Want to shop second hand furniture online? Here are the top 10 platforms to find unique, quality, and affordable pieces.
Key Takeaways
Shopping for second-hand furniture offers significant cost savings and environmental benefits, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious and eco-friendly consumers.
Several online platforms, such as eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace, provide varied options for finding quality used furniture, each with unique features suited to different preferences.
When purchasing second-hand furniture, it is essential to inspect items thoroughly for damage, use protective measures during transportation, and practice safe buying and selling habits to ensure a smooth transaction.
Benefits of Shopping Second Hand Furniture
The significant cost savings is a compelling reason to buy used furniture. You can often find high-quality pieces at a fraction of the price of new items, saving up to 50% on your purchases. This is especially beneficial for those furnishing a new home or apartment on a budget. Imagine outfitting your entire living room with stylish, durable furniture for the cost of one new designer sofa.
Beyond the financial perks, buying second-hand furniture is an environmentally conscious choice. Here are some reasons why:
Manufacturing new furniture depletes natural resources and generates substantial greenhouse gases—100 times more than refinishing existing pieces.
Choosing used furniture aids in reducing environmental impact.
Second-hand items typically come without the excessive packaging that accompanies new products, further minimizing waste.
Additionally, buying used furniture helps address a significant waste problem. Each year, 12 million tons of furniture end up in landfills. Opting for pre-owned pieces contributes to waste reduction, prolongs the life of these items, and prevents them from landing in the trash. It’s a win-win: you get unique, affordable furniture while making a positive impact on the planet.
How to Choose Quality Used Furniture
Selecting pieces made from solid wood when shopping for used furniture is essential because they outlast those crafted from particle board. Brands like Ethan Allen and Pottery Barn are known for their quality and craftsmanship, making them safe bets for second-hand purchases. Look for features such as turned spindle legs and vintage leather patina, which often indicate a high-quality piece.
Another important step is to inspect the condition of the upholstery. Choose items with fabric in good condition to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of reupholstery. Also, ensure that you genuinely love the piece and have a designated spot for it in your home. This helps avoid impulse buys that might not fit your space or style.
It’s also vital to consider safety. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission website to ensure the furniture hasn’t been recalled. This simple step can prevent potential hazards and ensure your newly acquired piece is safe for use in your home.
Top 10 Places to Shop Second Hand Furniture Online
A variety of online platforms cater to different styles, budgets, and preferences for second-hand furniture shopping. Some popular options include:
Local classifieds
Curated specialty sites
Online auction sites
Social media marketplace groups
These online marketplaces provide a wide array of options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to select.
Let’s examine the unique features and advantages of ten top online platforms for buying used furniture. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind vintage piece or a budget-friendly find, these sites will help you discover the perfect addition to your home.
Asherfield
Asherfield stands out with its eco-friendly mission and unique approach to second-hand furniture. Located in Austin, Texas, Asherfield specializes in refurbished mattresses and couches and has expanded into furniture manufacturing. Their online marketplace offers a variety of gently used furniture items, emphasizing quality and sustainability.
One of Asherfield’s standout features is its comprehensive service package, including white glove delivery, refurbishment, and deep cleaning options. By partnering with Fresh Start, they ensure items are cleaned with a proprietary “Fresh Formula” before delivery. This added value makes Asherfield a trusted choice for those looking to buy high-quality, preloved furniture with ease and confidence.
eBay
eBay is a fantastic place to find unique and affordable furniture through auctions and “buy now” options. The thrill of competitive bidding can lead to great deals on high-quality pieces. Additionally, eBay’s advanced search filters allow you to narrow down options by location, price, and condition, making it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for.
The option to set alerts for specific furniture types is another useful feature. This way, you’ll be notified when listings that match your criteria are posted, ensuring you never miss out on a potential gem. With these tools, eBay remains a top contender for scoring great deals on used furniture.
Craigslist
Craigslist is ideal for finding local furniture deals, thanks to its location-based search filters. By entering your zip code or setting a specific geographic area, you can easily find items near you, saving on shipping costs and allowing for quick pickups.
