Second hand furniture is a great way to give your home a unique flare.  It’s also a thoughtful and meaningful way to make your home more sustainable. But make no mistake; second-hand is not necessarily cheap. In fact, the price for second hand furniture varies widely.  Some cost next to nothing, while others are coveted collectibles with prices to match.  Regardless, one thing is for sure– when you invest your time and money on second hand finds, you will end up with a one-of-a-kind piece that speaks to your personal style as well as your commitment to sustainable living (or reducing your environmental footprint).  

So the next time you need a piece of furniture for your home, try jumping off the consumer treadmill and buying second-hand.  Here are some basic tips to help you:

Basic Tips:

• Plan, Plan, Plan:  There is just so much out there. Have an idea of what you are looking for and a budget in mind.  Remember to take measurements of the space you intend to rest your piece – don’t forget to measure your door and lift heights.  We can’t tell you how many times pieces never made it into someone’s home because of this simple omission.  
• Be patient and give yourself time: If you have something specific in mind, it might take some time to find.  Don’t rush the process, thinking of it like a treasure hunt.  You will keep the pieces that you invest time in longer. 
• Be open-minded:  Oftentimes you’ll find that you have one thing in mind but end up falling in love with something completely different.  This is part of the fun so enjoy it!  
• Look for the potential: Look beyond the piece in front of you.  Can you personalize the piece further by painting it a different color or adding special hardware to it?  Could this be an interesting DIY project for yourself or something your trusted handyman/contractor can help you with?  Get your creative juices flowing.
• Do your research: If you’re after a period piece, research and educate yourself on the designs from that era.  Then look at what is available in the marketplace.
• Pay attention and ask questions: Is this a quality piece? How's the craftsmanship?  Is it made from durable materials? Has the piece been maintained properly? Has it been modified?
• Look for the Story:  Whether it is the thrill of the find, the history you uncover, the conversations you have along the way, the challenges you encounter; second-hand pieces are full of stories and you are now part of the thread.

Share your Second hand Stories

What’s your second-hand story?  We’d love to hear from you.  Submit a short story with a picture of your find at info@dontthrowme.com and we will publish it on our socials.