When you’re buying used furniture to repair or paint, you learn quickly what sells in your area and what doesn’t. If you’re new to buying and selling furniture, these tips will help you hunt down the best furniture pieces to turn a profit.
Tip 1: Don’t judge a book by it’s cover
Don’t pay attention to paint/stain color or hardware. Dings and scratches can easily be sanded out or filled. Drawers that are tight or stick are also usually easy fixes. Loose or missing veneer is also not a deal breaker and can usually be fixed easily.
Tip 2: DO pay attention to the “bones”
Does it have a nice shape? Pretty curves or details? Look at all 4 sides of the piece. Any major splits or cracks? Broken legs? Open every drawer or cabinet door and check for damage and assess whether or not you can fix any damage you find. Look for solid wood pieces. We never pick up cheap pieces that have generic cardboard-like backs or drawer bottoms that are stapled together.
This piece had broken hardware, needed minor drawer repairs, and had large gouges in the top. But overall it was sturdy, in great shape and the repairs were uncomplicated.
Tip 3: Dovetail Drawers
Pull one of the drawers out and look at how it’s put together. Dovetail drawers are a sign of good, solid construction. If you have no clue what else to look for when assessing a piece of furniture, this is an easy one that will help steer you in the right direction.
Even if a piece doesn’t have dovetail joints, we still consider purchasing it if it’s solid wood, this is just an easy way to assess the construction of the piece.
This is an example of dovetail joints.
Tip 4: Versatile pieces are the easiest to sell
Dressers and small tables are my favorite finds. Why? Because they’re so versatile! Small dressers can be used as an actual dresser, in a large foyer or entryway, as a dining room buffet, etc. Small side tables can be used in many different ways and in virtually any room. The more versatile the piece, the larger your market will be and the faster it will sell.
On the flip side, there are pieces that aren’t going to have a large market. Let’s look at a vanity for example. No matter how gorgeous it may be, the market for a vanity will be much less than for a dresser. Not everyone has room for a large, mostly decorative piece of furniture like a vanity, and it doesn’t work in many rooms outside of a feminine bedroom. That’s not to say you shouldn’t try selling a vanity, we’ve actually sold several. It just means the number of people interested in purchasing a vanity will probably be lower and it may be a longer turnover while you’re waiting for the right buyer. Just something to keep in mind.
This piece could work in many different rooms. (See the full makeover for the piece pictured above here).
Tip 5: Keep It Neutral And Cohesive
When you’re painting furniture to sell, it’s good practice to keep things neutral for the most part. This goes in line with the previous tip. You’re going to have a larger market if you paint a dresser white or a pretty gray color, rather than if you paint it bright purple. This doesn’t mean you can’t be creative or use color or that you have to paint everything white. It just means that a neutral colored dresser will appeal to more people and work in a lot of different homes. Someone will eventually come by and love your purple dresser, it’s just going to take longer for that one person to come along.
In addition to this, if you’re selling in a booth or market space, you’re going to sell more if everything in your space is cohesive. Figure out what the style is for your space and stick with it. Do you do a lot of shabby chic? If so, all your pieces and color choices should compliment that look. You wouldn’t want to put a very modern piece of furniture right in the middle of all that shabby chic. It would look out of place and it’s not going to appeal to your market. You want someone who has a heart for shabby chic to stop at your booth and browse because she loves the overall feel of your space. If you have a hodge podge of styles and colors it’s going to look more like a garage sale and you’re not going to grab the attention of as many customers. Again, this doesn’t mean everything has to be exactly the same color and same style. It should just look like it all comes from somewhere in the same family tree and all vibe together.
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Hey Ladies – thanks for sharing your fab list for buying furniture 🙂 It’s easy to get caught up in a great purchase price without fully checking out the entire piece…not that we have ever done that LOL!
Oh, we’ve NEVER purchased a piece only to get it home and discover it’s in worse shape than we thought… :). Actually I just did it again earlier this week! Bought a dresser at a thrift store, checked all drawers etc, etc, only to discover at home that the side that was crammed up against a wall had all kinds of veneer damage I wasn’t expecting. Live and learn! Maybe someday I’ll follow my own advice :).
