Acquiring secondhand furniture offers numerous advantages, primarily significant cost savings. Yet, making an ill-informed purchase can result in unfavorable consequences. It is vital to thoroughly vet your potential buys before introducing them into your living space. This guide outlines essential considerations to keep in mind when shopping for secondhand furniture.
- Steer Clear of Used Mattresses
Used mattresses are among the least advisable secondhand purchases. While the prospect of saving money on a mattress is tempting, the potential downsides are not worth the cost reduction. Mattresses can harbor odors, stains, and even harmful substances, as you have no knowledge of the previous users. Moreover, they pose a heightened risk of introducing allergens, bed bugs, or mold into your home. This caution applies doubly when seeking a crib mattress for an infant.
- Avoid Foul Odors
Never underestimate the significance of scent when considering secondhand furniture. Furniture, particularly upholstered pieces, can trap odors such as smoke, pet scents, cooking odors, or worse. Eliminating these odors can be an arduous task. Furthermore, these undesirable smells may permeate other furnishings in your home, illustrating why local thrift stores frequently reject donations of such items.
- Examine for Structural Integrity
Prior to purchasing any secondhand furniture, conduct a thorough examination for structural integrity. While minor cosmetic issues can be remedied, significant structural damage is more challenging and costly to repair. When inspecting a piece, check for cracks, broken supports, or signs of previous repairs – any of these are indicators of potential issues. If you’re considering chairs or sofas, take a seat and listen for any creaking or popping sounds, which might signal underlying problems.
- Verify the Completeness of Parts
Ensure that all components are present. For instance, when purchasing a dresser set, confirm the availability of all drawers, drawer pulls, mirrors, and hardware. Similarly, when looking at bookshelves, confirm that all necessary shelves and shelf pegs are included. Replacing missing parts can be a challenge, especially for older furniture items.
- Inspect for Insect Infestation
Beware of termites and bed bugs, which may lurk in secondhand furniture and potentially infest your home. Wooden furniture infested with termites may show visible damage upon inspection. Signs of termites include frass (tiny termite droppings) and shed termite wings. When considering upholstered furniture, carefully inspect for bed bugs. Place the item over a white sheet, run your finger through creases, and observe closely for any movement, skin, or feces stains.
- Watch Out for Lead Paint
Furniture manufactured before 1978 might contain lead paint, posing health risks, especially for children. Signs of lead paint include cracked or wrinkled surfaces resembling alligator scales. Lead paint leaves a chalky residue when rubbed. For uncertain cases, instant lead test swabs can provide clarity.
- Search for Mold
Mold is another unwelcome substance in secondhand furniture. It poses health concerns, particularly for individuals with allergies or asthma. Thoroughly inspect furniture, especially inside drawers and cabinets, as mold can resemble dust or dirt. To differentiate, apply diluted bleach to a small section; if it lightens, it’s likely mold.
- Evaluate Condition and Comfort
Ensure the furniture is in usable condition unless you intend to embark on a restoration project. Test the comfort of chairs and sofas to ascertain they meet your comfort standards.
- Shop Wisely
The appeal of secondhand furniture shopping lies in saving money. Even when considering antique or vintage pieces, make sure you’re getting a great deal. Comparison shopping is crucial, and don’t forget to factor in potential repair costs.
- Check for Recalls
Before finalizing your purchase, verify that the item has not been recalled. Selling recalled furniture is illegal, but it’s possible that the seller is unaware of any recalls. You can check for recalls on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website to ensure the safety of your chosen piece.
image source : bobvila – depositphotos