However, safety should be a priority when using Craigslist. Always use a proxy email address to protect your actual email from spam, and meet in a public place, bringing a friend if possible, to ensure secure transactions. With these precautions, Craigslist can be a valuable resource for finding affordable, nearby furniture.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace also excels in connecting local sellers and facilitating location-based browsing of listings. The platform allows for direct messaging between buyers and sellers, making communication straightforward and efficient.
Creating public listings visible in Marketplace, Feed, and search results ensures your items get maximum exposure. This makes it easier to find and negotiate deals on used furniture, offering a convenient and interactive shopping experience.
Chairish
Chairish specializes in curated, high-quality vintage and gently used furniture. The platform offers a selection often featuring designer labels, ensuring you find pieces with both style and substance.
Every day, over 2,000 antique and contemporary items, curated by the Chairish team, are added. This constant influx of new inventory means there’s always something fresh to discover, making Chairish a go-to for unique and high-end furniture finds.
AptDeco
AptDeco simplifies the process of buying and selling pre-owned furniture with a user-friendly platform. Their extensive collection includes items sorted by room type, design style, or brand, helping you find exactly what you need for your home.
Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or something to complete your room, AptDeco’s range ensures you’ll find a variety of options to suit your taste and budget.
Letgo
Letgo’s user-friendly app makes it easy to find and purchase second-hand furniture locally. The platform connects buyers and sellers within their area, facilitating convenient and quick transactions.
With its intuitive interface, Letgo streamlines the process of browsing, negotiating, and arranging pickups, making it a popular choice for those looking to buy and sell furniture locally.
OfferUp
OfferUp is another popular platform for buying and selling used furniture, offering features that facilitate price negotiations and arrangement of pickups or deliveries,.
For safety, it’s recommended to meet sellers in public places, bring a friend, and use OfferUp’s secure payment options. These measures help ensure a smooth and secure transaction, making OfferUp a reliable choice for second-hand furniture shopping.
Thrift Stores’ Online Shops
Thrift stores’ online shops combine the thrill of thrifting with the convenience of online shopping. Popular thrift stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity ReStores offer unique and affordable second-hand furniture online.
Shopping at these stores not only yields unique finds at great prices but also supports charitable causes, adding an extra layer of fulfillment to your purchase.
Etsy
Etsy is renowned for its extensive selection of vintage and handmade furniture, catering to those seeking unique and one-of-a-kind pieces to pick for their cart.
To find these treasures on Etsy, follow these steps:
Use search filters and keywords to narrow down your options.
Explore different shops for a variety of styles and types.
Enjoy the personalized shopping experience that makes Etsy a favorite among vintage furniture enthusiasts.
Amazon Warehouse
Amazon Warehouse offers discounted, gently used furniture that was either returned by customers or used as display models. Paying attention to condition ratings provided for each item ensures you know the level of wear and any potential defects, helping you make informed purchases.
This makes Amazon Warehouse a practical option for finding affordable, gently used furniture.
Tips for Negotiating Price
The art of negotiation can be crucial when pricing second-hand furniture. Start by planning the transaction details, including the price, payment type, and meeting place. Independent shops are usually more open to haggling compared to chain stores, so focus your efforts there.
Gauging the retailer’s openness to negotiation can also be crucial. Here are some key strategies to keep in mind:
Ask detailed questions instead of yes/no questions to prolong the interaction and increase the likelihood of getting a discount.
Maintain a poker face to preserve your leverage.
Know when to walk away.
These strategies can help you negotiate effectively in business, potentially get a discount, or even cancel an unfavorable deal at the checkout.
Understand that not every negotiation will end in your favor, and sometimes it’s best to move on to save time and effort. With these tips, you’ll be better equipped to secure the best deals on your second-hand furniture purchases.
How to Safely Transport Your Purchase
It’s essential to transport your newly acquired furniture safely to preserve its condition. Start by breaking down the furniture as much as possible and wrapping detachable parts separately. Remove glass tops and other fragile pieces, following special packing tips for these items.
