6 Secrets to Buying Used Furniture

During the summer, many of us move around Estonia more than usual. On these outings, you can stumble upon exciting shops, markets, and fairs where used furniture is sold among other antiques. We can never pass by the entrance of any antique shop without going in, because who knows what interesting item awaits us there for the price of a sandwich.

Unfortunately, it's easy to lose your head in such a place and as a result of a big shopping spree, discover a piece of furniture in your home that costs several times more than expected to restore, or the new cupboard is so large that it doesn't quite fit in any room.

If you follow these tips, you can decorate your home without regret with some charming old furniture.

Visit many sales locations

That right coffee table or dresser is not waiting for you in the first shop you happen to come across. (Although of course it's not ruled out and besides, there is such a thing as beginner's luck.) Enter antique shops even if you're not looking for something specific. You'll probably not find exactly what you've been thinking of, but maybe you'll come across something unexpected, not knowing beforehand that you needed it. Over time, you accumulate quite a collection of beautiful furniture pieces with which to make your home unique and distinctive.

Bring cash to the fair

Sometimes a chair or cabinet that caught your eye might appeal to another buyer as well, and for that reason it would be good if you didn't have to go somewhere to get cash, but had a sufficient amount in your wallet. This way there's no risk that someone will take your new favorite item with them. In most antique shops you can pay by card, but at fairs this option is rare.

Inspect the item before buying

If it's at all possible, then inspect the item before you take money out of your wallet. Shopping online is certainly very convenient, but you only get a true picture of the condition of an old piece of furniture by touching it with your hands and looking at it with your eyes.

And in general, maybe you don't feel that right feeling when touching a new dining table. Then just don't buy it.

Of course, online shops and auction environments are also full of great things, so don't misunderstand – we don't recommend you avoid them. Rather, we encourage you to browse physical stores in addition to surfing online.

If you can touch an item with your finger, pay attention to the following things.

• Are all parts present?

Cabinet knobs, drawer handles, strips, ornaments?

• Are the legs of the furniture piece in good condition or damaged by moisture?

If the legs have been damaged by moisture, see if it's possible to shorten them a bit and thus save the piece of furniture or if it requires more extensive repair.

• Check if and how much damage insects have done to the item.
• Is the furniture piece stable or does it wobble when moved?
• Do the drawers open smoothly and are they otherwise in working order?
• Hasn't repair work been done on the item that has actually harmed it?
• Doesn't the item smell strange? Smoke smell or a certain smell left by cats is not at all easy to remove from soft furniture.
• Is the upholstery intact or does it need replacement?

Visit antique shops in small towns

Take advantage of summer trips and pop into antique shops in small places. The prices there are usually cheaper than in bigger cities, but the goods can be even better.

Take measurements!

Used furniture probably cannot be exchanged or returned to the shop, so write down the necessary measurements on a small note and keep it between your wallet. This way you won't have to worry later about unpleasant surprises when a piece of furniture is too large or too small.

And if you're going out early in the morning with the intention to go through as many antique shops as possible or are planning to visit a fair, then put a measuring tape in your bag just in case.

Buy only things you can restore yourself at first

If you're a beginner when it comes to buying used furniture, then only purchase things that you can restore yourself. This way you avoid situations where the restoration of a purchased item costs several times more than you thought. Later, when you're familiar with restoration prices, you can already buy items in worse condition if you know that overall the price will be reasonable.

Exciting finds and wise purchases!