Explore These 6 Household Items Worth Purchasing on Facebook Marketplace
For many, it's no secret that Facebook Marketplace can be a treasure trove. I've purchased around 90% of the items in my apartment secondhand, and many of them have been Facebook finds that I've snagged for fantastic prices. While I know that not everyone is as familiar with the world of Facebook Marketplace as I am, the platform can definitely be intimidating to navigate.
In my professional capacity, I've had the pleasure of connecting with a few interior designers who love shopping on Facebook Marketplace as much as I do. Here, I'm turning the stage over to them. Designers Kristin Keyes, founder of Kristin Keyes Interiors, and Juliana Ghani, a content creator and the founder of G. Atelier, are sharing their favorite items to source on the platform, as well as tips for finding and securing these incredible decor and furniture pieces that will enhance your living space.
- Juliana Ghani, designer, content creator, and founder of G. Atelier
- Kristin Keyes, designer and founder of Kristin Keyes Interiors
Rugs
Whether you're looking to cover up unsightly rental floors or just want to save some money on purchasing a rug, Facebook Marketplace is an excellent starting point, according to Keyes. "There are many trying to unload their pre-loved rugs," she says. "There are plenty of vintage and antique pieces, but there are also current pieces from popular retailers if that's more your taste."
Regardless of which route you choose, the designer recommends sticking to wool or wool/cotton blends. "Find a good rug cleaning professional, and you'll have something that will last for years," she adds, keeping in mind that cleaning costs should be factored into your browsing.
What to Search
Type in the rug style and size, Keyes suggests, sometimes adding a color as well (e.g., "Red Persian Rug 8 x 10"). If you're looking for a specific make, add the brand name after the aforementioned phrases.
What to Do at Pickup
A little additional scrutiny will go a long way, Keyes says. "Unroll the whole thing, even if it's inconvenient," she advises. "A little wear-and-tear is part of the patina, but check for damage that affects the rug's structural integrity, such as rips, tears, or areas that are coming unraveled." While some stains and most smells will come out after a good cleaning, deeply noticeable, deep stains will, of course, be a dealbreaker.
Mirrors
Ghani is fond of using Facebook Marketplace to search for mirrors. "You can find beautiful decorative mirrors of all sizes for a foyer, powder room, or mantel," she says.
What to Search
Ghani is partial to mirrors made of real hand-carved wood, gold leaf, convex from the 70s, and tole mirrors. She recommends searching for these phrases, as well as others such as "regency mirror," "gold mirror," "gilt mirror," and "vintage mirror."
What to Do at Pickup
Inspect the mirror's frame for chipping (sometimes a bit of patina is stylish, but other times, it isn't what you might have expected). Ask the seller for any mounting materials or suggestions in the case of a large, heavy mirror.
Artwork
Ghani enjoys browsing Facebook Marketplace for amazing secondhand art pieces. "If you don't have the budget to purchase from a gallery (most don't!), Facebook Marketplace is the way to go," she says. "Oil paintings, photographs, and mixed media can all be found at great prices and will complete your space."
What to Search
You can keep your search as general or specific as you'd like. For example, you could search "abstract art" or "framed photographs," or type in the name of your favorite artist within that category (e.g., "framed Gray Malin"). Ghani also recommends searching terms such as "oil painting," "vintage artwork," "framed art," "custom framed," and "lithograph."
What to Do at Pickup
Review the piece to confirm that something being advertised as an original isn't in fact a print. Inspect the frame, too—if it's in poor condition and will need to be replaced, there may be some room for negotiation with the seller.
Drapery Panels
It's time to replace those tired window coverings you've had for years. "You'd be surprised at how many are trying to sell their drapery," Keyes says. "It's better for the environment and easier on your wallet."
Keyes also shares an additional helpful tip: "If you have a good seamstress, you can also pick up custom panels and Roman shades and have them modified for your needs," she says.
What to Search
Keyes narrows her searches by brand and size. "I've found some high-end panels by searching for 'custom curtains' or 'designer curtains' as well," she says.
What to Do at Pickup
Just as with rugs, you'll want to give curtains a good once-over. "Always unfold, examine, and measure the full panel," she says. "I've accidentally purchased panels that have shrunk in the wash and are no longer the original length—not good."
Many homes boast built-in shelving that yearns for adornment, yet high-quality books like "n" titles can bite into one's budget quite significantly. "My library of secondhand books for coffee tables is consistently expanding, as I succumb to their allure," Ghani confides. She points out that these books can often be found in bundles of 10 or even 20.
"My client was smitten with Porsches, and I managed to procure him a set of 10 Porsche coffee table books from Facebook Marketplace for just $50," the designer discloses. "He was overjoyed, and one of them was even a prized collectible worth hundreds!"
What to Look Up
You can search by broad categories (such as "fashion books"), by author (like "Slim Aarons photography book"), or by subject, but keeping your search simple (i.e., "coffee table books") will yield the most fruitful results.
What to Do Before Taking Delivery
Before collecting your book, it's wise to conduct an online search to determine if you're actually getting a bargain (you may find another used copy online at a similar or lower price and opt to have it delivered directly to your doorstep).
Overhead Lighting
Bid farewell to drab ceiling lights (as well as any other fixtures that leave you feeling less than thrilled). Instead of shelling out a fortune for a top-tier pendant light or chandelier, explore what's available on Facebook Marketplace.
"There are countless bargains to be found since so many Facebook Marketplace users are shopping for overhead lighting," Keyes suggests, noting that she's secured fixtures from reputable brands like Visual Comfort, Design Within Reach, and others.
"I stumbled upon some extraordinary vintage lighting during my shopping spree," Ghani shares. "A set of 70's chrome sconces that perfectly complemented my client's powder room - all for $260!"
On a related note, don't neglect to search for ceiling fans, Keyes implores. "I've replaced unsightly ceiling fans with simple white ceiling fans and have had great success finding them on Facebook Marketplace," she reveals. When working with one client in need of three matching white ceiling fans, Keyes was able to save money by sourcing two of them through the platform.
What to Look Up
Enter brand names to locate those desirable items you've had your eye on, Keyes suggests.
What to Do Before Taking Delivery
Verify that all mounting hardware is included, and make sure there's sufficient pole or chain length for your space. The designer advises.
- Juliana Ghani also finds Facebook Marketplace useful for sourcing decorative mirrors, recommending searches for phrases like "regency mirror," "gold mirror," and "vintage mirror."
- When picking up mirrors, she suggests inspecting the frame for chipping and asking the seller for mounting materials or suggestions for large, heavy mirrors.
