Furniture is what makes a home warm and inviting. Depending on your design preferences and how you place them around, they can leave a lasting impression on guests or shape the comfort and functionality of your place. One problem is that buying furniture is not exactly a walk in the park. Besides the costly expense, you also have to make sure it's quality enough to withstand years of wear and tear.
However, if you're not particular with materials, the good thing with furniture is they can be bought from almost anywhere-from marketplaces to malls-but which is better to buy brand new and worth buying second hand?
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Mattresses and bed frames are displayed for sale in an Ikea store on April 26, 2022 in Burbank, California. Mattress makers are cutting costs due to decreased demand, reversing a surge in sales of mattresses and other furniture items when consumers were spending more on those products amid lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo : Mario Tama/Getty Images)Which Furniture to Buy?
At the end of the day, choosing between brand-new and second-hand furniture befall on your allocated budget and preferences. Brand new furniture is often seen as a worthy investment, especially if they're high-use items with specific warranties for safety. While second-hand furniture is where you can buy unique finds.
Now, if you're currently evaluating your needs, budget, and personal style, here are expert guides on which furniture to buy brand new and second-hand.
Brand-New Furniture
With brand-new furniture, you can be at peace that your item is fresh from designer shelves. Style Meets Comfort shared that this means you have quality furniture at hand with minimal upkeep and warranties to cover damages and protect your investment.
Perhaps, the reason why most shy away from brand-new furniture is the high cost that comes with it, especially if you choose brand popularity. While there are normal financing options, it can still be a heavy payment to shoulder each month.
Now, certain furniture items are worth buying brand new if they are used regularly, like dining chairs, mattresses and bed frames, sofas, and the like.
Second-Hand Furniture
The major disadvantage of brand-new furniture is the benefit of second-hand ones. Furnicoliving stated that you can save used furniture, plus, you can even be selective on which types and designs you can get. The major bonus is finding rare vintage items that can bring a unique character to your home.
With second-hand furniture, you're allowed to be picky, but you cannot guarantee that you'll get the best quality because some have been passed down for years. Maintenance cannot be ignored with these items, especially if the furniture has been a frequent visitor of repair shops. They can last long, hence why it's been handed down from the original owner to you, but they can't often maintain their initial quality.
If you're not worried about time and durability, you can buy second-hand furniture like cabinets, frames, dressers, mirrors, and other decorative pieces that will add charm to your space.