Beyond sustainability: The hidden perks of used sofas and where to get them

While a used sofa is not the trendiest item to jazz up a living room, it is certainly more sustainable.

We all know the term “fast fashion” but did you know that fast furniture is equally harmful for the environment?

Nine million tons of furniture are tossed annually according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This is a mind boggling 5% of everything brought to landfills. 

Some believe that buying new is the only way to go, citing quality as the main excuse. 

Sustainability expert and author Ashlee Piper, has another perspective. 

“If you need to buy something new, try to focus on companies that have a circular approach to their products,” she says. 

“That can include refurbishing and recycling programs. That helps keep extra furniture out of landfills.”

While furniture brands continuously come up with beautiful sofa creations to lounge on, buying a used sofa can still give your space character.

Buying a used sofa actively saves it from ending up in the landfill.

Burning or burying it releases carbon and other pollutants into the air and soil, which can contaminate water.

So, before you pay for that new, shiny piece of furniture, think of the old ones you could save and how that could possibly help the environment.

Why get a used sofas?

It reduces our carbon footprint

Carbon footprint means the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by a person, a product, a device, activities, manufacturing process, etc. 

These are expressed as carbon dioxide or CO2 equivalent emissions (CO2e). 

According to a study by Small World Consulting, you’re able to avoid 563 kilograms of carbon dioxide emission when you purchase a second-hand sofa. 

Disposing of furniture, especially those made from wood or steel, is bad for the environment. 

If you purchase a second-hand wardrobe, it could save 782 kilograms of carbon dioxide emission. Shocking, isn’t it? 

You can find high-quality goods

Antique furniture can survive for decades because of its great craftsmanship and excellent quality.

They use hardwearing materials, developing furniture that is made to last. 

Many manufacturers don’t make new sofas with the finest materials.

In fact, they often use particle boards in cheaper sofas today.

Although lightweight, particle board is not the most durable as it is susceptible to moisture and humidity. 

For sofas that have withstood the years tend to have signs of wear-and-tear on them. 

However, the structure is often still solid. 

You might need to do some reupholstering or refinishing on the outside, but as long as the foundation is still strong, second-hand can still be used for years to come.

Benefit from a low price

The price of an old sofa is definitely way lower than its original price years ago. 

In fact, it could cost about the same or less than a new sofa.

Quality-wise? The old couch is most likely unbeatable. 

They say “old is gold”, and that can’t be more true with antiques.

Of course, even though the price is cheaper, there are some other costs to consider such as repainting, reupholstering, and refinishing. 

Even with that, you’re making big savings.

Find something unique

Another good thing about picking up a second-hand sofa is that it’s one of a kind. 

It’s possible to find a similar one, but what are the chances of you meeting someone with a sofa that’s exactly the same?

Furthermore, each sofa has a past.

If you’re lucky, you’d be able to find out from its previous owner how far it travelled across the world to reach where you are and maybe some good memories that come along with it. 

If you do need to refinish it or redecorate it, your designs could add more character to the piece.

Having something unique in your space is a creative way to reflect your taste and personality.

Things to look out for when purchasing a used sofa

So, you’ve decided that you want to get an old sofa? Let our sofa expertise guide you.

Here we are providing tips on how to choose the right used sofa so that you don’t get your hands on something nasty.

1.Inspect the material

What is the sofa frame made out of? 

It’s good to know whether it’s made out of specific materials like plywood, MDF (medium-density fibreboard) or solid wood.

Unsure about the material? Inspect the structure.

If you’re able to lift it up easily, then it’s probably not solid wood.

Veneer manufacturers make wood lighter by using real wood only for the uppermost layer, while the base consists of cheaper materials like fibreboard or particle board.

With solid wood, you can usually spot dovetail joints, securely held together with glue.

On the other hand, nails and staples at the joints usually indicate lower-quality veneered wood or laminate.

You could also examine the patterns of the wood. 

If there are repeating grain patterns, it’s most likely veneer. 

You can identify real wood by its natural, inconsistent pattern, helping you determine if the piece is genuine.

2. Test the used sofa

It’s always better to pick out your new second-hand sofa in person, whether it’s at a used furniture store or a yard sale. 

This is so you’re able to actually test it out at the location before deciding whether you really want it and if it’s worth the purchase.

The sofa structure is more important than how it looks outside (ugly patterns, signs of dirt and stains etc).

Sit on it with a thump as many times as you want, ask some friends to go and sit on it together, bounce up and down a little – just to see how well the chair holds. 

This is to ensure that when you actually put it to use, it’s able to withstand your active family members (children, pets etc) for many years to come.

