I take pride in some odd little accomplishments: cartwheeling into a pool, knowing every word to old commercial jingles and 90s rap, and the fact that my partner John and I somehow have two left-handed children despite both of us being righties. Another thing I don’t always think about is my knack for finding secondhand furniture—though it’s less luck and more routine. I search thrift stores, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace frequently. Most of the time nothing catches my eye, but occasionally I find something spectacular. Case in point: an inlay dresser originally sold by Restoration Hardware for about $1,800 that I picked up on Craigslist for $400. I’ll summarize the lessons that helped me score pieces like that so you can use them, too.
Lesson #1: Show Interest and Be Persistent
Persistence is the single biggest factor in many of my best finds. When the inlay dresser first appeared online it was priced at $600—more than I wanted to spend—so I didn’t buy it immediately. Instead, I contacted the seller to let her know I was genuinely interested but that my top budget was $400. She didn’t lower the price right away, but when the listing later disappeared I followed up, reminding her I was still ready to pay $400 in cash. Because I started the conversation months earlier, I had her contact info and the relationship that made the sale possible when the price eventually dropped.
Lesson: let sellers know you’re interested even if you’re not ready to close the deal immediately. A simple, polite message and occasional follow-up can keep you in the running for a great piece without depending on luck.
Lesson #2: Be Vigilant and Ready to Pounce
Another dresser I bought had a marble slab top and decorative key latches—an incredible deal for roughly $100. I caught that listing within an hour of it being posted because I check Facebook Marketplace regularly for just a few minutes each evening. Because I saw it early, I messaged the seller, arranged cash, and arrived quickly to pick it up before anyone else could.
Checking frequently—even just five minutes a night a few times a week—greatly increases your chances of spotting valuable listings early. And when you find something you want, be decisive: get cash ready and get to the seller fast. Many sellers operate on a “first come, first served” basis, and the person who moves fastest often wins the item.
Actionable tips: set a steady routine for checking local listings, prepare cash in advance for purchases you hope to make, and be ready to act quickly when a good item appears.
Lesson #3: Recruit Allies
Not every good find comes directly from your own searches. A friend once texted me photos of a colorful wool rug she’d seen at a local consignment shop. Because she knew my taste, she thought of me immediately. I called the shop, confirmed the price, grabbed cash, and we were there within minutes. The rug was ours shortly after.
Build a small network of friends, family, or local design-minded people who will keep an eye out for things you love. Offer to return the favor—this back-and-forth scouting is often how great secondhand items surface before they’re widely advertised.
Lesson #4: Be Curious and Ask About Everything
One of my biggest wins was a pair of vintage chairs I spotted in the background of a Facebook Marketplace listing for a large piece of driftwood. I messaged the seller to ask whether the chairs were for sale. They were. The seller even offered to deliver them because they were too large for my car. We paid $140 for both chairs, including delivery. Later I learned these might be midcentury designer chairs that can fetch thousands in some marketplaces, but even if they hadn’t been, I’d still be thrilled because they’re pieces I love.
The takeaways: when you see anything in the photos, ask about it—background items, decor, or accessories. Sellers often have more for sale than they list, and a quick question can reveal hidden opportunities. For oversized items, offering to pay a modest fee for delivery (for example, $20) can save you the trouble and expense of renting a truck.
Final thoughts: secondhand furniture hunting is a numbers and timing game. Increase your chances by checking local thrift shops and online marketplaces often, nurtur e a few helpful contacts, communicate politely with sellers, and be prepared to move quickly when something you love appears. Over time, that consistent effort pays off with meaningful, character-filled pieces for your home—often at a fraction of their original cost.
P.S. We’ve shared longer lists of tips about buying used furniture elsewhere on the blog—if you’re serious about thrifting, dig into those for even more ideas.
