Buying used furniture is an excellent way to deck your home in fine, one-of-a-kind pieces without breaking the bank. Paradise Living in Lahaina, HI, is the island’s go-to new and used furniture store. Known for their fantastic taste and commitment to quality, they have everything you need to outfit your residence or vacation home. Here, these home decor experts share four tips for buying pre-owned furniture. 

4 Tips for Buying Used Furniture 

1. Try It Before You Buy It 

Before buying a car, you take it for a test drive. Do the same with used furniture. Sit on the couches and armchairs and lie on the beds. Open the drawers in tables, dressers, and cabinets to check for hidden damage. Most retailers will be happy to let you try things out. If they aren’t, consider going somewhere else, as it may indicate dishonest sales practices. 

2. Assess the Value 

A considerable benefit of buying used furniture is getting something you wouldn’t be able to afford new. Assess the value by checking the tags and scrutinizing each piece for quality. The best pre-owned furniture is well-made and still has a lot of life left. Unless it’s significantly marked down, it’s usually best to avoid buying furniture from lower-level manufacturers. 

3. Determine What Can Be Fixed 

Half the fun of buying used furniture is breathing new life into a pre-owned piece. Try to look past minor flaws, such as stained fabric or surface scratches. As long as it’s structurally sound, you can have most pieces redone to look brand new. For instance, you might not love the puce fabric on a Chesterfield-style couch or the chipped paint on an old dresser. You could easily fix these problems with reupholstering or sanding and a fresh coat of paint. 

4. Avoid Anything With Pests or Foul Odors 

It’s not worth the risk to buy a bed or sofa that you suspect is infested with mites or bedbugs. Likewise, it’s not easy to remove set-in odors from pet urine or smoke. You may be able to remove the odor with a vinegar solution or professional cleaning. However, don’t leave the store with anything pest-infested. 

In addition to these tips, shopping at a reputable used furniture store is a great way to ensure you get an excellent deal. Maui residents and visitors turn to Paradise Living to furnish their abodes in affordable luxury. Paradise Living has a vast inventory of new and gently used items, from simple coffee tables to elegant armchairs. Call (808) 661-9818 or visit the website for more information.