Tips and tricks for buying (good) furniture

That aren't Facebook Marketplace.

my only form of seating at the moment, complete with cat scratch prevention covers.

I recently relocated from LA to NYC in what I’m branding as a “part-time relocation.” With a new, empty apartment and not even a stacking stool to decorate it with, I was reminded of how daunting it can be to find (actually good) furniture and home decor.

After two-plus years in the manufacturing process for the high-design, next-generation TV tray that lazy jamie is launching this year, I can tell you exactly why well-made, interesting furniture at an accessible price point is so rare. But that’s a post for another time.

Let’s get into how to find pieces you’ll love without sacrificing your firstborn child.

Start with finding a reference image

my bedroom reference image found via pinterest, original source unknown.

How many times have you been hours deep into an online shopping wormhole, only to look up and be far from what you were originally searching for?

As a first step, choose one reference image of the type of space you want to create (or piece you want to find). Yes, this should inspire and excite you, but also be a useful guidepost to help filter your search between styles, colors, and materials.

Before you hit checkout, your final choice should be in line with your reference point, otherwise you’ve strayed too far from your vision.

my nyc bedroom in progress. i was inspired by the unhemmed sheets, red throw, and walnut accents that i brought into the bed frame from the reference photo. i swapped out the birkin for my cat, karlie.

Download the Google Lens widget

a desk i recently purchased on chairish found using google lens. bonus tip: search on chairish or 1st dibs locally and arrange your own pickup with movers.

Google Lens is like a reverse Google image search on crack. You can use it on desktop or mobile to find an exact or similar item from any image. This is also where your original reference image becomes key when used with Google Lens. You can pair your results with keywords like dining table, vintage, or under a certain price limit. I also almost always do a search with it before I make any type of purchase to make sure the item isn’t on sale or available with faster shipping elsewhere.

Buy from online auctions

a 1960s bramin danish rosewood coffee table i recently won at auction for $300.

The world of online auctions isn’t reserved for the uber wealthy clientele of Sotheby’s and Christie’s. I’ve actually come to believe that most vintage furniture resellers use online auction sites like LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable to source furniture at a fraction of what they list it for. If you have the time, you can bypass this middleman by finding pieces you like at an upcoming auction by attending the auction online or submitting your maximum bid. When the auction is live, the system will bid in increments up to your maximum. With this, you have to look out for a buyer’s premium that is added onto the final sale price, shipping costs, and delivery distances.

Ask about purchasing floor models and in-store discounts

a carl hansen CH327 dining table in teak with extension purchased as a discounted floor model.

As much as I prefer online shopping from the comfort of my bed, going in store remains king for large furniture purchases. If you ask, many stores will sell you floor models that they need to move in order to make space for newer pieces at steep discounts. Trade discounts are offered to clients working with interior designers, but if you mention you have a designer but are interested in purchasing there and then, it’s likely they will find a way to match the trade discount for serious buyers through “new moves” programs or similar. I recently had this experience at Design Within Reach.

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