The Type Of Furniture You Should Avoid Buying At The Local Thrift Store

Furniture is often an investment with pieces easily costing hundreds or thousands of dollars, so it makes sense that most U.S. consumers who buy secondhand furniture do so to save money. Nothing beats the feeling of making the ultimate furniture score at your local thrift stop — that is until you discover all its issues. You can find tons of useful, affordable, and unique furniture, but there are also just some items that you should think twice before buying at a thrift store. Before you swipe your card, avoid buying upholstered furniture. 

Any couches, arm chairs, sofas, and other furniture pieces with a padded coverings like leather or other soft materials attached to its frame is considered upholstered furniture. While being a super comfy addition in your home, years of constant use puts those pieces through the ringer. And let's be honest, you do not know where the item came from, where it was stored, or how it was used. It comes with too many what-ifs to comfortably bring into your home. Don't get stuck with a bulky item that you can't use; instead, know the reasons why to walk away.

Unless you plan to reupholster the item and deep clean it, steer clear of upholstered items. Used chairs and couches are perfect nesting and breeding grounds for pests like bed bugs, roaches, and fleas. These bugs can jump or crawl from object to object, spreading to other upholstered pieces, carpet, pets, and people. Once they find their new home, they burrow deep inside, making it nearly impossible for you to tell at first glance. If you end up loving an upholstered piece and can't part ways, wrap it in plastic for a few days to suffocate any pests lingering inside. Vacuuming, steam-cleaning, and applying diatomaceous earth are other steps you can take.

If the thought of creepy crawlies wasn't enough, used upholstered furniture is prone to strong smells, rips, and stains due to its wear and tear over time. In the store, it may be hard to discover smells like smoke and various stains when surrounded by other furniture pieces. To alleviate these issues, use the all-natural method to clean your upholstered furniture. Remember to follow those steps before any used furniture enters your home or immediately after you spot problems.

Let's address the elephant in the room — reupholstery. One of the best places to find these project pieces is your local thrift store. Don't worry, you don't have to say sayonara to your favorite hobby or side hustle, especially since you plan on tossing out the fabric and padding anyway. Instead, the piece's structure is what matters. Durability and strength are the key factors you are looking for. Skip the pieces that are wobbly or have issues like loose springs and broken frames. Look for older or vintage furniture made with solid wood. With the right care, these pieces are typically sturdy and long-lasting. From there, you can update the fabric and cushions while still having a durable item. 

While you should avoid buying upholstered furniture from your local thrift store, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on the rest. If you plan on resale shopping, there are many smart tips for buying secondhand furniture like setting a budget, looking for damage, and checking closely for smells and stains.