Buying furniture secondhand is a great way to save money and attain your dream vintage apartment.
Buying furniture secondhand is a great way to save money and attain your dream vintage apartment. However, not all secondhand furniture is in good condition or should be reused. Here are some tips to guide your furniture shopping.
Check the Condition
While looking at secondhand furniture, big issues like tears in the upholstery or stains will immediately catch your eye. You can reupholster any piece of furniture as long as the skeleton of the piece is in good condition. However, if the repairs for the piece are more than it is worth, then skip it. Buying secondhand can lead to finding the ultimate mid-century couch, but spending more on repairs than you did while buying it will ruin its enjoyment.
How Old is the Piece?
If you have a hard time determining how old the furniture is, consider not buying it. Older furniture may be made with materials like lead or asbestos that are now banned materials. However, if it is the piece to complete your vintage-style apartment, consider getting it reupholstered or evaluated by a furniture professional.
Always Clean Secondhand Furniture Thoroughly
Depending on where you found your treasure, it may need a thorough cleaning. Avoid taking furniture off the street unless it has been there only for a few hours and you have the resources to clean it. In cities, people leave furniture on the street for garbage collection. Many bargain hunters take this secondhand furniture home regularly. Without knowing where the piece has been, consider giving it a thorough cleaning. Thrift stores clean clothes and garments very well, but furniture can be harder to clean well quickly.
How to Clean Your New Secondhand Furniture
Depending on the type of furniture, it may be harder to keep in good condition while cleaning. The older the piece is, the more simple your cleaning routine should be. You should soak any removable covers in a tub with fabric cleaner, possibly overnight. Any pillows or cushions should be cleaned depending on the material they are made out of. Do not be afraid to get pieces of your new furniture dry cleaned. Happy decorating!
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