Awesome tips, Amy! You and your mom do AMAZING work! Where do you usually find the best luck with finding furniture? I keep an eye out at my local thrift store but never have a lot of luck. I’m ready to dive in to flea markets and yard sales now that the weather has warmed up. 🙂
We have a couple good thrift stores nearby that we hit several times a week. The key is consistency and getting there early. I asked what days they get furniture deliveries, and on those days I head over right after I drop my kids off at preschool. It works out that I get there right when they’re opening and most weeks I can find at least one good piece. I never have any luck on Craigslist like you do, and Goodwill is massively overpriced. I don’t even waste my time going there anymore. I’m so excited for yard sale season too and have already found a few great yard sale pieces this year :).
I am so glad to hear someone else comment on Goodwill’s high prices.
I have decided to go to yard sales. I ‘ve just started and I need to pay as less as I can. Thank you so much for all the wonderful advice. I so want to do a good job.
Thanks so much for the tips! I am excited and sad about the veneer tip – I saw an amazing piece but didn’t know it could have been fixed with Bondo or wood filler so I passed on it. 🙁 Thanks again!
Bummer, Sarah! I’m slowly putting together a post on how to repair veneer as I find pieces that need it. Most people think damaged veneer is a deal breaker but if it’s not too terrible you can definitely repair it :).
Awesome advice! I’m pinning this! I just picked up a dresser with some peeling veneer on the bottom, but I think I followed all your tips to making sure it will be easily repaired. I just couldn’t pass up a mahogany high boy for $25!!
I would’ve snatched it up for $25 too! That’s a steal, and totally worth any veneer repairs you have to do. Message me if you run into any problems with it and I’ll help if I can :).
I just picked up a table that was free from a thrift store. The veneer is awful on the table top but the base of the table is amazing. It looks like the table top should have an extra leaf to it and the base is like two separate bases for two tables. Strange but beautiful. We are going to peel off the veneer and turn it into two tables. The table sat outside in the rain. We will paint with chalk paint and try to sell two tables. What have I got to lose. I love painting furniture. Thanks for the tips. I wish I had read this before I peeled off the veneer. Maybe I could have saved it.
It sounds really unique! I would probably try to split it into two tables too. I bet they’re going to look amazing when you’re done.
Hi Amy, Speaking of veneer repair, the top of my bombe chest is almost totally lifted. So as not to damage the veneer, what do I need to do and use to glue it back down? Thanks! 🙂
Hi Brenda! I’ve never actually glued an entire piece of veneer back down, only small sections. I know they make glue specifically for veneer, and if doing an entire top like yours I would research those products before deciding what to use. This website has some good info on veneer glue to get you started: http://www.joewoodworker.com/veneering/faq-veneer-glue.htm. I’d love to know what you end up using when you’re finished. Good luck!
These are very helpful tips, especially for some of us “newbies” to the whole furniture redo process. Thanks for sharing this info 🙂
Thanks Cheryl!! Hope you’re having a great weekend!
Definitely I’m a newbie & I need all the help I can get. Amazing what people have done with old furniture. Hope practice makes perfect!!
Great tips, Amy! I’m excited for yardsale season too! Just have to remember like you said, not to judge a book by it’s cover. I so easily do that but good thing my husband sees potential more than I do! I love your furniture makeovers! xo
Sometimes it’s hard to see past the ugly but a little paint and imagination can work wonders :).
Hi Amy I have been so dying to dive into the furniture DIY. I purchased a hideous dresser for pennies because no one wo5buy it. I feel it needs a new full make over. So one question about the hardware that are these round porcelain hardware with rounded plates and I notices a crack on its surroundings plate. Do you have any thought on that type of repair? Also I spent two days in my neighborhood due to a schedule larg ed furniture pick up and scored free items one a dresser that is solid, dovetailed and,simple. I never started my projects because I became injured, but I really want get going. I truly am so nervous because these ultimately are hopefully for sale but a way my for me to learn the how to’s . I can email you a picture of piece and your design advise would be great. I love shabby chic and all but this one I feel needs modena clearness durability. So painting I was thinking enamel with poly ?
Hey Gina! Hideous dressers make the best makeovers :). I’d love to see pictures and would be happy to chat about repair options. Email me at canarystreetcrafts@gmail.com
Thanks so much for this list! I’m on the hunt for something fun to paint so I really needed your suggestions.
