Thrifting Furniture: A Guide- Tips for finding quality furniture online

Thrifting furniture can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to find unique and affordable pieces that add character to your home. With the rise of online marketplaces, it's now easier than ever to discover hidden gems from the comfort of your couch. In this post, we'll share tips and tricks for finding high-quality furniture online.

1. Choose Reputable Online Platforms

• Research: Look for online marketplaces with positive reviews and a good reputation. Here are some recommended platforms.  Of course Kwibal aggregates these for you into one app.
  • Facebook Marketplace: A popular online marketplace for buying and selling local items.
  • Chairish: A high-end online marketplace for vintage and secondhand furniture.

• • Nextdoor: A neighborhood-based social networking app where you can find local buy and sell groups and discover secondhand items for sale in your area.
  • OfferUp: A popular app for buying and selling local items, including furniture.

2. Know Your Measurements

• Measure accurately: Take measurements of your space to avoid buying furniture that doesn't fit.
• Check dimensions: Refer to the product listing for accurate dimensions and specifications.

3. Search for Keywords

• Furniture styles: Use keywords like "mid-century modern," "vintage," or "antique" to find pieces that match your style.
• Materials: Search for specific materials like "wood," "metal," or "upholstered" to narrow down your options.
• Brands: If you have specific brands in mind, search for their names.

4. Inspect the Listing Carefully

• Photos: Examine the photos closely for any flaws or damage.
• Description: Read the description carefully for details about the item's condition, size, and materials.
• Seller reviews: Check the seller's reviews to see if they have a good reputation.

5. Ask Questions

• Don't hesitate to ask: If you have any questions about the item, contact the seller.
• Request additional photos: If you need more information, ask for additional photos.

6. Be Patient and Persistent

• It takes time: Finding the perfect piece can take time. Be patient and keep searching.
• Set alerts: Use the platform's alert features to be notified when new items in your preferred categories are added.

Best and Worst Pieces to Buy Used

• Best pieces to buy used:
  • Solid wood furniture: Well-made solid wood furniture can last for generations and often appreciates in value over time.
  • Vintage and antique pieces: Unique and timeless pieces with historical significance can be great investments.
  • Smaller items: Chairs, tables, and shelves are often easier to transport and restore than larger pieces.
• Worst pieces to buy used:
  • Upholstered furniture: Upholstery can be difficult and expensive to replace, so it's important to inspect it carefully for wear and tear.
  • Mattresses and Pillows: They are often difficult to clean and sanitize, and they may have hidden stains, allergens and bed bugs!
  • Large, bulky items: Large pieces like sofas and armoires can be difficult and expensive to transport.  Except when you use Kwibal where they help manage the pick up and delivery of bulky items when you buy through them!

Thrifting furniture online can be a rewarding way to find unique and affordable pieces that add character to your home. By following these tips and choosing the right pieces, you can create a stylish and sustainable living space. Happy thrifting!

Check out our last post in this series- DIY Projects with Thrifted Items: Repurpose and upcycle secondhand treasures.