Learn how to distinguish confide online sellers , resolve shipping charge per unit snafus , and more .
There ’s no practiced way to add a bit of personality to your home than with secondhand furniture and accessories . No longer just an avenue for frugal - apt college graduate looking to outfit their first apartment , secondhand furniture and decor sources are now coveted by the masses . " Everyone should be shop secondhand , " enunciate the founder ofThrift & Tellwho runs the mess - scouring site and social accounts anonymously . " It is much more sustainable than constantly buying new and you’re able to find really interesting pieces that no one else will have . "
While patronize for vintage products or antiques can be consideredbuying secondhand , focus solely on screw the piece you ’re buying — rather than looking for pedigree , earned run average , and more — is the actual differentiator . " Regardless of budget , elan , space , or vibration , secondhand allows you to surprise yourself with the unknown , grants a space somebody and account , and enable you to responsibly buy anything under the sun , " says designer Marissa Whitley Tago ofThe Whitley Co.
Credit: Tria Giovan
The one booby trap that is oftentimes easy to forefend with brand - newfangled pieces directly from the retailer is knowing when you ’ve spotted a softwood and when you ’ve , well , not . Before you get started on your used journeying , keep in mind these rules for how to shop used furniture and nursing home decor online .
Tips for Shopping Secondhand Home Decor Online
1. Use Trusted, Verified Sites
buy secondhand can for certain be deserving it , but in orderliness to reap the reward , you need to start with a reputable retailer . " I only make large purchases on well - trusted and verified sites like 1stDibs , Chairish , and Etsy , " read Tago . When browsing peer - to - compeer sites ( such as Etsy or eBay ) , Thrift & Tell suggestschecking a seller ’s ratingas well as how many ratings they have . " If you are grease one’s palms a brand name or paying a agio , be sure to look out for vague words like ' I think it is antique , ' ' looks like gold plate ' or ' receive as a gift , so not sure . ' These are not always red flags , but at least should be a signaling to do your due diligence . "
2. Check (and Double-Check) Dimensions
When patronise online for secondhand piece of furniture , it ’s particularly important to pay attention to the dimension . Chances are , it wo n’t be returnable if it arrives and you agnize you ca n’t correspond it through your room access . value all of the threshold framing , stairwell , and even the elevator ( if applicable ) in your mansion house should n’t be an afterthought . Trace your path and measure as you go to insure your young - to - you slice will actually accommodate in its succeeding home .
3. Utilize the “Previously Sold” Filter
" One of the easy whoremonger to secure you are baffle a good sight is to look at what the same item or a like one has sold for previously . This will give you a safe sense of appropriate pricing , " pronounce Thrift & Tell . Most internet site will give you the option to filter your search by item that have been recently sold in order for you to easily get an melodic theme of the price range for a particular item . " When doing this exercise , do not draw a blank to baffle - reference other like site to get a sense of pricing . If the point is not an antique , you could also habituate the current retail price as a reference pointedness . "
How to Find the Best Deals for Secondhand Accessories
Buyingsecondhand furniture and domicile decoris sure enough about adding one - of - a - variety flair to your surroundings , but hit the salutary business deal is probably also at the top of your list . That being say , witness the right deals does n’t necessarily mean going with the lowest - price lounge . It ’s all about consider the item ’s future needs in addition to obscure monetary value . For instance , if a pair of wingback chairs appear to be a bargain at $ 80 but requires pricy reupholstery and ships from oversea ( something that is usually not a headache when patronize in - person ) , you likely do n’t have quite the stack you might have think . Thrift & Tell recommend emptor steer clear of purchase that need pricy transportation prices or repairs . " You could easily end up spending a lot more than you in the first place anticipate . "
Best Places to Shop Secondhand Furniture and Décor Online
1stDibs
For in high spirits - end purchase that you’re able to ensure are by rights authenticated,1stDibsis a go - to planetary marketplace . " 1stDibs has a strong and trusted vetting process with over 4,000 trafficker , and has a promise to see to it genuineness of products on their site , " enounce Tago . The platform enable buyers to negotiate price or make command on auction items . They also grant shopper to communicate with the sellers for extra product information , customization if applicable , and more .
Chairish
Chairishgets bonus points in the article of furniture section for its try - it - before - you - buy - it social occasion within the retailer ’s app . It allows the drug user to upload a photo of their space to see how the piece will await in its possible raw nursing home and with existing decor . When research for items on Chairish , keep an eye on your favored clothes designer and tastemakers for curated picks or search for specific vintage , pre - possess , or antique steal . The company also offers unexampled and made - to - ordering products , so when scouring the site be sure to select the specify item type in the lookup menu . you’re able to salvage your preferences and follow your search so you never miss a breakthrough .
eBay
If you have time ( and a affected role but persistent personality),eBayis a good option for secondhand home accessories . There is n’t quite so much supervising on this residential area - led marketplace , so be sure to do your due diligence . Keep a flavor out for buyer with badge that verify their in force sales agreement record and be sure to read seller reviews and look into their turn of military rank . When patronise for menage interior decoration on eBay , attend for items that are both inexpensive and verbalize to you , that way " assay-mark does n’t even come into play , " say Thrift & Tell .
Etsy
WhileEtsyis a terminus for artificer - madefurnishing and decor , you’re able to also blemish some secondhand pieces if you ’re up for a little excavation . Use it as a germ for freshen up furniture spell and niche items . " I love Etsy as I feel that I am keep going creative person directly and creating a kinship that hopefully is ongoing with fellow creatives , " says Tago .
Everything But the House
Everything But the Housefocuses on uncommon breakthrough , so if unique is what you ’re after , EBTH is a proficient topographic point to start . Each item start at $ 1 , with bids make from there until the bid time period ends . The site is also host to a riches of data on what to look for in just about every family . ( hold in out theirguide for buying used piece of furniture online . ) The site started as a way to bring the traditionalestate saleinto the twenty-first century but has morphed into a imagination that ca-ca finding singular and rarefied detail approachable no matter where you survive , while still further the charge of the win .
Mercari
WhileMercariis a nationwide market place , users also have the option to handily shit local . you may schedule saving within the app , rather of knead right away with the seller , and an Uber - powered rescue summons results in contact - costless dropoff — no meet - up involve . disregardless of whether you shop locally or nationwide , there is always a opportunity that you might be unhappy with your purchase . Once you receive your point from Mercari , you have three solar day to substantiate the merchandise was properly represented by the listing . If the Cartesian product was inaccurately identify , you may put in a return request . The company will find out if the piece is eligible for return and , if it is , the vender will be want toaccept the homecoming .
The RealReal
Although sumptuousness consignerThe RealRealmight be known for its style offerings , but there are deals to be found in the home family as well . From chocolate table books to fine art , furniture , and more , The RealReal ’s selection skew more toward luxury items but they also sharpen on assay-mark , put a guarantee on every token they sell . They make it happen with a squad of hundreds of brand name appraiser and experts , who personally inspect the products to help ensure you get what you bear for .
Credit: Joyelle West
