If you’ve been working on changing up your decor, you may be interested in refinishing pieces that you find at Estate sales or online, in order to find high quality items in your price range. If you are looking at secondhand items, you will want to know what to look for, and what to avoid:
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Solid wood: This is obvious, but solid wood furniture will last much longer than particle board. If you’re unsure if something is solid, look at the seams. Most particle board will have visible “seams” where the laminate covering it is slightly peeling or where wear shows. If you can’t seem to find solid wood items, solid core furniture is great, too, and will last much longer than particle board. Particle board is made of pressed material (similar to sawdust or wood chips, really) that has been pressed and bound together. It is also known as chipboard.
Look for quality craftsmanship: Some things that well-made furniture have are in the details. The hardware is affixed securely, the corners have dovetail (which looks like interlocking fingers) finishes on the inside, and the drawers and cupboards will close evenly and the edges will match. Because laminate cannot be carved, finding detailed carvings in a pretty wardrobe or dresser means it’s real wood.
Be willing to pay more: Solid furniture will cost more than laminate or cheap furniture, and that means it will also last longer. When you buy real wood furniture, you are investing in something that will last for years, versus months. Although real wood will not be immune to water damage, it is much more durable to scrapes, dents, and droplets of water (particle board puffs up and causes large bubbles in the laminate when it becomes wet or damp).
Focus on the things you can or can’t change: If you find a beautiful piece of furniture but don’t love the style or color, focus on the things you DO love, such as the size, durability, the doors or drawers, and realize there are things you can change, such as hardware, color and finish, and distressing. You would be shocked what a great coat of carefully applied paint and sealant can do to a long-lasting dresser or desk. And changing hardware can drastically modernize a piece.