You've got an extra chair, a sofa that doesn't fit the new layout, or a dining set you’ve outgrown. What do you do with it? Let it collect dust, or turn it into cash?
Selling your used furniture is one of the smartest ways to declutter your home and make a little money in the process. And right now is the perfect time to do it. More people than ever are choosing pre-owned decor for its charm, sustainability, and value.
This isn't just a small trend, either. The second-hand furniture market is absolutely exploding. It's on track to jump from USD 36.5 billion to a staggering USD 74.19 billion by 2033. You can dig into the market projections and trend data to see just how massive this shift is. All that growth means one thing for you: there’s a buyer out there looking for exactly what you have.
Finding Your Perfect Selling Channel
So, where do you start? The options can feel a bit overwhelming at first glance. You could go with a huge online marketplace for a quick local sale, find a specialized site for that high-end designer piece, or hand it all off to a local consignment shop and let them do the work.
We can boil it all down to three main paths you can take.
Think of these as your core choices: broad online platforms, targeted niche markets, and straightforward local solutions. Each one comes with its own set of pros and cons.
The real key to a successful sale is matching your furniture—and your goals—to the right channel. Getting rid of a basic bookshelf for quick cash is a totally different game than getting top dollar for a vintage armchair.
To make things simple, let’s look at how these channels stack up against each other.
Furniture Selling Channels at a Glance
This quick comparison breaks down the most popular ways to sell, highlighting the key differences in effort, payout, and what they're best suited for.
| Selling Channel | Potential Profit | Effort Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Marketplaces | Low to Medium | High | Quick sales, everyday items, and buyers who can pick up locally. |
| Niche/Designer Sites | High | Medium to High | High-end brands, vintage pieces, and reaching serious collectors. |
| Consignment Stores | Medium to High | Low | Designer furniture, brand-name decor, and a hands-off, professional selling experience. |
| Auctions | Varies | High | Rare antiques, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind statement pieces. |
| Garage/Estate Sales | Low | High | Selling a large volume of items quickly and clearing out a home. |
This table should give you a clear starting point. Once you have a sense of which path fits you best, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of prepping, pricing, and photographing your furniture to make the sale happen.
Where to List Your Furniture for the Best Results
Not all selling platforms are created equal. Where you list your furniture can be the difference between a fast sale at a great price and a piece that sits for months, collecting dust and frustration.
Let's break down your best options into three clear groups. This will help you match your furniture to the right audience of buyers.
This decision is all about finding the right people. Think about it: selling a basic IKEA bookshelf requires a completely different strategy than finding a new home for a genuine antique dresser or a designer sofa.
The Online Giants
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are basically the modern equivalent of a massive, city-wide garage sale. They are perfect for common, everyday items where convenience and a quick sale are your top priorities.
- Who Shops Here: Local buyers on the hunt for a good deal on functional, everyday furniture. They're often ready to swing by and pick up items fast.
- What Sells Best: Standard pieces like desks, chairs, bookshelves, and bed frames from mass-market brands.
- The Trade-Off: You do all the work. You'll be taking the photos, writing the ad, dealing with a flood of messages, negotiating, and coordinating the pickup.
The rise of these digital marketplaces has truly changed the game. Apps like OfferUp and newer platforms like Kaiyo have moved furniture resale from local swap meets to organized, searchable online spaces, often handling secure payments and even delivery. You can see how the global industry is growing and get a sense of how big this has become.
Niche and Designer Marketplaces
Think of sites like Chairish or 1stDibs as curated online galleries. These are the absolute best places to sell used furniture that has a specific style, a well-known brand name, or genuine vintage appeal.
These platforms attract serious buyers and collectors—people who are willing to pay a premium for quality and unique design. They often help with the tricky logistics like shipping, but they also take a significant commission for their services and expertise.
Pro Tip: If your piece has a designer label, is a well-made antique, or has that certain "wow" factor, these niche sites are where you'll find an audience that truly appreciates its value.
