Used vs New Furniture: The True Cost, Shipping, & Longevity

Photo by Francesca Tosolini

When it comes to furnishing your home, price tags tell only part of the story. The real cost of furniture depends on more than just the number on the receipt. Shipping, assembly, lead time, lifespan, and even resale value all play a role in whether new or pre-loved furniture is the smarter investment.

Let’s break down the hidden costs and benefits of buying new vs. used furniture, and then compare some of today’s most popular furniture brands.

1. The Purchase Price

• New furniture: Typically higher upfront costs, especially from name-brand retailers. A new sofa from West Elm or CB2 might run $1,500–$2,500+.
• Used furniture: Pre-loved pieces are often 30–70% cheaper than retail. The same West Elm sofa might resell for $600–$800 depending on condition. Browse Kashew for examples.

Key takeaway: Buying used usually means more style for less money — and you often get higher-end brands at mid-range prices.

2. Shipping & Delivery

• New furniture: Shipping fees can be surprisingly steep, especially for large items. White-glove delivery often adds $150–$300.
• Used furniture: Local pickup = free. For delivery, services like GoShare or UShip typically cost $75–$200 depending on distance. Kashew also partners with reliable local delivery options.

Key takeaway: If you can pick up locally, used furniture saves big on shipping.

3. Lead Time (How Fast You Actually Get It)

• New furniture: Even when “in stock,” delivery can take 4–12 weeks depending on brand and location. Backorders or custom fabrics may extend this even further.
• Used furniture via Kashew:
  • Local delivery: Same-day or next-day delivery available.
  • Nationwide delivery: Typically arrives within 2–3 weeks — much faster than standard retail timelines.

Key takeaway: With Kashew, you don’t just save money — you save weeks (sometimes months) of waiting. Perfect if you’ve just moved or need a room ready fast.

4. Longevity & Quality

• New furniture: Mass-market retailers often use engineered wood or veneers. While stylish, these pieces may show wear within a few years.
• Used furniture: Vintage and higher-end pre-owned furniture is often made from solid wood or higher-grade materials — built to last decades.

Key takeaway: Quality used furniture often outlasts its newer, mass-produced counterpart.

5. Resale Value

• New furniture: The moment it leaves the store, depreciation hits. A $2,000 sofa might sell for $700–$900 within a year.
• Used furniture: If you buy at a good price, you can often resell for close to what you paid — sometimes even more if the item becomes trendy or is a classic brand.

Key takeaway: Used furniture holds value better — less risk if you change your style or move.

6. Sustainability Factor

• New furniture: Manufacturing new products requires raw materials, energy, and transport. Fast-furniture pieces often end up in landfills within 5–7 years.
• Used furniture: Extends the lifecycle of a product that’s already been made. Buying second-hand reduces waste and carbon footprint significantly.

Key takeaway: Choosing used isn’t just cost-smart, it’s eco-smart too.

7. The Intangible: Style & Uniqueness

• New furniture: Trendy and uniform — but your living room might look like the showroom.
• Used furniture: Unique finds, character, and often pieces that aren’t being made anymore.

Brand Comparison: New vs. Used

• Restoration Hardware (RH) New: $4,000–$10,000 • Used: $1,500–$4,000 Premium quality, holds value well. Used RH can save thousands while still offering durability. Find listings up to 80% off on Kashew.
• Design Within Reach (DWR) New: $3,000–$8,000 • Used: $1,200–$3,500 High-end modern designs. Used DWR pieces remain stylish and often in great condition. Find listings up to 80% off on Kashew.
• West Elm New: $1,200–$2,500 • Used: $500–$900 Mid-market. New pieces depreciate quickly, so buying used often makes more sense. Find listings on Kashew.
• Pottery Barn New: $1,300–$3,000 • Used: $500–$1,200 Family-friendly, classic style. Used Pottery Barn offers solid value. Browse Pottery Barn resale.
• CB2 New: $1,200–$2,200 • Used: $400–$800 Trendy and modern. Used prices can be 60% less, but quality varies. Find listings up to 80% off on Kashew.
• Article New: $1,000–$2,000 • Used: $400–$700 Known for direct-to-consumer value. Used Article can be a great deal if in good condition. Find listings up to 80% off on Kashew.

Summary: High-end brands like RH and DWR offer the biggest savings when purchased used. Mid-market brands (West Elm, Pottery Barn, CB2, Article) are more affordable new, but they depreciate quickly — making second-hand the smarter choice financially.

Bottom Line

When you factor in shipping, lead time, quality, and resale value, used furniture often delivers more long-term value than buying new.

If you’re after style, sustainability, and savings, pre-loved furniture is the clear winner. But if you want something specific, need a warranty, or crave the convenience of brand-new — new furniture can still make sense.

The smartest move? Mix and match. Invest in durable, second-hand statement pieces (like a solid wood dining table) and supplement with new, lower-ticket items when needed.

FAQs: Used vs. New Furniture

• Is used furniture safe and hygienic? Yes — most pre-loved furniture can be cleaned and sanitized easily. Upholstered items can be steam-cleaned or reupholstered for extra peace of mind.
• How much can I really save by buying used? On average, buyers save 40–70% off retail. For high-end brands, savings can be in the thousands.
• Does used furniture last as long as new furniture? Often longer. Many vintage or high-end used pieces were built with better materials and craftsmanship than mass-market new furniture.
• What’s the best way to transport used furniture? Local pickup is free, but for delivery, apps like GoShare or UShip make it easy and affordable. Kashew also connects you with reliable delivery partners.
• Which brands are best to buy second-hand? Restoration Hardware, DWR, and Pottery Barn tend to hold up well and offer the biggest savings when purchased pre-owned.

💡 Pro tip: Explore pre-loved pieces from top brands on Kashew — you might find the perfect designer item at a fraction of retail.