Thanks Ashley! I love your projects so I’m sure whatever you find will turn out fantastic!
Awesome tips! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks so much, Misty!!
Great tips! I have a drop-leaf table with French curved legs and top that I got for $10. The top veneer has a small amount of damage, but I’ve just put off doing anything with the table because of not knowing what to do about repairing the veneer. I am definitely watching for a post from you on how to repair veneer.
Judith
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These are awesome tips and I agree totally with them. I have found some great unwanted pieces with the veneer damaged or peeling and turned them into wonderful and usable pieces. I still try to learn new tips and I am running away with a couple of new things from you ladies. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks so much, Tracy!! I think a lot of people are afraid of veneer damage but you really can fix them up with just a little work. Hope you’re having a great weekend!
This is a fantastic post Amy! Everything you said was spot on and informative even if you’re not buying a piece to sell for profit but needing advice on what to buy or pass on if you’re creating a budget friendly room makeover for your home. Hugs, Coco
Thanks CoCo! I always appreciate your comments and sound advice! Hope you’re having a lovely weekend!!
I have always wanted to do this, but I never knew where to start. We have an old end table that my grandmother gave me. I have been planning on painting it and putting some new hardware on it for a while now. I just didn’t know if I would have to sand it before I painted it.
Hey Emily! If you’re using chalk paint you don’t have to sand it first unless the surface is really scratched up or if there’s old paint on it that’s peeling. If you need help you can email me and even send me a couple pictures if you need to. I’m excited for you to start your first project!! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. 🙂
Buying vintage or used pieces and redoing them has always intimidated me, but I’ve always wanted to try it. I appreciate the tip to pay attention to the “bones” of the piece rather than the actual piece. Redoing the paint and finish and replacing the handles on any table is easy, but replacing the structure isn’t nearly as easy. So I appreciate this tip to be a little less OCD about the actual table or piece and focus on what you can do with it.
Great tips! I actually tried this before and it worked for me. I bought an old drawer and paint it. It turned out better.
My wife has been talking about getting into the custom of buying used furniture and fixing it up to sell at a better price. Some of your pieces are so gorgeous and make us feel like this is something that we can achieve. I love that drawer that sort of looks like a puzzle piece.
Hi Bryan! You and your wife should try it! There’s definitely a bit of skill and creativity involved, but I do believe anyone can do this. I had zero experience with painting furniture when I started. We rent space in a store to sell our furniture, but selling your first few pieces on Craigslist is a great way to dip your toe in with very little cost and commitment to see if you like it. I wish you the best of luck and feel free to message me if you have any questions getting started.
I love your tips. I was just wondering where you sell your furniture.
Hi Jessie! Here’s a link to the Facebok page of the shop where we sell: https://www.facebook.com/lebanonpeddlersmall. It’s a multi-vendor location and we rent a booth space.
Love the tips. I just found a couple of old oak doors I’m planning on turning them into something great…I hope. I was wondering the same thing about where u sell your pieces. I clicked on the link and I see somewhere in Ohio. I live in California, in a small town, so I don’t have alot of options here, so how would you go about finding somewhere closer to home?
Thanks for the insight
Hey Lindsey! We have several antique mall-type places near us where you can rent space to sell items. Do you have anything like that near you? Or possibly some unique shops that would allow you to sell your furniture on consignment? Another option would be to just create a facebook and instagram page and post your items for sale there. It’s slow going to get a following on a business page but I know people who do well that way. Hopefully you’re able to find something that works well for you!
This is awesome! I just opened a booth at a local vintage store and have been trying to figure out how to find good furniture and how much time/money I should put into each piece.
Congrats on your new booth space!! One of the things that really helped when we first opened our booth was to walk around the store where we sell and look at all the prices from other vendors. Having a general idea of what other vendors were getting helped us determine where to start pricing our items. Price varies so much from location to location, but before long you’ll figure out the sweet spot for your space. I hope you have great success with your booth and if you have any questions while you’re getting started feel free to email me :).
Thank you so much Amy! I will be using your tips for some of my upcoming projects. Thank you as well for offering to let me contact you. I really appreciate it! I love your work. Feel free to check out some of my projects and let me know what you think. http://www.theauburnfox.blogspot.com
Christin! I didn’t put two and two together before! I remember seeing your gallery wall post at our last link party. Forgive me for not putting your name with your blog earlier. I’ll definitely stop by your blog and make sure I’m following you on social media as well. Hope you have a fantastic long weekend :).
