.
Pros and Cons of Buying Used Furniture
Pros
◾ People who wish to stay within their budget and avoid going overboard with design might go for used furniture. The cost of used furniture is often affordable, and vendors may provide discounts. The cost of used seats and accent pieces is sometimes far less than that of new items.
◾ Another advantage of purchasing secondhand furniture is the ability to find stylish, one-of-a-kind products that are unavailable in stores. Some stores stop carrying particular brands, colors, and patterns when fashion trends shift. You can still locate these fashions online, at flea markets, and at thrift stores, so purchasing second hand enables you to locate these one-of-a-kind items.
Cons
◾ Due to prior use, used furniture may have damage. Upholstered sofas, carpets, and cushions may contain mildew, allergies, or bed bugs in the fabric, while wooden furniture may show evidence of wood rot or splintering.
◾ Social media posts are a common way for people to sell used furniture online. Although it is simple to shop on online marketplaces, responding to these adverts might be harmful. Sellers that use the “bait and switch” tactic may present products that are entirely inconsistent with their photographs.
When You Should Buy a New Furniture?
1. When you are not tight on your budget.
2. You have a certain interior style that would require brand new furniture
3. If you are simply comfortable buying a new one compared to a used one.
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 piece to add to your home! Check our Shopee store here.
