Second-hand shopping has been a hit for the interiors industry for decades, and with the rise of sustainability and more people wanting to cut down on the use of landfills and pollution, the world of furniture thrifting has skyrocketed!
Photo Source: Vinterior
There are so many benefits when it comes to second-hand sourcing, with one of the most notable being that sometimes you can stretch your budget and purchase much more than you could otherwise afford. It also allows you to find high-quality pieces that reflect your home and its style.
Photo Source: Vinterior
With so many places to grab yourself pre-loved furniture pieces, it is not always easy to know where to shop and what to buy. Below we have shared tips to source second-hand furnishings like a pro:
Purchase What You Admire
It may sound obvious, but only purchase what you genuinely admire and pretty much fall in-love with.
Photo Source: Vinterior
Have a Game Plan If you enter the store with an idea of what you’re looking to source, then you’re more likely to leave with items you will genuinely use and appreciate, as opposed to going home with a series of items you just couldn’t pass up that don’t work with your design scheme.
Photo Source: Fruitcocktail Collectibles
Find a Fixer-Upper Remember, not everything you see may be perfect, but you can always alter and re-imagine pieces. A bit of DIY and upcycling will make your items a notch more unique and transform one’s trash into another’s treasure.
Photo Source: Melanie Jade Design
Authenticity is Everything
No matter if you are a casual home furnishings collector or a serious antique enthusiast, it is important to understand the value and history of your chosen product. Ask questions and confirm pieces really are what the seller claims them to be.
We suggest always making sure that you know enough about the authenticity of the item before completing the sale. You wouldn’t want to pay the price for an authentic item without it actually being authentic.
Using apps and websites such as Kovel’s is a notable way of obtaining a price guide and appraisals for your item(s) in question, as well as helping you to identify the legitimacy.
Photo Source: Vinterior
Learn Your Charity
Various second-hand shops run for profit, whilst others are non-profit. It is important to note which store type you are shopping in before purchasing.
Most support great causes, with donations going towards the less fortunate women’s shelters, job training for those with disabilities, as well as countless other causes.
Spending at a second-hand shop is a wonderful way to give back to the community as well as bag yourself a handful of one-off furniture pieces. It’s a well-balanced win for all parties involved!
Photo Source: Vinterior
And Now the Search Begins…
So where do you start sourcing your next most-loved item?
If you are an online lover, we recommend starting your search with marketplace websites designed specifically for second-hand furniture such as Pamono, Vinterior and Selency.
On the other hand, if you prefer to physically see and touch your furniture finds before taking them to their new home, check out antique shops, fairs, and flea markets. A few locations include The Old Cinema, Reborn Furniture, and IACF (The International Antiques & Collectors Fairs).
Where will you be second-hand sourcing next?
Let us know in the comments section below. Happy second-hand shopping!
by Keleisha Simpson