Finding Refurbished Furniture

Posted August 7th, 2008

Looking to save a little cash? Try shopping secondhand. Here are my tips for buying previously owned and loved goods.

• Consider how much of an investment you are willing to make before you start searching. Remember that you may need to invest a bit to spruce up the piece. This will help narrow your search.

• Transform a hidden treasure! Don’t be afraid of scratches or nicks in the finish-especially if it’s wood. You can turn a mediocre piece into something really fantastic with a little TLC. Work wonders with a fresh coat of paint, new upholstering, or even a slipcover. I just got an incredible velvet tufted chair from eBay. It’s a bit rough around the edges from years of use. I saw the chair and knew it had endless possibilities because of its very unique shape and structure. With a little work - this piece will make a really striking statement.

• Be aware of any major “character flaws” that the item may have so you can manage your expectations of the piece. Contact the seller directly for more detailed pictures and information.

• eBay allows you to search within 10-2,000 miles of your zip code. This way, you can actually check the piece out before you purchase it. Added bonus: save on shipping! A few years ago, I purchased an amazing sofa from an eBay seller in Connecticut. I drove out to the seller’s home to give the piece a close examination. The couch was a steal - but needed some work. I had the cushions recovered and sold the couch for a huge profit!

Tagged: hidden treasure, investment, refurbished, secondhand, shipping, slipcover, spruce, TLC, upholster