Today we'll be posting how to find some great, used pieces for your home and we'll show you some tips to ensure that you're getting the BEST bang for your buck!
It doesn't matter what you're looking for, there are a few key things you should always keep in mind when shopping around for used furniture.Special attention should be paid to your soft goods ( Fabric upholstery, etc). Buying a piece without checking these things out first could cost you more money in the long run. Here's a checklist for shopping.
Beds- When buying a bed make sure that the rails, slats and all accessories are included. If it's a king size bed, be sure that the center support is included with the purchase. Finding items for furniture that's more than a few years old is nearly impossible. Using an inproper support system could cause serious damage your mattress. So, please be sure these items are included with the purchase or you could spend more time and money shopping around for them in the future.
Mattresses- Buying a used mattress in my opinion is never a good idea. With the recent outbreak of bedbugs, you might be bringing home more than just the mattress set! But, if you opt to do this, here's a few things that you can do to make sure you're getting a quality mattress set. Check the law tags. These tags sewn onto the sides of the mattress, they usually say: "Do not remove under penalty of law".
These tags will tell you where and when it was made. If these tags are missing, this could mean that it's defective or that it had a warranty issue. Also, don't be fooled into thinking that warranties can be transferred, more often than not, companies will not extend the warranty if the mattress is sold to a 3rd party. Also, pass it up if their are stains (even if they're small, it could be a sign of bedbugs) or if the mattress is more than eight years old.
Chairs, Sofas and Soft goods- There are some important things you should search for when shopping for a used upholstery piece. The cushions are key, be extremely cautious if you see a sag or dip in the seat. Replacing foam can actually be quite expensive. It can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 ( depending on the size and shape of your furniture) to replace the foam or down in your sofa or chair. It's also important to check the hardware inside. If you're able to turn the piece upside down, check for broken foundations or springs. Also, how has this piece been stored? Take a look at this chair that I found for sale on Craigslist:
And, don't forget to always use your discretion, if it looks too good to be true, it probaby is. But most importantly, have fun and use this as an opportunity to use your creativity!
Stephanie Thayer is an Interior Decorator and founder of Posh Interior of Apex, a female based decorating firm. For more information on our services, please check out our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Posh-Interiors/158964643862?v=wall&viewas=0