If there are minor creaks, try looking for the source of it. 

Sometimes it may just be the screws that are loose and, a simple tightening would be able to help reduce or stop the creak. 

Sometimes the glue has weakened which can also cause your sofa to make tiny squeaks. 

However, if you notice the wood starting to splinter and the frame seems crooked or off, it’s better to leave it and look for another used sofa.

3. Use your nose

As weird as this might sound, a great big sniff will tell you if a used sofa is still good for use.

It’s only normal for an old sofa to smell like its previous owners’ space. 

If it just smells like dust or old furniture, that’s okay. 

Airing it out will help to clear off the smell. 

Products with scented oil can also help to give it a fresh scent.

However, you need to watch out for smells like mould, smoke, cooking oil or pet urine. 

If you do happen to sniff out these bad odours, please do not make a purchase!

The sofa cushions trap these smells, making them very difficult to remove.

A foul odour can also be an indication that the couch was not regularly cleaned which makes it a breeding ground for bedbugs.

After investigating, you would be able to know which sofa can be purchased and which ones should be avoided at all costs. 

Even though this method is unusual, that’s how you make sure used furniture is bug-free.

4. Examine the fabric

Often it only takes one look  at a sofa to decide that it’s just…too ugly. 

An outdated, ancient pattern or stubborn black and brown stains might stand out.

Great news if your cushion has a slipcover!

Comfort Works’ sofa covers can transform your couch to look brand new. And there are 70 chic and stylish fabrics to choose from.

Order up to 8 free fabric samples to touch and feel the fabric before you decide on the one that would beautify your used sofa.

Do check out this post to see what kinds of sofa we can slipcover and what kinds that we are unable to. 

However, if you have your eye on an upholstered used sofa, prepare for a few more steps in the process.

You can either get it upholstered by a professional, or you can do it yourself by hacking your sofa

5 places to buy a used sofa and second-hand furniture

If you can’t seem to find something you like at any physical stores, there’s also many online outlets that you can get second-hand couches from.

 Take a look at these amazing online shops that offer great second-hand sofas in the US.

1. Chairish

Chairish offers many curated, vintage pieces from high-end designers and brands. 

Their prices are higher than other second-hand furniture sellers, but they’re worth it due to their unique designs. Furthermore, their quality is guaranteed. 

Another advantage of using Chairish is that you are able to return the furniture within 48 hours if you’re not satisfied with it. How great is that?

2. 1stDibs

1stDibs is a well-known e-commerce website where you can acquire a lot of high-end designer furniture that come at premium prices. 

While this may sound like it may hurt your pockets, some one-and-only vintage pieces dating back to 1974 could just be worth its value. 

This website is also popular because of its antique art, decor, accessories and even second-hand fashion items. 

While you’re shopping for a second-hand couch, you might end up picking up another treasure too!

3. Etsy

Etsy may not be the first place you think of for second-hand furniture, but it’s a true gem for unique, vintage finds. 

With a wide array of sellers worldwide, you can browse styles from mid-century modern to rustic farmhouse. 

Many sellers specialise in restored furniture, blending vintage charm with added durability. 

Plus, Etsy allows you to connect directly with sellers, often offering customisation options or insights on each piece’s history. 

For those seeking one-of-a-kind items with character, Etsy’s second-hand furniture options offer an excellent alternative to mainstream choices. 

4. AptDeco

If you are in the Northeast or San Francisco Bay Area, AptDeco is probably your best choice when it comes to purchasing used sofas with convenience. 

Buyers make a purchase online from verified sellers, and AptDeco would arrange the delivery to your home. 

It’s pretty much like any other online shopping, but this time it’s with second-hand furniture from top brands such as West Elm, Sven and Crate & Barrel. 

Oftentimes, they have really great discounts that cost only half of the original retail price! 

Its rising popularity means that you are able to find more old couches that you like in the near future.

5. Facebook Marketplace

Connect directly with buyers on Facebook Marketplace on your own from start to finish of the buying process. 

This gives you more freedom when it comes to inspecting the real product as you are able to arrange with the sellers a viewing for the sofas that you’re interested in. 

This is a great opportunity for you to check out the sofas to ensure it is still fine to be used by you for the next few years. 

Many users have been able to find great furniture from Facebook Marketplace. 

Remember to use the tips mentioned above as a guideline to choosing the right second-hand sofa. 

Hopefully, with all the information that you have, you’re able to find the second-hand sofa that you like and are able to create lasting memories with.

If you do have an old couch that needs to be revived, take a look at our fabric options and see how Comfort Works can help you beautify your living room.

Transform your sofa