DO

Measure and check the space you want the furniture to go, there is nothing worse than taking delivery of your item and finding it’s too big for the area you had planned it would go.

Look at all your resources not just online, shops such as the Thames Hospice Furniture depot or British Heart Foundation stores  have a wonderful assortment of items and you can often pick up some amazing pieces at these places that have also been up-cycled or painted already.

If you can go and see the item before purchasing then I would definitely recommend doing so, check the stability, functionality and condition before parting with your money.  Photographs do not tell the whole truth sometimes.

Ask lots of questions, for example, the items history, manufacturer, where it’s been stored etc, also ask for close up pictures of the frame to eliminate the worry of wood worm and any damage the item may have

DON’T

Don’t be tempted to make a spur of the moment purchase, you can often reserve items especially in shops before you make the purchase, that way you can measure the area to ensure it’s the right fit for you.

Don’t buy anything online where the seller is not very accommodating when you start asking questions or ask for more photos, if they are an honest genuine seller and the item is a good buy they should willingly offer further information, walk away from it and keep looking.

Don’t store items outside under a tarpaulin, damp can find it’s way into anything, try to ensure you can get it somewhere dry before you are ready to put it into your house.

Buying second hand items and having them refurbished is a wonderful thing to do but don’t be put off if you make a few bad decisions along the way, we’ve all done it, me included, it’s a fantastic way to re-invent an item and make it look completely bespoke to go with your decor.