Local Selling Solutions
This category blends the best of both worlds, including local consignment stores and user-friendly apps that focus on local transactions. These options offer the convenience of a local sale with a more streamlined and often much safer process.
For high-quality, brand-name items where you want a completely hands-off experience, a trusted local consignment store is your best bet. If you live in the Northern Atlanta suburbs—like Roswell, Marietta, or Forsyth County—this is by far the easiest path to selling your premium furniture.
If you have designer pieces and live in the area, a top-tier consignment store is your secret weapon. These shops have a built-in audience of discerning buyers who are actively looking for the same brands you'd see at Avalon or in Downtown Alpharetta, just at a better value. To see what your options are, check out our guide to the top furniture consignment stores in Atlanta and learn more.
How to Prep Your Furniture to Attract Buyers
If you want to get top dollar for your furniture, making it look fantastic isn't just a suggestion—it's the whole game. This is where you take a piece from being just "used" to being "I have to have that." A little elbow grease and attention to detail can make a massive difference in how fast you sell and for how much.
Think about it like staging a house. You wouldn't show a home with a sink full of dirty dishes, so don’t leave your dresser covered in dust. A clean, well-presented item tells a buyer it was cared for, and that story is worth real money.
Start With a Deep Clean
Before you do anything else, give that piece a proper, thorough cleaning. I’m not talking about a quick swipe with a dust rag. You need to get into the details based on the material to make it truly shine.
- Wood Furniture: Grab a gentle wood cleaner, then follow up with a quality polish to bring back that rich luster. For those detailed carvings, an old soft toothbrush is your secret weapon for getting into every nook and cranny.
- Upholstered Pieces: Vacuum everything first. Use the crevice tool to get deep into the seams and under the cushions. If you spot a stain, tackle it with an upholstery cleaner, but always test it on a hidden spot first to make sure it doesn't mess with the color.
- Leather: Often, all you need is a simple mix of mild soap and water on a damp cloth. Just be sure to dry it completely afterward, then finish with a leather conditioner to keep it from looking dry or cracked.
If you're feeling ambitious and want to add some serious value, learning how to upcycle furniture can turn a dated piece into a hot commodity. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware is all it takes to completely transform it.
Make Minor Repairs
Next up, hunt down all those little flaws that might scare a buyer away. Small imperfections can make a great piece seem neglected, but they are almost always easy fixes. Tighten wobbly legs, secure loose handles, and touch up scratches with a wood repair marker. These small efforts scream "well-maintained" and instantly boost how much someone is willing to pay.
A wobbly table leg might feel like a dealbreaker to a buyer, but a 5-minute fix with a screwdriver could add $50 to your asking price. Don’t underestimate the power of small repairs.
Master Your Photos
Finally, let’s talk pictures. In the online world, your photos are your salesperson. You don’t need a professional camera—your smartphone will do just fine—but you do need to get the setup right to create a listing that stops people mid-scroll.
- Use Natural Light: This is the golden rule. Pull your furniture near a big window. Soft, natural light is infinitely more flattering than harsh overhead lights and it shows the item's true color.
- Choose a Clean Background: Clear the clutter! The focus should be on the gorgeous piece you're selling, not the dog toys or pile of mail in the corner. A clean background makes your item look more premium.
- Capture Multiple Angles: Don't be shy. Take photos from the front, back, sides, and even the top. Get close-ups of any beautiful details, like the wood grain or unique hardware. And be honest—include clear photos of any minor imperfections, too. Buyers appreciate the transparency.
Pricing Your Furniture to Sell Quickly and Profitably
Figuring out the right price for your used furniture feels like walking a tightrope. Go too high, and you'll hear nothing but crickets. Go too low, and you're leaving cash on the table. Let’s take the guesswork out of it and find that perfect sweet spot.
