Furniture Thrifting 101

Hi y’all 👋

Happy Thursday and welcome back to The Midmod Corner.

So, here's the deal. Facebook Marketplace has become my new favorite social media app. While most folks are lost in the endless scroll of TikTok or Instagram, I often find myself casually browsing the listings, even if I'm not planning to buy anything. I mean, talk about a time-consuming hobby, right? But hey, you'll be glad to know that I've learned some things that might come in handy for you.

In today’s email:

• The Story: Using Facebook Marketplace like a pro 🔑

• Snippets: Origami meets furniture design 🪑

• On The Market: First time ever on the market pick 🏠

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📰 The Story

Up Your Facebook Marketplace Search Game

Secondhand shopping is all the rage these days. With a growing appreciation for vintage items in design communities and among design enthusiasts, everyone is hopping on the bandwagon and checking out antique stores, thrift stores, and online shops. But if you're looking for those hidden treasures and great deals, Facebook is definitely the place to be.

The deals are so amazing that people are actually making money from what they find on the app. Just take a look at this TikToker who sold a $50 chair for over $100,000 or the 27-year-old who made an extra $37,000 just by selling Facebook ‘trash’ from the sidewalk.

After spending countless hours scrolling through listings, I've gathered a few tips to help you discover the pieces that truly resonate with you as you become a master of the Marketplace.

1. Feed the algorithm

Facebook marketplace has a really cool (or maybe a bit creepy?) algorithm, it actually uses whatever you saved, searched for and looked at before to bring up listings at the top that it thinks you'll be most into. The more you browse and check out listings, the more curated your feed will become. So save everything you like – even though you don't intend to buy it.

2. Think outside the search box

When you search for "vintage furniture," you'll find a ton of items. But if you're trying to find a good deal, it's best to avoid listings that explicitly mention "vintage" or "antique." Sellers who use those terms usually know the value of what they have and will try to sell it at a higher price.

Let's say you're looking for a sideboard. You might type in "credenza," but it's also worth searching for "buffet," "console," "cabinet," and other similar terms. Likewise, if you search for specific brands, home decor trends like "bauhaus," "Scandinavian," "mid-century," or materials like "wood," "marble," or "steel," you'll discover completely different results. So, make sure to try out a few different terms when searching for the item you're after.

3. Learn to discern quality and aesthetics

The truth is, nobody can stop people from falsely advertising their stuff, especially when sellers use trendy terms like "mid-century modern" to sell their new items. If you're into vintage pieces, it's worth doing some research on quality so you can be sure that what you're buying is actually worth the price. When you know what's good, you'll be able to see beyond dimly lit pictures and vague descriptions. So, do your research, read design books (here are some I recommend), and follow design pages

4. Customize your message

Consider how many "is this still available" messages a seller receives. The automated message won't make you stand out in the seller's mind nor will it tell him if you're willing to buy the piece, but offering your best price and specifying the time you want to pick up the item will get an instant response. Think about what the seller might want to hear to know you’re serious—Can you come right away? Can you offer cash? Are you able to pay on Venmo instantly?

5. Be in the starting blocks

It's such a bummer when you come across the dresser of your dreams and then you're like, 'How the heck do I even get this thing home? If you find something awesome at a steal, you should be ready for a spontaneous road trip. While messaging for a later pickup is an option, hot items tend to fly off the digital shelves in no time. The ultimate winning move? Reach out to the seller right away and propose an instant pickup. Early birds snag the treasures!

🗃 Snippets

The Creme de la Creme of web gems, home inspirations and latest trends.

Cat-Approved Furniture: Looking to spruce up your feline friend's kingdom? Dive into a world of stylish cat furniture, from sleek cat trees to comfy hideaways. Your cat's comfort and your home's aesthetics can coexist. Let's create a purr-fect paradise for your fur baby!

Kitchen Creativity Unleashed: Content creators are transforming fridges and dishwashers with vinyl decals, and the results are mind-blowing. But if you're in a rental and worried about the mess, I've got you covered. Say hello to this magnetic version that's a breeze to apply and remove. Plus, it's a steal at just $28.

USM Haller Goes Olive Green: The iconic Haller storage systems are known for their vibrant colors, and now, they're introducing a new star: olive green. This special edition shade graces credenzas, media consoles, storage units, and serving carts. It's the perfect blend of warm and cool tones, designed to seamlessly fit any style. Time to elevate your space with a touch of nature!

More Than Just a Chair: Step into the world of Joao Teixeira's Plywood Void Chair. This design marvel is redefining the way we see chairs. Crafted from plywood, it boasts a smooth, origami-inspired form that's as artistic as it is functional. What sets it apart? The clever addition of discreet side pockets tucked between the legs.

🏘️ On The Market

Handpicked homes up for grabs—all for you to explore.