Used furniture. Where would you look?

[shortbun]

DS needs a new(relative term) dresser. The one he's 'using' has three drawers that are broken and not repairable. It's the dresser DH's mom sent with him to college. When DS was born, 16 years ago, my sister and I repaired and painted it.

The rest of his bedroom suite-bed, bookcase, nightstand is one that DH made for us. It's beautiful, mission style with inlay and tri-color wood design. Cherry, maple and walnut. I need to find something neutral or matching one of those woods or stain and in good shape but I can not afford $1100-1600 for a dresser. I've got maybe $400. Ideas?
It needs to have deep, functional drawers. We're going to thrift shops but rarely does good furniture show up there.

 

[mrsklamc]

Freecycle, craigslist...we do have some good used furniture stores here but it sounds like you've gone that route already. Big lots?

 

[The 4 "Quay"balleros]

Craigslist

We've gotten 2 oak bedroom sets and an oak entertainment center for about $250 each

 

[laurafergie]

Go to an Auction. You can get wonderful furniture for pennies on the dollar.

 

[Pigeon]

Go to an Auction. You can get wonderful furniture for pennies on the dollar.

I agree. I've seen some amazing furniture go for very little at auctions. You will need to have a way to transport it home, and going to auctions can be very time consuming.

I'm still kicking myself over the 8 piece, mint condition, Ethan Allen cherry bedroom set that went for $300 that I let get away.

 

[swilshire]

I was going to say auctions, also. Estate sales are another good source.

Sheila

 

[Eastern]

Habitat for Humanity has retail stores that sell donated furniture (some used, some scratch and dent from stores). The one by us has a good turnover of items. Very inexpensive.

 

[RachaelA]

Craigslist. You can find some really nice stuff on there. Keep an eye on Craigslists in cities nearby too. It might be worth it to drive a little bit.

 

[Skye23]

Auctionzip.com will list all of the auctions near your zipcode. The prices should be quite good if you're willing to go to at least a couple auctions and not overbid (there WILL be another one....). After all, where do you think all of the local used furniture and resale shops are getting their furniture?

 

[goofy's_gurl]

Freecycle, craigslist...we do have some good used furniture stores here but it sounds like you've gone that route already. Big lots?

Either Craigslist or freecycle. Possibly thrift shops

 

[Debbie7452]

I've had a really good experience with Craigslist. I watch the used furniture often for bargains. Dressers are on there ALL the time.

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

This may sound strange, but if you have a Facebook page, post it as a status asking your friends if they know of anyone selling a bedroom set. A friend of mine had a neighbor moving due to a job and she had an entire American Signature bedroom set that was less than a 1 year old that she was selling for $150. I purchased it for my daughter that same day.

 

[NYEmomma]

I've gotten some great stuff off of Craigslist as well as a local thrift shop. Check facebook for local "buy/sell/trade" groups in your area. I've sold more things there in less time than I have on Craigslist.

 

[luvdisney00]

I bought my daughter a beautiful bedroom set on craigslist a few years back. We paid $300 for 6 pieces in perfect condition and she loves it. Now I am looking for myself, you have to keep checking back, good stuff goes fast.