Your Authoritative Guide to Pricing (& Selling) Used Furniture

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Financial literacy expert Andrew Lokenauth explains how to determine a fair price for your used furniture

Co-authored by Andrew Lokenauth and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: March 11, 2026 Fact Checked

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Pricing Used Furniture

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Selling Old Furniture

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Getting a Fair Price as a Buyer

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Where to Sell

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Expert Q&A

Finding the perfect price for selling furniture can be difficult. You can't exactly sell at market value, and you don't want to walk away knowing that you could have made more money. Furthermore, finding the value of your used furniture can help you decide whether or not it's worth selling at all. While pricing furniture may seem hard, there are some general rules of the trade. For this article, wikiHow has partnered with finance and moving experts to teach you those rules so you can price and sell your used furniture.

How do you find a fair price for used furniture?

Financial literacy expert Andrew Lokenauth says to do research on the item by looking it up online to see how much it’s going for. That way, you’ll have an idea of how to price it. To get an even better idea of pricing your used furniture, follow these additional steps:

Aim to sell used furniture at 40-70% of its original price, depending on condition.
Adjust the price based on age, condition, and transportation difficulty and costs.
Take the materials the furniture is made of into account, as well. The finer the material, the higher the price.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Price Your Used Furniture

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Do research on similar items to understand their price range. Lokenauth says to “look the item up online on the major online retailers to see what similar items are selling for so you can get an idea of how to price it.”^{[1]
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Andrew Lokenauth
Financial Literacy Expert

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- For example, if you’re trying to sell a two-person leather couch, look up how much used ones are currently going for to get a good idea of pricing.
- Check the prices on eBay and Craigslist to see what other people are selling similar items for. Furniture Valuation Guides, found easily online, will also give you ranges of prices for most furniture.
- Look for items as similar as possible to yours. If you know the maker, model, or materials used, look up furniture with similar qualities.
- If you don't know how much the piece originally sold for, this is the best place to start.
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Andrew Lokenauth is a Financial Literacy Expert with over 15 years of experience working on Wall Street and in Tech & Start-ups.

Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®, is a Senior Move Manager who helps organize homes and manage moves in Southern California.
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Aim to sell most furniture at 40-70% its original sale price. This is considered industry standard and is a reasonable guide for quality used furniture. Note, however, that this is just a baseline. The price fluctuates depending on a variety of factors, including age, condition, and transportation difficulty (keep reading for more notes on these factors). You can tailor the price based on a variety of other factors, as discussed below.
- Say, for example, you bought a dresser for $500 several years ago, it’s in good condition, and you want to get rid of it:
  - For a quick sale, sell the item for around 40% of its original price ($200).
  - For a fair sale, sell the item for around 50-60% of its original price ($250 to $300).
  - For a lucrative sale, sell the item for 60-70% of its original sale price ($300 to $350). Keep in mind, higher-priced items take a bit longer to sell.
- For more worn, used items, consider pricing them at 30-50% of the original retail price.
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Adjust the price based on the current condition. The biggest factor influencing price is condition. If the furniture is in almost the exact condition as when you bought it, then you can sell it for only 30% less than when you bought it. But if it's got some scuffs, dings, wobbles, or other issues, you may want to lean towards 40% or more. In general, the longer you've owned it and the more worn it is, the less you can sell it for.^{[2]
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- If you bought a beautiful bookshelf for $1,000, and it is in prime condition, you can likely sell it for $600 to $700.
- If the bookshelf is faded, older, missing shelves, or has marks and chips, you may want to price it closer to $300 to $500.
A ten-year-old desk that’s in good condition, for example, might sell at only 50% the price you bought it. Furniture, like cars and houses, loses value as it ages. Unless the construction is incredible, or the furniture is an antique (older than 1970 and in good condition), you're going to take a hit for every year you've had it.^{[3]
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Take transportation into account for cost. When you’re selling furniture or other large items that need to be transported, shave a bit off the price if the buyer’s going to be the one transporting it. Professional move manager Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®, says that “there are these additional costs that they will incur after they buy it from you,” so price the furniture accordingly.^{[4]
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Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
Professional Move Manager

Expert Interview}
- For example, if you’re selling a large couch for $500, but the person needs to drive it back home themselves, consider charging $450 instead so they can use the extra $50 for gas and travel expenses.
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Pay attention to construction and materials. You don't have to be a woodworker to know good woodwork. Quality furniture feels sturdy – it can handle weight, it doesn't wobble, and the joints are all snug. If yours doesn’t, prepare to sell it for significantly less than when you bought it. If it feels solid and built to last, though, you may be able to sell it closer to the original price.
- Cheap furniture, like IKEA-brand wares, will often sell far below its buying price, often for no more than $20 to $100. This is because it is not made to be moved and resold, and is made of cheap materials.
- If you see particle boards – the layered, rough sheets of wood, chances are good you've got cheap furniture.
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Get antique furniture appraised by a professional. Antiques are often worth much more than their original price. Unless you're an expert in antiques, or willing to do a lot of research into similar items, past selling prices, and restoration possibilities, you should contact an expert. Most antique stores have appraisers who will give you an honest opinion about your potential selling price.^{[5]
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- If possible, bring the appraiser the year, make, and model of the furniture, or at least where it came from.

