The Ten Commandments of Buying Used Furniture You see a chair on the curb. It's sitting right in front of your building and it's free. Or, you're at the thrift store and spy a cheap sofa. But something holds you back. If only there were guidelines — holy reminders if you will — of things to keep in mind while looking at used furniture. How do you decide if it's the right thing to re-do? Or if you should run in the other direction? 1. Thou Shalt Look for Tags - This should be first on the checklist: flip the piece over and see if there's a tag. If it says IKEA, boohoo. If it looks like it's from the 70s and reads Thayer Coggin, put a sheet and some caution tape around it as camouflage, then run — don't walk — to find someone help you haul it home. Random side note: This isn't to say that you can't take home the IKEA item; just don't invest money in re-doing it. See this side table/stool thing? I bought it at some random secondhand store in Burlington, Vermont. I think it was like $20 and it reminded me of these so I quickly bought it.
As soon as I got it home, I flipped it over and — lo and behold — there was the dreaded Walmart sticker. It's still in my living room, and will do for now, but I shouldn't have even paid twenty bucks for it, and certainly would never bring it to some guy to refinish. For other inspiration, the women at Chairloom are always doing great work. Thou Shalt Not Worship False Furniture Thou Shalt Sit On It Thou Shalt Examine Any Cushions Be Not Afraid of Simple Fixes Thou Shalt Not Kill Strong Odors & Pests (Easily) 8. Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness to Your Wallet - Don't get swept up in that $60 price tag, without considering the very real expense of getting it re-done. Even with re-usable cushions, you'll still have to purchase yards of fabric, then pay someone to upholster it. Mentally calculate what it will really cost you when all is said and done. Is it worth the expense? Thou Shalt Not Covet For example: I got this sofa off Craigslist for free a couple of years ago, and couldn't part with it.
I love the chrome against the fabric and it's otherwise very basic, clean and in good shape. For years I moved it around to various awkward spots in my home and garage. Then, as part of the August Style Cure, I finally traded in the Scandinavian crack den look and redid the room, along the sofa. In this instance, I'm glad I hung onto it, even if it did take a while. Remember Your Day of Rest - Re-edited from a post published on 2/28/2013 - DFWe scoured our archives and picked our editors' brains for the best furniture stores on the web. Here's to never standing in line or dealing with a moody sales associate ever again. We're always swooning over Made Goods shagreen dressers, side tables, mirrors and lighting that can give any space a fresh new feel. USM Modular's storage systems are ideal for a home office, living room or even a kitchen brimming with dishware. Interior HomeScapes' offerings range from rustic pieces to modern designs — all with a reasonable price tag.
ABC Carpet & Home just about has it all — from Tom Dixon trace dining tables to rusticated antique dressers. And, of course, tons of beautifully dyed rugs. If you're hunting for your next beach house find, head to Serena & Lily. You'll find everything from rattan bar carts to bamboo trays on this site. Clean and minimal designs rule the roost at Blu Dot. The site features everything from office-appropriate shelving systems to leather ottomans, like the one shown here. 2Modern has, well, all the modern pieces you could ask for. Lillian August features furnishings, accessories, books and more, with just the right amount of glamour. Suite NY is where to find some seriously stylish pieces for your home office. Unique furnishings and special oddities are always in stock at FLAIR. This enormous furniture house based in Houston has everything you can think of, from table linens to chaise lounges. Get AERIN's (as in Aerin Lauder's) super chic style in your home, including this gold bookcase.
From custom furnishings to home essentials, Jayson Home covers it all. You'll also find case goods, petrified wooden furniture and curiosities to style your bookshelf. LuLu & Georgia offers some of the most whimsical garden stools around, as well as ottomans, desks and a killer assortment of rugs. Comfortable lounges, sofas and ottomans abound at Capsule Home. But you also won't want to miss their collection of floor and table lamps. Beautiful center tables are a staple at Bunny Williams. The leading designer's site also features desks, dressers and beautifully upholstered seatings. Find everything from dining tables to kids room furniture, plus a healthy dose of nostalgia at Bobby Berk Home. If your looking for functional yet stylish barstools, Design Within Reach is your answer. The well-known company is also the place to go for iconic designs from the mid-century to present. From desk chairs to sofas to rocking chairs, Sit Down NY is all about finding a place to perch.
H.D. Buttercup's offerings range from glamorous to subtle and features something for every room in your home. The Future Perfect's minimalist console systems, lighting, seating and more are a modern design lover's dream. Michael Dawkins shelving systems range from aged wood to lacquer to chrome, and their collection of upholstery seatings are just about as serene and cozy as it gets. The Alex Rattan Chair from Shop Society Social is among the site's more traditional offerings. You'll also find poufs, bar carts and upholstered pieces in a rainbow of colors. Find a desk, storage system or side table alongside traditional-style upholstery at Ballard Designs. "Traditional doesn't mean old-fashioned" is a Horchow ethos reflected in its wide selection of sofas, settees, chaises, sectionals and other furnishings. Homenature is exactly what it sounds like — a one-stop shop for bringing the outdoors in. , including low-lying beds and contemporary storage solutions.