Your goal is to find a number that feels like a win for both you and your buyer. A great rule of thumb to start with is the 50-75% rule: a piece in excellent, gently-used condition can often sell for 50-75% of what you paid for it. But think of that as a baseline—the brand, its age, and the actual condition will definitely move that number.
Do a Little Local Recon
Before you slap a price tag on anything, spend 15 minutes playing detective. Hop on local sites like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp and search for pieces similar to yours in your area, whether you're in Roswell, Alpharetta, or East Cobb.
The key is to look at what things are actually selling for, not just what people are asking. Pay close attention to the listings that have been sitting there for weeks versus the ones that get marked “sold” in a few days. That’s your real-time read on the local market.
Key Takeaway: Your furniture is only worth what someone in your area is willing to pay for it right now. National trends are one thing, but local demand is what really sets the price.
Dial in Your Price Based on Value
Once you have a ballpark number in mind from your local search, it’s time to fine-tune it based on a few make-or-break factors. This is where you adjust your price to reflect what your item is truly worth.
- The Brand Name: It just matters. A well-known brand like Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn will always have more pull than a generic big-box store piece. If it's a designer item, it holds its value far better.
- The Condition: Be brutally honest with yourself here. "Like new" means it looks like it was just delivered—no flaws. "Good" means it has some minor, everyday wear and tear. Make sure you point out any scratches, dings, or stains. Honesty builds trust and saves you headaches later.
- Age and Style: Is your piece a timeless classic? A trendy mid-century modern design that everyone wants? Or is it a little... dated? Current styles will always sell faster and for more money.
As you think about your final take-home pay, don't forget that some selling methods come with a commission. It’s smart to understand what percentage consignment shops take so you can factor that into your pricing from the start. Knowing this helps you set realistic expectations, especially if you're leaning toward a hands-off service.
The Easiest Way to Sell High-End Furniture in North Atlanta
What if you could skip all the usual headaches—the photos, the listings, the endless back-and-forth messages, and the awkward price haggling—but still get a fantastic return for your high-end furniture? If you live in Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, or the surrounding Northern Atlanta suburbs, there’s a much simpler, more rewarding way to sell your premium pieces.
Forget dealing with no-shows and the frustrating lowball offers that flood online marketplaces. A trusted, local consignment store can handle the entire process for you. For those in Forsyth County or East Cobb, it's easily the most convenient and professional way to turn your quality furniture and decor into cash.
Your Local Consignment Partner: Board of Trade
Here in Roswell, GA, Board of Trade Fine Consignments is the go-to for anyone looking to sell high-end pieces without the hassle. Think of us as your personal sales team. You bring in your quality items, and our experts take care of every last detail: professional staging, expert pricing, marketing, and closing the final sale.
We’ve built a curated, upscale experience for both our sellers and our buyers. Our showroom features the kind of pre-owned designer brands and high-quality furniture you’d normally find at Avalon or in Downtown Alpharetta, but with the incredible value that only consignment can offer. This brings in serious buyers from Milton, Cumming, and beyond who are actively looking for premium pieces just like yours.
By consigning, you tap into a dedicated audience of discerning shoppers who trust our curation and are ready to invest in quality. It’s the smarter, hands-off approach to getting the true value for your furniture.
More Than Just Furniture
While we're known as one of the best places to sell used furniture, our expertise extends to a wide variety of high-end goods. We are the trusted choice for designer consignment in Alpharetta and the surrounding areas.
We specialize in:
- Women's and Men's Designer Consignment: We have a loyal following for pre-owned designer fashion from the most sought-after brands.
- Designer Handbags and Accessories: Our Roswell location is a key destination for those looking to buy or sell luxury handbags and fine jewelry.
- Fine Home Decor: From unique art to elegant accessories, we help find the perfect new home for your curated decor.
If you have premium items just collecting dust, let our team turn them into profit for you. You can get a better sense of our process by exploring our guide on how to sell high-end furniture. Ready to get started? Drop by our Roswell store today and discover just how easy selling can be.
