furnishing home/apartment

**Sara Noel** · 07-14-2010, 11:30 AM

For those that don't buy everything secondhand, what items do you think you should invest money in versus items you can save on to furnish a new place?

I realize you can buy anything secondhand. One example, my own home contains tons of secondhand items, but when it came time to splurging, we did buy a living room set (our dining room set is secondhand).

Let's include any household items whether they're practical or decorative.

**Russ** · 07-14-2010, 11:38 AM

Def a living room set. We've done the second hand, we done the cheap and finally did the "good set". Well worth it.

**Sara Noel** · 07-14-2010, 11:43 AM

I suppose I should add the disclaimer of affording the home splurges. I had secondhand and cheap furniture when I was younger. I even went without some furniture for years (and still don't own a bedroom set). Don't want to seem like I'm encouraging justification for new furniture if you can't really afford it. We paid cash for our living room set.

**TigerGirl1226** · 07-14-2010, 11:46 AM

Things like curtain can be second hand because they can be cleaned. On the other hand, I'm not sure about a second-hand mattress for me.

Decorative things like picture frames and lamps are easily reinvented with spray paint so they are good candidates for second hand.

**monkeywrangler71** · 07-14-2010, 11:53 AM

I felt we should buy a quality couch, as it is something that gets a lot of use and should last a long time. I also felt it was worth paying extra if needed to get something that was actually comfortable to sit on.

We bought a solid wood entertainment centre. I would never get a cheap particle board one again, as we wasted so much money on replacing ones that bent and fell apart. Our oak cabinet cost twice as much as the previous one, but it will outlast us instead of heading off to the landfill in 4 or 5 years.

Our mattress was expensive because I have back problems, but we didn't think it was necessary to buy expensive mattresses for the children. That sounds kind of mean, but they only weigh 40lbs and don't put the same amount of pressure on their joints as an adult does when they lie down.

I can't think of anything else that I insisted on being new and high quality. Although, if we had a home office where someone worked a fair amount, I would make sure we had a good chair to cut down the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 07-14-2010, 12:16 PM

Linens, pillows and comforters/duvets are things that should never be secondhand. That's just gross.

I'm very particular about secondhand items that are furniture-related. I will only accept secondhand furniture from people I know.

Items that you should invest in are mattresses and bedframes. I'd actually prefer vintage over secondhand, but depending on the piece, I'd either go vintage or brand new with just about every piece of furniture in the house. Some items can be reinvented with the use of slip covers and batting/fabric for headboards. However, I would just prefer vintage or brand new over secondhand especially if it's a brand new house.

**Sara Noel** · 07-14-2010, 06:53 PM

What about dishes etc.? I wonder how many have the ick factor over secondhand glassware and cookware.

**MyMelody** · 07-14-2010, 07:56 PM

Secondhand dishes, glassware, and cookware don't bother me, because they can always be sterilized well in hot, soapy water. Nobody would think twice of secondhand china or crystal -- people call those antiques.

I agree with others that a living room set is best purchased new unless one is absolutely certain where it came from. Stains and cigarette/pet smells are just too tricky. However, if I had an opportunity to buy a solid, odor-free couch, loveseat, and chair from a clean home, or was offered a set from a non-smoking family member looking to upgrade, I'd definitely not be picky about the print and would just buy some nice washable slipcovers.

I am way more hesitant about a used mattress. Besides the issues of cleanliness, I have joint problems and would just rather pay the money for a good one. I see secondhand mattresses all the time on Craigslist, though, so SOMEBODY's buying them!

I couldn't do secondhand bras or underwear.

**spyzvixxen** · 07-14-2010, 09:08 PM

We invested in new couches & a new mattress. We agreed we'd rather sleep sound knowing they were new.

I have no problem with used dishes or baby clothes. Dishes can be washed & baby clothes are worn maybe a few times each.

Refuse to get used: undies, hats & shoes.

**pollypurebred39** · 07-15-2010, 03:14 PM

Mattresses & pillows are about the only things I can think of that I would not buy secondhand. I'll live with what we have until we can afford to buy new on these items.

As far as secondhand living room sets, you can easily tell if they've been treated well. I would not hesitate to purchase secondhand if it was clean and well cared for.

**hotprincesscm** · 07-15-2010, 07:29 PM

I would never buy a mattress used! That would gross me out too much! Couches I think I would have to say brand new as well...they just get too much use....wood furniture, like dining room chairs, tables, end tables, entertainment centers, etc....I wouldn't mind second hand...those can be cleaned.