Reply #5: Maybe people are getting smart? Naw... couldn't be:) [View All]

[JuniperLea]

Outside of a few end tables from Bombay and a bunch of Ikea bookcases, I haven't bought furniture "new" in over 25 years.

I have, however, bought several battered antiques from Goodwill and other like organizations and had them re-upholstered. Who wants to spend $2000 on a big wing-backed chair and ottoman that will fall apart within five years when grandma's chair can be made new for $500? I have a circa 1928 couch with lovely wood scroll work that I bought at Goodwill for $150 and had re-upholstered. My Federal dining set was purchased at a garage sale for $150 and the seats cost $150 to be recovered.

I've bought three homes in the past 25 years and spent almost nothing on new furnishings, but it looks like I spent a small fortune.

Times are hard. Maybe we've wised up and refused to buy inferior goods? I wonder what the numbers are for goods and services I've described here...