Alright, let's pull this all together. When it comes down to it, choosing the best place to sell your furniture hinges on a single, simple question: what’s most important to you? Is it getting the absolute most cash, selling it fast, or having the easiest, most hands-off experience possible?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. It’s always a trade-off.
Got a high-end, designer piece and the thought of dealing with flaky buyers gives you a headache? A trusted local consignment store is your best friend. For anyone in North Atlanta, bringing your furniture to a curated shop like Board of Trade in Roswell means your piece gets in front of exactly the right people without you lifting a finger.
Your Quick Decision Checklist
On the other hand, if you just need to get rid of a basic bookshelf for some quick cash, Facebook Marketplace is probably your fastest route. For everything in between, this checklist should clear things up.
- If you want convenience and expertise above all: Go with a local consignment store. For our neighbors in Marietta, Milton, or Forsyth County, this means zero time spent on photos, listings, or haggling.
- If your top priority is the highest possible profit: Selling it yourself online will likely yield the most money, but just be ready to put in the work.
- If you just need it gone, no fuss: Local marketplaces like OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace are built for speed.
The good news is that the market for used goods is booming. In fact, about 36% of consumers worldwide are now open to buying used furniture, driven by a desire for both sustainability and smart savings. (You can dig into the consumer behavior trends in the second-hand market if you're curious.)
This growing interest means there’s a buyer for almost everything out there. The key is simply matching your item to the right channel. Whether that’s designer consignment in Alpharetta or a quick listing in East Cobb, making the right choice from the start is what makes all the difference.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Even with the best game plan, you're bound to have a few questions pop up. It happens to everyone. Let’s walk through some of the most common ones so you can move forward with total confidence, whether you’re listing on your own or working with a consignment pro.
What Kind of Used Furniture Sells the Best?
You’ll find a ready market for solid wood pieces from well-known brands like Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel. The same goes for unique mid-century modern finds and smaller, easy-to-place items like bookshelves and accent chairs. They just have a universal appeal that makes them move fast.
But if you have true designer brands here in the North Atlanta area, a specialty consignment store in Roswell is a whole different ballgame. A curated showroom like Board of Trade attracts a very specific clientele—people who are actively looking for that exact level of quality and style. It’s the best way to connect your premium pieces with the right buyer.
How Do I Handle Delivery and Pickup Safely?
This is a big one. When you sell online, your safety has to come first. If it's a smaller item, meet the buyer in a busy, public place. For larger furniture that needs to be picked up from your home, never, ever be alone during the exchange.
Make sure you use secure payment apps and always get confirmation that the money is in your account before the furniture goes out the door. Honestly, this is one of the biggest reliefs of consigning. The store takes care of the entire transaction, from pickup to payment, so you have complete peace of mind.
The biggest benefit of consignment is eliminating risk entirely. The store handles the entire transaction, including buyer vetting and pickup logistics, so you don't have to.
Once you’ve made an online sale, you also have to figure out how to get that big piece from A to B. For anyone navigating that step, it can be a lifesaver to learn more about finding furniture removalists to make sure the handover goes off without a hitch.
Is Consignment Better Than Selling Myself Online?
It really boils down to what you value more: your time or the final take-home amount. When you sell furniture yourself online, you keep 100% of the final sale price, but you're also the one doing all the work—the photos, the listing, the back-and-forth messages, the meetups. It’s a real-time commitment.
Consignment is the hassle-free, white-glove option. You hand it over to the experts, and for a commission, they handle the professional staging, smart pricing, marketing, and the final sale. If you have high-end pieces and you'd rather have a team of pros get you a great return without all the stress, consignment is almost always the smarter move.
Ready to sell your high-end furniture, designer fashion, or fine decor the easy way? Let the trusted, local experts at Board of Trade Fine Consignments handle everything for you. Visit us in Roswell today.