9 Secrets for Finding the Best Craigslist Furniture
The incredible Italian sofa set that Madison snagged for a steal.
Photo: Madison Brill
Always go with somebody for a pickup, don’t go alone
Madison warns that, whenever possible, agree to meet people in a public place, if it’s an item that can be brought outside. She also doesn’t recommend sharing your phone number unless you’re certain that you’ll buy the item—if you ever receive a response for a listing requesting that you text or email the seller directly, it’s probably spam. (Craigslist is still mostly an unmonitored platform.) “Use your best judgment,” she says. “I’ve always looked at the picture of the person that’s selling. Bringing someone with you is always a great idea, especially if you have to go into the house.”
Include buzzwords when listing items
As Madison explains, “whatever you put in the search is what you’re going to get.” She once walked away with a Birds of Paradise plant for $60 because the seller accidentally listed it as a banana tree. Madison scored her set of Marcel Breuer–style Cesca chairs because she searched for “rattan chairs.”
When listing your own items, she strongly suggests adding similar brands—for example, CB2, West Elm, and IKEA—at the bottom of a listing, so it will reach more people. Buzzwords for terms like “midcentury modern” or “space age” will also yield more eyeballs.
Think outside the search box
You never know what might pop up when searching for something, so don’t rule out the basics. Entering simple terms like “couch” or “coffee table” can lead to an abundance of deals. As Madison explains, “It sometimes pays off because you’ll find something that you know might be a designer brand that you’re looking for, but the person has no idea, and it’s a quarter of the price.”
Madison’s dining seats, a set of Cesca-style chairs that were originally mislabeled on Craigslist.
Photo: Madison Brill
Do your research
When you’re in the market for a good deal, there’s nothing worse than getting ripped off.
Madison says that it’s worth cross-checking listings off Craigslist because “sometimes the price is close to getting brand new.”
Don’t look too much
If you search for items on Craigslist too frequently, you’ll be filtering through a bunch of listings that you’ve already seen. Madison compares it to the experience of going to your favorite vintage store—if you went in every day, you probably wouldn’t see anything new. She adds, “I think it’s more just like giving it time when you do look.” Once a week is probably more than enough.
Save the (moving) date
It’s also worth keeping in mind that the 15th and the end of the month are usually moving dates for people changing homes and are great times to get stuff. During the pandemic, Madison was able to furnish everything in her new apartment because “everyone was selling their furniture and moving out of the city.”
Dining Tables – Affordable Dining & Kitchen Tables
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Extending the dining table in a small space
There are plenty of ways to extend your table to seat more guests, even in a small space.
You just need to choose a smart, space-saving solution that’s as easy to get out as it is to store away.
See more about extendable tables
Dining tables for every meal
Long and cozy breakfasts with freshly baked bread after a late sleep in. Hearty Sunday roasts with friends and family. Yummy weekend brunches with scrambled eggs, bacon and scones. Dining room tables are at the heart of it all. So, you’ll want to choose one that can handle the pressure.
That’s why we have a wide variety of designs for you. From drop-leaf tables to extendable ones, wall mounted to gateleg, to everything you need to fit both guests and gourmet dishes.
What to think about when getting a dining table
You might be tempted to just pick up a table that looks nice. But it’s not quite that easy! You want to be able to use it for many years, and to the fullest. Having a festive dinner, and then chatting around the dining table all the way into the late hours should be a delight, not a displeasure.
Therefore, there are some things to keep in mind so that you are guaranteed to sit comfortably through and through.
The height of your kitchen table matters
Make sure to consider the height between the table and chairs. If you sit too high, your thighs might hit the underside of the tabletop, which can turn long dinners into a torment. If you sit too low, it becomes uncomfortable to lean your arms against the table, since your shoulders end up in an unnaturally high position.
A good rule of thumb is that the distance between the seat and the kitchen tabletop should be a maximum of 1 foot. Keep in mind that you need to measure from the actual seat. So be extra careful if you have chairs with cushions or built-in padding. These will sink down when you sit on them, and it is from that seating position that you should measure. Otherwise, a few inches in height will disappear when you sit down, and then suddenly: the table is too high.
If you’re not in the mood to mix and match kitchen tables and kitchen chairs, why not choose one of our dining room sets? They’re made to go together, so you know they’re a good fit.
How to make sure everyone can fit around your kitchen table
You also need to consider how many people you want to fit around the table. You’ll want all diners to be able to sit comfortably without bumping into each other when eating. For that, it is estimated that each seat needs 2 feet in width. So, if you want a dining table for four, with two people on each side, you need one that is at least 4 feet long. For six people with three people on each side, at least 6 feet applies, and so on. If you’re not a hundred percent sure whether you need seating for four or six (or more), get yourself an extendable table. Space-saving when you’re just a few fellows, and easily extended when it’s time for a bigger party.
Consider the position of the dining table legs
Make sure to consider the placement of the table legs. If they are on the very edge, you and your guests can sit next to each other without problem. If, on the other hand, the legs are placed more toward the centre, you may need to think extra carefully about size and legroom.