Second hand is certainly not second best. In fact, second hand is for winners. Here is a post about what you know to be true already but either need reminding or for sending to your spouse or significant other. Or maybe Mum and Dad.
Second hand is significantly cheaper
According to everyone who has ever bought second hand, it is, wait for it, cheaper. But why do we still buy new? Buying new brings a guarantee that it's untouched, it's in full working order and it's... perfect. We are being conditioned on a daily basis that the standard to accept is perfect, and anything short of perfect, is not worth having. Whilst logically buying second hand may mean more money in your pocket, the pull to buy new can be too strong. Or the process to buy second hand too cumbersome.
And of course, there are times when buying new quality Australian made furniture is your best option, and we'll write more about that in our next post.
Second hand will create a unique space
When we buy new, we may be drawn, out of time, necessity or powerful marketing tactics, to buy mostly from popular, larger brands. To create a truly unique space reflective of your personality, it can take a carefully curated mixture of pieces from various places and eras sourced over a period of time. Second hand pieces and curated second hand marketplaces can shortcut this process, giving you the opportunity and the confidence to create an unique space in a shorter amount of time.
Second hand gives you access to brands you may not be able to reach
In most cases, you get what you pay for, and sometimes the stunning high quality pieces designed and made by incredibly talented souls are out of reach. Accessing these pieces second hand may just be the leg up you're looking for.
Second hand tells a story
Storytelling is so powerful and what better way to tell a story than through the furniture in your home. Each individual piece acquired second hand has lived another life, and the curation of multiple second hand pieces to create a unique space is a story to tell when your guests oo and ahh over your home.
Second hand gives you permission to play
In the same way that second hand may give you access to brands and designers that are out of reach, it also gives you permission to play. Finding your style is something that takes time and evolves as you grow as a person, so spending one's life savings on furniture in your twenties may not be your best option. Use second hand pieces to find your aesthetic and if you grow out of it then no love is lost.
Second hand lessens your impact on the environment
The energy and impact to create a single piece of furniture for it to then be tossed into landfill is outstanding. And not in a good way. It's easy to join the pile on and look to fast furniture (like fast fashion) and make statements such as 'avoid it and invest in quality pieces that will grow with you' but unfortunately that's not real life for a lot of us.
The answer is not a simple one. And we'll deep dive into it with a dedicated post.
Second hand is better time investment...
Finding the perfect piece does take time, whether it's new or second hand. Often, new pieces, especially from the lower end furniture retailers, require a fair time investment to put together. For those that don't have the time or the inclination, the majority of second hand pieces are put together and ready to go.
We would love to hear your experiences buying second hand, the good, bad and the ugly, or if you have utilised second hand to furnish your space or your home. Send us an email hello@liloliving.com
At Lilo Living, we have sourced quality second hand furniture from reputable brands for you to grab at up to 90% off retail prices. Because we only carry items from top-rated brands, you can be confident that you’re getting quality furniture that will last. Inspired by trend and driven by quality, it's the confidence you need to transform your house into a home in a more sustainable way.
