How to Shop for Furniture at a Thrift Store
Keep certain tips in mind while shopping for furniture at a thrift store to help you find exactly what you want that's worth the money. If you rush into buying used furniture, you can end up with something that collapses under the weight of a few books. Inspect the item for its aesthetic purpose, as well as for safety, check the inside of the piece, and lean on the outside of it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Know what types of used furniture you shouldn't buy. Items like mattresses and cribs should never be bought used. Mattresses can have a variety of critters living inside, including fleas, bed bugs and dust mites. A used crib can be dangerous for your child, especially if you purchase one that previously injured or killed a baby.
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Test the furniture before purchasing it. The best way to do this is to treat it how you would on a daily basis, except with a little more force. Open and close drawers, sit on chairs and couches, lean on the furniture, and shake items back and forth. Plug items in, and let them sit for a few minutes to check they won't short out or get extremely hot.
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Check if the furniture has been recalled. USA.gov has an application for android phones that combines information from four major government agencies -- the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Agriculture, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission -- to provide consumers with a list of items that have been recalled. Before purchasing any furniture at a thrift store, search the app, which is available for download on the USA.gov website.
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Search the entire piece of furniture for damage. Check for cracks or warping or any signs that a piece is unsteady or wobbly under moderate pressure, all of which are signs you should move onto something else. Look underneath sofas and seating for a strong frame, such as one made from oak.
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Imagine the furniture with a few changes. Don't pass up on a piece just because it has chipped paint, ugly drawer pulls or stained fabric on the seat. A few simple do-it-yourself projects may take some time, but can transform the piece. Ask for a discount if you notice aesthetic issues you know you can safely and easily repair.
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