6 Common Errors People Make When Buying Secondhand Furniture

Thrifting has surged in popularity—it’s a fantastic way to save money, uncover something truly unique, and help the environment all at once. However, scoring excellent furniture and decor from thrift stores and estate sales isn't as simple as picking up anything at your local big-box store. Here are six mistakes to steer clear of when thrifting for furniture and decor, plus two things you should make sure to do.

Don’t Purchase Anything Without Thoroughly Inspecting It

Kate Zamprioli, a content creator and thrift enthusiast known as Candy Colored Home, emphasizes the importance of carefully examining an item before buying it. She shares, 'I’ve rushed into purchasing pottery or furniture only to discover later that it had small cracks or other damage.'

She suggests taking the time to verify the quality, weight, markings, materials, and age of a piece. 'If you’re unfamiliar with an item, do as much research as possible right then,' she advises. 'Google Lens is incredibly useful for comparing prices.'

Don’t Buy Items You Can’t Fix

While it’s possible to repaint wooden furniture or mend broken pottery, it’s crucial to honestly assess your DIY abilities. 'If the repair is too complex (like reupholstering) and you’re a beginner or lack the time, leave it for someone else,' recommends Zamprioli.

Jessie Read, a contemporary painter and thrifting expert, also suggests steering clear of upholstered pieces. 'If I can’t resist a piece that needs reupholstering, I must consider the amount of fabric and labor costs,' she says. 'The expenses can quickly accumulate.'

Don’t Walk Away If You Truly Love It

If you spot something you adore but aren’t sure about, don’t hesitate unless you’re okay with losing it. 'If you love it, don’t set it down or walk away!' advises Zamprioli. 'Especially if it’s rare or one-of-a-kind. Someone else is likely to snap it up, and you’ll miss your chance. I’ve lost items I loved because I couldn’t commit in the moment, and I’ve regretted it. Nothing haunts us like the vintage we didn’t buy.'

Don’t Shop on Weekends

If it’s possible, Zamprioli recommends shopping during the week. 'Try to avoid going to thrift stores on weekends if you can,' she says. 'They tend to be more crowded then, and stores usually restock on specific weekdays, which gives you a better chance to find something amazing.'

Don’t Use Hyper-Specific Search Terms Online

Zamprioli advises against being overly specific in your online searches. 'I know it sounds counterintuitive,' she says, 'but my recommendation for the search bar is to try different ways of wording the same item.'

For instance, if you're looking for a Karl Springer-style table, the best deals often come from sellers who aren’t aware of what they have. So, instead of just searching 'Karl Springer table,' consider searching terms like curved table, curvy table, wavy table, C-shaped table, scroll table, sculptural table, or post-modern table. 'It’s more time-consuming, but sometimes even just 'table' can lead to great finds,' Zamprioli adds.

However, if you're searching for a very specific item, you might have better luck on specialized online marketplaces like Kaiyo, 1stDibs, Chairish, or AptDeco.

Avoid Good Deals (Seriously)

Lastly, just because something is a great deal doesn’t mean it’s right for you. 'It can be hard not to justify a purchase when it's a good price, but if you’re not a reseller, I’d recommend passing,' says Zamprioli. 'I’ve ended up with a very cluttered house filled with items that were good deals or trends I thought I needed (but wasn’t really in love with), and I eventually have to part with them—sometimes at a loss.'

Remember, saying 'no' to something that’s not quite right for you allows you to say 'yes' to something else that’s better.

Things You Should Do While Thrifting

Expand Your Horizons

There are endless places to thrift, both in person and online. Zamprioli suggests broadening your search and checking out smaller towns, especially if you're from a large city. 'Bigger cities are often oversaturated with vintage hunters looking for the next big find,' she explains. 'You’re much more likely to discover something special in a small, random town.'

Come Prepared

'If you’re on the hunt for a specific item like furniture, make sure you know its exact measurements beforehand and always have a pocket measuring tape with you,' says Zamprioli. While a metal tape measure may be slightly heavier, it’s easier to use than a plastic one, especially if you're shopping solo.

It’s also important to plan for transportation when buying larger furniture, and be sure to clean out your trunk beforehand if needed.