Thrifting furniture and home decor is a savvy way to style your home.
But if you ignore these warning signs, youll end up with more than you bargained for.
It gives your space a unique and curated look while also saving you money in the process.
Credit:Jay Wilde
Plus, if your plan is to upcycle and resell,collecting thrifted piecescan eventually make you a profit.
But before you hit the secondhand store, there are a few red flags to be aware of.
This is especially true for larger or more valuable pieces, such as furniture or artwork.
But if a piece looks truly worse for the wear, think twice before buying it.
Smallscratches in leathercan be patched.
However, if the tears are extensive, its probably not worth the investment.
Possible Pest Infestations
Bed bugs are always a concern when buying secondhand items, especiallymattressesand pillows.
Fortunately, this red flag can be easy to see.
Or, it could be for a more unethical reason.
Another red flag is far-fetched provenance, or the history of past ownership," Curl says.
Its possible that documentation doesnt exist and that hearsay provenance is still legitimate.
Educating yourself onantiques and collectiblescan work in your favor, Curl says.
Strong or Offensive Odors
Lets say you spotted a sweet armchair and are satisfied with its sticker price.
But when you get closer, theres an undeniable smell.
In the case of wood furniture,removing water stainsis a tricky task unless its tackled swiftly.
So, unless you plan to makeover a piece with paint, pass on those with noticeable discoloration marks.
Denial of In-Person Showing for Local Purchases
Ideally, alwaysbuy used furniturein person to assess its condition.
Most trustworthy sellers understand that an investment, even secondhand, is worth consideration.
Take the time to open all drawers and doors to confirm the slides and hinges work properly.
AnEPA-approved lead testing kitcan provide some peace of mind (theyre reportedly up to 96% accurate).
