Make Sure Your Secondhand Pieces Last
There are plenty of reasons to shop for used furniture. Used furniture stores help you save money, contribute to sustainability, and offer unique finds that you may not see in big box stores.
If you’re not a regular secondhand shopper, it can be difficult to know where to start to make sure the used furniture you choose is up to snuff. Here is a comprehensive guide that will let you know what to look for when shopping at used furniture stores.
Key Things to Check Before You Buy Used Furniture
Look for these signs you’re getting a quality piece of furniture for your workplace or home office. Reputable used office furniture stores will do this work for you.
Cleanliness
Before you go all in on pieces of furniture for your workplace, make sure to check all of the surfaces for any imperfections.
- Look for visible stains, grime, or buildup on wooden pieces.
- Check fabric and upholstery for discoloration or residue.
- Flip over a chair cushion to check the underside and make sure there are no bad surprises underneath.
- Check the underside of a desk to make sure there isn’t a wad of gum waiting to stick to your legs when you sit down.
It may feel unnecessary if the piece looks clean on first-glance, but your future self will thank you for going the extra mile.
No Unpleasant Odors
Assuming all is well on the visual front, don’t forget to check for any off-putting odors. Sniff-test cushions, fabric, drawers, and crevices. Smells from smoke, pets, or mildew can be hard to remove. If you happen to be shopping at a used office furniture store, this is important for workplace safety and employee satisfaction.
Pro Tip: Thrifted furnishings may smell better after spending a day outside in the sunshine. UV rays from the sun can help break down compounds that cause odor. But there is too much of a good thing; leave your new piece outside for too long, and you risk sun damage.
No Signs of Pests
Take a peek in the crevices of the piece you’re considering to purchase before you head out with your item. Examine seams, joints, and corners for bed bugs, roaches, or other insects. Keep an eye out for mouse droppings or chew marks.
Pro Tip: Be wary of used furniture left outside for free. It can seem like a good deal, but these pieces may be set outside for a reason. Free furniture left outside, unattended in the elements for very long, are also susceptible to mold or mildew, neither of which you want in your home or office building.
Quality of Construction
A smart shopper knows that a thorough inspection means checking the integrity of the piece’s construction.
- Test sturdiness and comfort.
- Sit in chairs to test their support.
- Open and close desk drawers to ensure they move smoothly.
- If you’re buying solid wood furniture, look for dovetail joints in the drawer construction, which will hold up better than butt joints or staples.
- Check out the file rails in filing cabinets and make sure they can support the weight of your physical file folders.
Pro Tip: Keeping longevity in mind, check joints and fastenings. Especially if you’re shopping for used office furniture, which sees more frequent use than home furnishings, doing so can save you a trip to buy a replacement.
Comfort and Functionality
Finally, the most important step is to make sure you find the piece comfortable and it will serve its function. Sit in office chairs and adjust their ergonomic functions. Pull your chair up to a desk to ensure they work well together.
Don’t ignore squeaks, stiff drawers, or uneven surfaces. If it seems like just a small problem now, remember it will only get worse in the future without your care and attention. Ensure the used office furniture you’re looking at fits your body and space, not just your aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Prioritize what matters most — durability, price, style. Maybe you just need something quickly, and you’ll buy an inexpensive version, knowing it won’t last long. Or if something isn’t in your style, but the comfort makes it worth buying. Know what you’re prioritizing before you start shopping.
Enjoy the Thrill of the Hunt for Used Furniture!
With patience and a careful eye, secondhand furniture from reputable used furniture stores can be high quality and worth the extra effort to acquire. Take your time, and make smart, lasting purchases when outfitting your workplace.