Investing in upscale used furniture may be an excellent method to acquire designer items at a significantly lower cost than retail. Finding real masterpieces that don't need major restorations or repairs requires some insider knowledge, though, while navigating the used furniture market. If you know what to look for, Maryland's consignment stores and second hand furniture clearance centers provide an abundance of possibilities, ranging from gently worn Restoration Hardware sofas to classic mid-century modern credenzas.
Continue reading for professional advice on how to discover excellent used furniture in Maryland stores and keep it in almost flawless shape for many years to come. Your finds of cheap furniture will continue to look and feel brand new with a little know-how and occasional maintenance.
Examine Used Furniture Thoroughly Before Purchasing
Thoroughly inspecting every item of high end used furniture before making a purchase is essential to finding amazing prices. While some wear and tear is to be expected with secondhand products, you should steer clear of anything that would require major repairs or that has damage that compromises structural integrity. Observe the following:
- Examine the structure as a whole. Are joints well-built? Is there anything that sways? Verify the integrity of the foundation and framing.
- Examine the upholstery and textiles. Check for severe fading, rips, or stains. Inspect the fillings of cushions for lumps or flattening.
- Check the finishes on wood. Though deeper gouges, fissures, or peeling veneers might worry you, minor surface scratches are not.
- Examine the hardware. Verify the functionality of all the drawers, doors, and adjustable features. Replace missing hardware.
- Never hesitate to directly query a secondhand furniture merchant about an item's condition if you have any doubts. Before you make a purchase, reputable stores like Corporate Rentals Clearance Center will give you information on required repairs and refurbishment.
Take Refurbishment Costs Into Account for the Total Cost
While finding designer antique pieces at discounted prices is the main drawback of purchasing High End Second Hand Furniture, some older or heavily worn items could need some modest repairs. When you compare prices, take into account the approximate expenses associated with rejuvenating various things in your total evaluations of costs.
For instance, you might spend as little as $300 at a secondhand store for a solid wood dining table with a very faded finish. However, in order to make the table seem flawless in your house, you'll need to budget an additional $200 for expert stripping and refinishing. In contrast, consider a table of a similar design that would cost $600 at retail but just has to be lightly dust before use.
Generally speaking, steer clear of buying used furniture that would cost more than twice as much to fix or repair. This makes it more likely that you'll uncover something genuinely inexpensive and excellent.
Expert Advice on Caring for Used Furniture
If you want to extend the life of your cheap used furniture purchase by a few years, make sure it receives regular care.
- Dust surfaces first, then polish them. Use moderate, environmentally friendly cleansers designed for wood, leather, upholstery textiles, polished metal, and other surfaces, along with soft microfiber towels.
- Every year, condition wood and leather. Use nourishing creams, waxes, or oils to prevent materials from drying out, cracking, or fading over time.
- Regularly fluff up cushions. To avoid uneven lumps and sinking that might happen after lengthy use in one area, rotate and disperse the fill.
- Deal with problems right away. Repair minor rips and tears in couch fabric promptly to prevent worse damage from developing. Adjust slack joints, replace missing hardware, re-paint chipped corners, etc.
- Think about hiring a skilled deep cleaner every few years. Regular housekeeping goes a long way, but to get rid of deeper filth accumulation, regularly have carpets or upholstery professionally cleaned.
Conclusion
Finding great deals at high end furniture stores in Maryland can help you design stylishly at affordable costs. With a few insider tips from the used furniture trade, the patience to sort through options and occasional TLC, you can make the most of your purchases. Before buying anything on sale, take the time to properly inspect its condition, factor in the expense of any necessary renovations, and give your amazing findings regular upkeep to keep them looking brand new.