Tips for identifying good buys—and what to avoid—when buying furniture, accessories and kitchenware at second-hand stores.

Patience can turn many thrift store items into treasures and save a lot of money. Plus, there’s great satisfaction in finding high-quality furniture and reducing waste. Here are tips to help you identify good buys at second-hand stores and what to avoid when furnishing your home.

Measure before you shop, measure when you shop

Thrift stores aren’t known for accepting returns so measure your space—including doorways—as well as the furniture that catches your eye before you buy.

Selecting furniture

Many shoppers find first-rate furniture at second-hand shops. Folks save big on everything from bedroom suites to living room sofas and end tables to kitchen tables and chairs.

These questions will help you evaluate if the furniture is worth buying:

• Is it solid wood or particle/composite board? Solid wood will last longer and can be refinished. Particle board is usually not suitable for refinishing and won’t hold up to heavy use.
• Are any flaws easily remedied? For example, minor scratches can be fixed with a touch-marker and missing drawer pulls can be replaced.
• Is it comfortable?
• Will it fit in my space?

Pass on anything that smells moldy or odd. Ditto on structural damage and evidence of mold. Also beware of pests like termites in wood furniture or bedbugs in upholstered items.

Many people also pass on cribs as they could pose safety problems.

Lamps are easily upgraded

Second-hand lamps are a great way to stretch a home décor budget. Even an average-looking lamp can be transformed with a coat of paint and a new shade. If the electrical components are in poor condition or you want to change to a three-way bulb, rewiring a lamp is a project most DIYers can do.

Clean and deodorize your finds

It’s a good idea to let thrifted items sit on a covered porch or in a garage for a few days to let them air out and to ensure there are no pests.

Odors can be removed by sprinkling baking soda on the item and letting it sit for a few days before vacuuming or by exposure to sunlight.

Professional steam cleaning will sanitize upholstered furniture, rugs and draperies.

A 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar plus a few drops of dish soap is an effective cleaner for most hard surfaces.

Furnishing your kitchen with thrift store finds

Thrift stores provide many great dishes, cookware pieces and utensils at great prices but there are a few things to avoid, including:

• Cookware with non-stick surfaces that are damaged.
• Black colored plastic utensils because they may be made with recycled materials that contain flame retardants.
• Electrical appliances with worn cords or broken switches. Consider buying new as investment in safety and energy savings.

Cast iron cookware holds up like, well, iron! Even if it’s rusty, this super-durable cookware can be reseasoned and will provide decades of service. Here’s a handy how-to on reseasoning cast-iron.

Accessorize and experiment

Lower prices at thrift stores allow your budget to more easily cover accessories which can make the difference between a look that’s bland and one that’s bodacious. The low prices also allow you to experiment with trendy or unusual items.

Be aware of items that might contain lead

Painted items and dishware are common household items that may contain lead. Test kits from a hardware store or online retailer typically provide results in 30 seconds after swabbing a surface with a test solution. Some kits are for paint only and others can be used for multiple surfaces; make sure the kit you buy is for the use you intend.

Paying for thrift store finds

Many people find that having a dedicated savings account for home furnishings helps them stick to their budget. If you use a credit card, choosing one with rewards helps stretch your budget even further. At Consumers, we offer credit cards with cash back and points rewards, plus free Mastercard ID theft protection.

Be patient as you shop thrift stores; you may have to visit several times before you discover treasure. Also be patient as you clean and renew your finds. It takes more effort—and sometimes a bit of elbow grease—to thrift shop and clean things up but your efforts will help your money go much further.

 

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