I always see people coming out of shops with old furniture that doesn’t look like much. So I never thought anything of it until I read your article. Using several of these tips like paying attention to the structure of the dresser and painting them. Can turn that old piece of furniture into a really nice item. By doing this you could furnish your home for really cheap or just resale the furniture for more. Sounds like I am going to be looking into doing this myself.
Thanks for the tips on finding good furniture. As a man, sometimes i feel like furniture isn’t my thing, but I feel like your article has helped me to not be deterred by a couple dings. I also loved the tip about versatile pieces being the easiest to sell. Time to get some versatile pieces!
These are great tips. I’ll have to look more into it. After all, I really want to do what I can to make sure that my furniture looks good in my home. Sometimes, the best way to do that is by doing it yourself. The last thing that you want is to have trouble with making your home look great.
Your tutorial was very helpful. Thanks. Any chance you could post a pic of the repaired veneer of the piece you posted in the tutorial.
Thank you, Cherie! This is the piece with the veneer damage in the photo above: http://canarystreetcrafts.com/french-graphic-dresser/
Start out on the right foot by measuring your room and the ideal size of the furniture you’re looking for. Although you may think that you can just ‘eye’ it, you may end up making a colossal purchasing mistake and buying something much too large or too small. When you have your exact measurements, you’ll be more focused in your search and less likely to purchase something that won’t really work.
Very helpful tips. Good for someone love painting the original furniture.
You do amazing work! I’ve been so determined to make a go of painting and fixing up old furniture, but seem to underestimate the work and money that pieces may involve, and I’m currently stuck with a piece that I’ve painted, stenciled, wallpapered, and repainted – no way I can make up for the labor… but your pieces look as if you knew what you were doing in the first place!
Hi Linda! We’ve definitely had our share of pieces that ended up costing more to fix than we first anticipated! AND we’ve also had to repaint pieces that just wouldn’t sell. It’s a pain, but we have a love for the process so even if every piece doesn’t net much of a profit, we still enjoy doing it. I’m so glad you stopped by and I’m wishing you the very best of luck and lots of success with your projects!
Thanks for the tip about having dovetail drawers. I had no idea that was a sign of good construction. I’m hoping to go bargain hunting this weekend at some yard sales, so this article was a well-timed find!
Have you ever considered renting out your furniture? A lot of people love this kind of furniture and rent it for weddings. I love that idea so much! I tend to finish a project and then can’t stand the thought of selling it when I’m done.
Hey Jenn! I know your comment is months old but somehow I’m just now seeing it and wanted to say that’s such a unique idea that I hadn’t thought of before. Thanks so much for your comment and sorry for the extremely late reply! 🙂
The ideas provided here is very creative. I’ve never think of it before. However, I’m looking forward to use this idea to buy furniture and paint it like new furniture and then sale it. Hopefully I can nail the idea.
We are currently refurbishing two chests of drawers. Fortunately they are solely for our use so cost is not quite so important. Most of the issues you have mentioned have emerged in the process of stripping and filling but can I just warn you all to also check for woodworm. We have had to remove and discard the four lovely period ‘bun’ feet due to woodworm and replace them with similar for a cost of £30. We will look harder next time.
That’s a great tip, Julie. Thanks for adding it!
The most important point you have mentioned is that do pay attention to the bones. We should check out the material first, that which type of material is used and how much durable it is.
If the furniture is intended for daily use, such as closet or cabinet, you should consider choosing one with good durability. If the main purpose is for display or temporary use, you can worry less about its durability. You should also consider the space available in your house, because it will determine the size of the furniture you can put into your home.
Great tips and tricks! This was especially helpful for money saving techniques which everyone needs! I had never thought to revamp furniture but after seeing all the information on it, I don’t see a better way to do it! It’s great to create something styled and personalized while staying on a budget and flipping for a profit!
Do you have any before/after pictures on your site to show us as examples?
Hey Polly! There’s a lot of furniture makeovers on my blog and all show a before and after. If you go to the home page and start scrolling you’ll see some and there’s more under the furniture makeover tab.
Amazing Tips Amy. You are doing great work. Thank you to guide us.