Whether you are on the buying or selling end of the furniture life cycle, consignment is a hot option.
Design tastemakers — stagers, designers, set artists and brand-conscious consumers — have long reaped the benefits of home consignment stores. Why?
As our society becomes more waste-conscious, consignment stores thrive. Immediate gratification is a welcome byproduct of shopping consignment stores, as there’s no waiting eight to 12 weeks for delivery. And consumers can find such high-end furniture lines as Stickley, Hendredon and Maitland Smith at a fraction of the retail cost and generally in good condition, as consignment store owners tend to be persnickety about accepting merchandise.
Here’s how it works: After the store owner accepts a piece for consignment, the seller signs a contract detailing the terms (starting price, length of consignment period and the agreed-upon share of proceeds). At the end of the consignment period, which is often 90 days, if the piece remains unsold, the seller can either pick it up or it becomes the property of the store.
So if you’ve got redecorating fever but are feeling gun-shy about spending, peruse the gently used furniture and home accessories in local consignment stores. Even better, forge a relationship with a consignment boutique, as the proprietor will gladly sniff out items that suit your style and taste.
One last tip: If you fall in love with a piece, buy it immediately. Because if you love it, someone else will too.
