5 Key Guidelines to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Used Furniture

Buying secondhand is an enjoyable, eco-friendly endeavor that lets you effortlessly bring personality and charm into your living space. If you're a beginner in the world of vintage and antique furniture, these five expert tips will assist you in navigating thrift stores, estate sales, and more.

Familiarize Yourself with Top Brands and Craftsmanship

Save time while thrifting by researching reputable vintage furniture brands beforehand. This way, you'll know what items to grab and which ones to pass on.

"Henredon, Drexel Heritage, Lexington, and Thomasville are a few brands that produce long-lasting, high-quality furniture pieces," says Paige Kontrafouris, a vintage seller and content creator. She also mentions that certain fabric manufacturers like Lee Jofa, Scalamandre, and Schumacher are known for their top-tier quality. Kontrafouris adds, "The more you familiarize yourself with these high-end brands, the more hidden gems you'll uncover!"

In addition to focusing on trusted brands, it’s important to examine how a piece is built, according to Sarah Gibson, the blogger behind Room for Tuesday. "Look for details like dovetail joints, mortise and tenon, or doweled joints, which are markers of high-quality, handmade furniture," she advises.

Accept that most vintage pieces won’t be flawless—but always check for any damage.

Many vintage and antique pieces have stood the test of time (and are built to endure for many more years), but this means they’re rarely in perfect condition when you first find them.

"Vintage pieces often come with small imperfections, which only add to their charm and personality," says Sarah Hargrave, founder of The Collective. She also notes that you can easily enhance these pieces to suit your taste. "Consider refinishing, touch-ups, or swapping out hardware to create a look that’s uniquely yours and timeless," Hargrave recommends.

While many vintage items may show minor imperfections, you don’t want to end up with a piece of furniture that has hidden damage. "Be sure to inspect every side and angle—check the back, sides, and even the interior if possible," says Lily Barfield, founder of Lily's Vintage Finds. "You don’t want to be surprised by damage after bringing it home."

Approach upholstered furniture with care.

Buying secondhand upholstered furniture is often better suited for those prepared to restore or refurbish the item.

"Even if a vintage chair has a solid frame, what’s hidden underneath might tell a different story—think years of wear, potential allergens, or structural issues," says Krystal Reinhard, founder of Old Soul Design Studio.

Kate Pearce, the founder of Kate Pearce Vintage, always ensures that any upholstered items she buys secondhand come from smoke-free environments. "Cigarette smoke is incredibly hard to remove from upholstered furniture," she explains.

While it’s possible to reupholster a chair or sofa, keep in mind that the process can be expensive. "It usually requires a professional to do it properly," Pearce notes. "So be sure to include that in your budget and time considerations when thinking about these pieces."

Consider the versatility of a piece.

When buying secondhand items, especially those that are more of an investment, think about the different ways you could incorporate them into your home.

"I love finding vintage and antique furniture that’s multi-functional so I can use it in various spaces in the future," says Barfield. "For example, a chest of drawers or an elegant cabinet might fit perfectly in your current entryway but could also be great in a dining or living room later on."

Versatile pieces you can look for include side tables, chests, upholstered furniture with timeless designs, consoles, and cabinets, according to Barfield.

Trust your instincts.

There’s nothing more frustrating than hesitating over a secondhand find only to discover it’s been snatched up by someone else. "You have to trust your gut," says Barfield. "If you pass on something you love, you may never find another like it. Trust yourself and buy what truly speaks to you!"