The Complete Guide to Thrifting Furniture

If you are looking to furnish your space in an affordable, sustainable way without compromising on aesthetics, thrifting furniture is a great way to do that. You would get unique pieces from different places, making your place reflect your individual style. Secondhand furniture can also serve as a great conversation starter with friends and family, potentially introducing them to the world of secondhand shopping.

‍

But thrifting furniture requires a bit more forethought than say, thrifting clothes. You need pieces that can fit in your space and ideally last a long time. Finding the right pieces obviously takes time and patience, but the end result is worth it.

‍

To make it less overwhelming, here’s everything you need to find the right thrifted furniture for your place:

‍

Set a Budget

‍

Begin by setting a clear budget for your thrifting adventures. Spending limits help you think more intentionally and prioritize what’s most important to you. Plus you can avoid impulse purchases. While it might be tempting to grab that vintage lamp or quirky side table just because it's a "good deal," your wallet (and your space) will thank you for sticking to your financial boundaries.

‍

With furniture in particular, you may find that your taste exceeds your budget. In that case, you may want to consider waiting it out and saving up to get exactly the vintage piece you’re looking for. The investment can be worth it if you’ve taken the time to really consider a piece that you’ll love for many years.

‍

Keep the Measurements Ready

‍

In new furniture stores, you can see how different pieces would fit in with each other. It’s hard to visualize that with thrifted furniture. If you are someone who struggles to visualize, take photos of the existing furniture, wall color, and painting to see if the thrifted piece fits well within the existing vibe. Also, keep the measurements handy! Make a note of the maximum and minimum measurements for the piece you’re looking for on your phone.

‍

Also read: 10 Thrift Store Treasures for Your Home

‍

Check for Issues

‍

If it passes the vibe check, go over the piece carefully. See if the material used is solid wood or a wood composite. Natural materials like wood, stone, and metals tend to last longer and be more forgiving to repair than plastic dupes like laminates and composites.

‍

Speaking of repairs — look at the piece from various angles to see if there are any scratches, wobbiness, or major stains that would need some work. Ask yourself if you are OK with that or are ready to put in the work to fix it. If there’s fabric on the piece, spend some extra time to inspect that — look for smoke smell, pet urine, water damage or mold, and even bugs.

‍

Set Realistic Expectations

‍

Be cautious about buying "project pieces." Ask yourself: “If I can't revamp it soon, will I still enjoy it in its current state?”

‍

If you do plan to renovate it, carefully consider what resources you'll need — time, money, and possibly assistance — to complete the project successfully. Basically, don't take on more than you can handle. It's better to acknowledge your constraints than to accumulate clutter.

‍

Explore Delivery Options

‍

You need a transportation plan to move large thrifted furniture to your place. If you don’t have a car, you could rent one or ask a friend or relative to help you out. You can also check with the seller if they can deliver for an additional fee. There are local delivery options like Dolly and TaskRabbit. Check their services and pricing before you shop, so that you can factor that into the cost.

‍