Section 2 of 4:

How to Sell Your Old Furniture

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Wash, clean, and buff the furniture to make the most money. A clean piece of furniture is infinitely easier to sell, and to price competitively. Get out any stains, polish up the edges, and consider cheaply staining or painting faded furniture. A new coat of paint or stain only costs $20, but it can make a used desk look brand new if you apply it well.^{[6]
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- If there are any small repairs you can make, put them in now. It will disproportionately lower the sale price if you expect the buyer to make fixes.
- Test any old electronics to ensure that they still work.
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Take high-quality, transparent photos before posting. Since buyers primarily shop with their eyes online, the quality of your photos directly impacts the achievable price and the speed of sale. This is often more important than minor price adjustments.
- Use natural lighting. Position the furniture near a window or outdoors during the day. Avoid overhead lights or flash, which can cast harsh shadows and obscure details.
- Show multiple angles and scale. Take at least four photos (front, back, sides, and a close-up of a unique detail). To show the item's size, place a common object (like a coin or book) next to it for scale.
- Be transparent about flaws. Take a clear, well-lit photo of any scratch, dent, or blemish. By proactively disclosing damage in the photo array and description, you build immediate trust with the buyer and avoid wasting time on in-person inspection disputes.
Post items at a slightly higher price on weekends (Saturdays/Sundays) and during major moving seasons (e.g., end of the month, beginning of summer). Traffic is higher during these times, meaning potentially increased demand and willingness to pay more.
This is called “charm pricing.” Instead of pricing a dining table at $100, set the price at $99. This small difference can create the psychological perception that the item is significantly cheaper or a better deal, encouraging immediate inquiries.
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Make a trustworthy, comprehensive post of your item. Include all of the details about your furniture in the posting, including size, condition, and price. Upload the high-quality photos you took, making sure to include photos of any flaws. Let potential buyers know how and when they can pick the product up, and make sure everything is spelled and organized correctly.
- By making sure your post is comprehensive and includes everything the buyer would want to know (without posting sensitive information), they’ll have an easier time trusting you.
- Make sure you’re keeping yourself safe, too. Don’t share any identifiable information like your address.
- Where can you sell used furniture besides online? Host garage sales, sell it to a flea market near you, or head to specialized antique or resale stores near you if you don’t want to sell online.
If you’re selling things like a coffee table and two matching side tables or a bed with multiple parts, price them individually but offer a 10-15% discount if the buyer purchases the complete set. This increases the total value of your sale while providing the buyer with a discount.
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After posting the item, be willing to negotiate. It is very rare that you won't get the chance to discuss the price. Negotiating is common in business, and if you have to negotiate the price with a potential customer, make sure you know several things before the negotiation begins.^{[7]
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Research source} Having your strategy planned out before the bargaining begins is the best way to get a good price:
- Lowest possible price. Set this now, so that you don't have to think on the spot.
- Preferred price. What you want to sell it for, based on the value and your desire to get rid of it.
- Asking price. It may be identical to your preferred price. However, you can set the price a little higher than you need in the hopes that someone wants the furniture badly.
- Moving expenses. Who is going to pick up and move the furniture? Make sure this is dealt with in advance of sale.
Some people prefer to have the item dropped off to them, while others prefer to pick it up themselves. Work with the buyer and choose an option that’s best for both of you. Stay safe if you’re delivering in person, too. Meet in public places like malls or near police stations, and bring a buddy if you’re transporting large items.
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Ask friends if they’d buy the furniture for the price offered. Poll a few people once you've settled on a price and see if it is reasonable. If a few people you know would pay for it at that price, then you'll likely be able to sell it at that price. If you're completely lost, this is a good way to set a fair price.^{[8]
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- Remember, you don't want to get their opinion on whether or not the like the furniture, you just want to know if they think the price is reasonable.
- If you're still stuck, there are several websites, like Splitwise Furniture Calculator, that will calculate potential prices for you. Note, however, that these are only estimates.