Avoid using bubble wrap or packing tape directly on delicate surfaces; instead, cover them with packing paper first. Protect fragile parts with foam padding or cardboard corner covers, and use packing peanuts or cushioning material to stabilize the furniture inside the box to prevent movement during transit.
For lighter furniture under 150 lbs., use a sturdy box or crate, foam padding, and an outer corrugated box. For heavier items, use stretch wrap and moving blankets, and ensure everything is sealed properly using the H taping method. Label the package clearly to ensure safe handling during transport.
What to Check Before Finalizing Your Purchase
A thorough inspection of the furniture for any signs of damage or potential issues is necessary before finalizing your purchase. Check for bugs, especially in the seams and crevices of upholstered furniture, to avoid infestations. Avoid pieces with strong smells or signs of pests, as these problems are difficult to resolve and can spread to other items in your home,.
Inspect for the following when buying used furniture:
Structural damage, such as cracks, broken supports, or previous repairs, to ensure the piece is sturdy and functional
Confirm that all parts, including drawers, shelves, and hardware, are present and intact
Look for signs of mold, particularly in hidden areas like inside drawers or along the base, to avoid bringing health hazards into your home.
It’s also wise to avoid furniture with lead paint, especially pieces made before 1978, due to serious health risks. By thoroughly checking each piece, you can ensure you’re making a safe and worthwhile investment.
How to Sell Your Used Furniture
Decluttering and making some extra money is a rewarding aspect of selling your used furniture. Start by cleaning and repairing your items to get them as close to showroom-ready as possible. Creating an accurate description, including any flaws and the age of the piece, is crucial for setting proper buyer expectations.
When pricing your items, consider what others are paying for similar pieces to increase the likelihood of a successful sale. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace allow you to list items for free, while Etsy charges a small fee per listing and a transaction fee upon sale. Starting with one online platform at a time can help new sellers gauge how their items perform before expanding to others.
Being willing to negotiate with potential buyers can also facilitate a sale. Researching current furniture trends will give you insight into which types of furniture are in demand, helping you price and market your items effectively.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
The reliability and satisfaction levels of purchasing second-hand furniture from various online platforms can be gleaned from customer reviews and testimonials. Many customers report finding unique and high-quality pieces at affordable prices, particularly praising the detailed descriptions and transparency of sellers.
However, some users have noted issues with the condition of the furniture upon arrival, citing discrepancies between images and actual items, as well as occasional delays in shipping times. Reading a review can help you choose reputable sellers and avoid potential pitfalls, ensuring a smoother shopping experience.
Summary
Shopping for second-hand furniture online offers numerous benefits, from significant cost savings to reducing environmental impact. By choosing quality pieces, utilizing top online platforms, and employing savvy negotiation techniques, you can find unique and affordable furniture that enhances your home.
Whether you’re buying or selling, the tips and insights provided can help you navigate the world of second-hand furniture with confidence. Embrace the charm and sustainability of used furniture, and transform your living space while making a positive impact on the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the financial benefits of buying used furniture?
Buying used furniture can save you up to 50% compared to purchasing new items, providing a cost-effective way to furnish your home.
How can I ensure the used furniture I buy is of good quality?
To ensure the used furniture you buy is of good quality, prioritize solid wood pieces, look for reputable brands, inspect details and fabric condition, and check for any recalls. Happy furniture hunting!
Which online platforms are best for buying second-hand furniture?
The top platforms for buying second-hand furniture include eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Chairish, and AptDeco. Happy hunting!
What should I check before finalizing my purchase of used furniture?
Before finalizing your purchase of used furniture, make sure to inspect for bugs, structural damage, mold, and ensure all parts are present. Avoid pieces with strong smells or signs of pests.
How can I successfully sell my used furniture online?
To successfully sell your used furniture online, clean and repair your items, create accurate descriptions, price competitively, and be willing to negotiate. Start with one platform to gauge performance before expanding your reach.