Tips on Finding Used Furniture

When getting furniture for your house or apartment, it isn't necessary to spend money on new furniture. In many cases you can find used furniture that is attractive and well made. While some may have minor cosmetic damage, it may be fixable and even turned into a refurbishing project if the furniture is quite old or has good potential. The key to bringing older furniture into your home is knowing where to look. 

• Check out your local newspaper for weekend yard sales. People often offload old or unused furniture for low prices during their time off on the weekends. This most often occurs in the spring or summer months and is a good way to find quality furniture for little money. In some areas, entire neighborhoods will hold community yard sales and you can spend an entire morning driving from one location to another looking for the right piece of furniture. 


• Visit thrift or second hand stores. These types of locations often have a lot of furniture that has been donated. The quality of the furniture varies but it is generally low cost. This is a good way to find furniture that you plan to partially or completely refurbish. 


• Check your newspaper's classified ads. People who are selling furniture may list these items along with the price and contact information. In some cases items may be listed in the free section of the newspaper; however, this furniture may have some form of damage and need of repair or refurbishing. 


• Go to an outdoor market if there is one near your area. Outdoor markets, often called flea markets, will have numerous vendors selling goods from produce to furniture. Prices at outdoor markets are generally good and often they can be lowered with some bargaining.  


• Let your friends and family know that you are interested in finding used furniture and what exactly it is that you are looking for. They may have furniture that they were thinking of getting rid of or they may be able to direct you to someone who does. 


• Go online to auction sites and search for the type of furniture that you are looking for. Used furniture on these types of sites will require a winning bid and will often also include additional shipping charges.