Section 3 of 4:

How to Get a Fair Price When Buying Used Furniture

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Shop around for similar furniture before making an offer. Unless you're already a pricing pro (in which case you likely don't need this article), you shouldn't make a purchase without comparing 4-5 similar pieces of furniture. Research other items to see what they’re selling for, note the price differences, and ask the seller about any discrepancies. Check out these average price ranges for common furniture to get started:^{[9]
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- Bed: $36 to $176+
- Dresser: $21 to $104+
- Desk: $25 to $200+
- Dining Room Set: $150 to $1,000+
- Coffee Table: $16 to $67+
- Sofa: $36 to $207+
- Arm Chair: $25 to $150
- Remember, these prices vary based on the market, platform, demand, condition, and various other factors.
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Ask about the age and history of the furniture. Has it needed repairs? How old is it? Any issues to comment on? Most sellers won't tell you if their furniture is bad, but you can get a sense for their pricing with good questions.
- If someone tells you "it is expensive because it is an antique," make sure you know when it was made. If they can't tell you, or if it was made after 1970, it is not an antique.
- Take any price with a grain of salt.
- If possible, have a third party take a look at the furniture to see if they think the price is worth what the seller says it is.
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Check for solid construction. You want snug, tight joints and no wiggle. The piece should feel solid under your weight, especially chairs, sofas, and tables. Trust your own instincts on this – if it doesn't look solid and well built, then don't spend a ton of money on it. If it's got a few dings or scratches, you might want to ask for $25-30 less than the asking price.
- Avoid buying the furniture if it is cheaply built-- chances are good you'll just need to buy another one in a few years.
If you're looking for a great desk, you don't need to spend $500 on the perfect piece. If the construction is good and you like the shape, but the surface is scratched or faded, you might be able to get a good desk for a great price. A can of paint, or wood stain, is cheap. If you're willing to spend an afternoon refinishing some furniture, you can save a lot of money.^{[10]
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Set the price you are willing to pay before contacting the seller. Ultimately, a piece of furniture is worth the price it is sold for. So, if you really like a piece and have shopped around to find a good potential price, make an offer. If you can back up your offer with evidence of similar furniture prices, even better. When making an offer, remember:
- Know how high you're willing to go. Set this now so that you can walk away if the price gets too high. You don't want to make this decision on the spot.
- Make your preferred price clear. This is not about tactics or strategy. Be honest and upfront when making your case to get the price you want -- "I'd be willing to pay $200 for this desk."
- Be flexible. If you're not going to budge on your price, don't bother negotiating. You should never pay more than you decided beforehand, but you should be able to work with the seller.
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Calculate the shipping and moving costs before purchasing. Make sure you know how you're going to get the furniture from the seller, and how this affects your price. Lock down who is responsible for moving the furniture before finalizing the sale.^{[11]
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- Remember that you may have to reupholster or restain the piece if it is faded or in need of repair. Consider this part of the buying price, and let the seller know.

Section 4 of 4:

Where to Sell Used Furniture

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eBay eBay is a great place to sell your used furniture. There are plenty of shoppers who are looking for a good deal, so as long as you price fairly, you’ll be able to get a return on your furniture. eBay does take a percentage fee per each sale you make, though, so be prepared for a bit of a cut to your final profit.^{[12]
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- The fee tends to vary based on the type of product you’re selling, but it’s typically 13.6% plus 40 cents.
- Want to learn how to sell on eBay? Check out our wikiHow guide here!
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Craigslist Sell on Craigslist for a smooth local option. It’s a simple process, too. All you have to do is make a listing, upload photos of the furniture you’re looking to sell, and write a thorough description. Once you have a buyer, meet them in person for a cash-only transaction. But make sure you vet them through a call or email screening for optimal safety.^{[13]
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- Want to learn how to sell on Craigslist? Check out our wikiHow guide here!
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Facebook Marketplace Facebook Marketplace is a great option if you’re looking to sell locally. All you have to do to sell on Facebook Marketplace is make a listing with quality photos, set a price, and give a good description. When someone decides that they want to buy, make sure you meet in a public place around other people to be safe.^{[14]
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How to sell furniture fast?

Tanglewood Sue
DIY & Upcycling Specialist
Tanglewood Sue is a DIY and Upcycling Specialist and the Owner of Tanglewood Works out of Hyattsville, Maryland. With over nine years of experience, Sue specializes in upcycled painted furniture and other handmade, personalized, and sustainable goods. With her passion for art and reinvention, marketing experience, and Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Media, Sue has been able to create a business that not only provides quality pieces but empowers customers to create their works through her library of DIY tutorials and live demos as well as DIY supplies.

Tanglewood Sue

DIY & Upcycling Specialist

Expert Answer

If you want to sell it quickly, know that it's all about the picture. I've seen beautiful pieces that don't sell because they have a horrible picture at a weird angle. You've got to stage your piece and take a really good picture of it. Just get a blank wall in your garage or in your living room and you will sell your furniture in no time.

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I have a two piece maple hutch with a glass top. The base is in excellent condition with one long drawer and four smaller ones. How do I price it?

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Check the cost of similar items on sites like craigslist or eBay. You can also check your local newspaper for similar furniture items and price it accordingly. Price it on the lower end if you need to sell it quickly, or higher if you have time to spare.

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How do I determine the value of a recliner?

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You have to use your best judgment. Pricing depends on how old they are and the condition of the material. We sold our Lazy Boy recliners for $100 and $125. We paid $800 for each one. One was in good condition and one was a little bit worn. You can always stay open to negotiation if you think you may have priced too high.

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