Secondhand shopping rewards patience when you know what to inspect. Look for odors, water marks, wobble, missing hardware, and the true cost of transport.
Secondhand shopping rewards patience when you know what to inspect. Look for odors, water marks, wobble, missing hardware, and the true cost of transport.
Carry a tape measure, flashlight, and photos of the room. Leave room to say no when one repair turns into five.
The best find is the piece that arrives with a manageable story.
Measure the wall, door swing, walkway, and elevator or stair route before falling for a piece. A quick floor outline with painter’s tape reveals scale better than a screen.
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Sofa fabric should match the way the room is used. Look at rub count, cleanability, weave, and the color it takes in evening light.
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A lamp earns its place when its height, shade, switch, and light direction suit the task. Check the cord length and whether the bulb is replaceable.
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