Used furniture is associated with some undeniable benefits such as affordability, saving resources and the environment. Still, there are debates on the merits of second-hand furniture.
This article will cover the reasons why pre-owned furniture is worth purchasing.
According to Statistics, consumers in Singapore can spend between S$4,226 and S$32,879 for high-end furniture. For mid-tier furniture, it can cost about S$11,352 on average. These figures are purely for the cost of new furniture.
Oftentimes, people replace their furniture not because it needs to be replaced, but because they would like it to be replaced. Here comes the math:
Just take a step back to put your desired purchase into context. A new modern bed frame costs S$500 without its mattress, which can cost another S$500. A new dining table can cost S$530 while a new sofa can cost S$1,100. These are just average figures.
Imagine discovering the furniture in good condition at a second-hand store, you can easily strike a bargain that allows you to spend half the amount mentioned above or even less. How much would you save?
Many of the large stores or manufacturers rely heavily on overseas facilities or global supply chains whereas stores that sell second-hand or used furniture usually depend on local sources.
Individuals selling their furniture items are often hoping to declutter their houses and make money at the same time. Second-hand shops are typically privately owned. Some charitable organizations also run such stores aiming to give back to the local community.
Again, those pre-owned pieces require reupholstering and refinishing work that have to be done by craftsperson from the neighborhood. By purchasing pre-owned furniture, you are actually contributing to the local community as well as its economy.
Generally, people tend to cherish things that are more expensive. It is common to be more attached to expensive items, thus, replacing it would require you to think twice.
However, when it comes to second-hand items, you could always purchase them at a much cheaper price. Hence, it is less likely that people get emotionally attached to the items if they would like to resell it again.
When the cost of replacing furniture for an entire apartment is half or even lower, you can think of replacements more often than not. Who doesn’t like to refurnish their house to have a fresh look every few years?
One may think used furniture has already been made with a purpose where yours might not fit well. Those pieces might be manufactured years ago, and they might look a bit old-fashioned for your taste. But relax! You can ask the seller for customizations.
Extra cost might be incurred, but you can get creative about the design and functional features at a fraction of the cost of new items.
Think about how you are actually saving the environment too!
Used furniture offers several eco-friendly benefits. The furniture manufacturing industry is responsible for consuming a lot of resources. Companies that sell furniture and home decor use a lot of materials, from woods and textiles to resins and plastics.
Many of the pieces are only built to serve well for a few years, and the owners might start looking for replacements thereafter. Choosing refurbished furniture over brand new furniture could result in reduced demands for more natural resources and disposal of less wastes.