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When you're preparing to furnish your living room, or any part of your home, the decision of whether to buy new or used furniture can feel overwhelming. This choice affects more than just your budget. It also influences your home’s style, environmental impact, comfort level, and long-term satisfaction.
At La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston, we understand that buying new furniture isn’t the right decision for everyone. That’s why we’ve created this detailed guide comparing new furniture vs second-hand furniture, so you can weigh your options with confidence.
Whether you're on a budget, planning for longevity, or simply love vintage aesthetics, this article is here to help.
Buying used furniture usually involves purchasing pre-owned pieces through online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or Craigslist, as well as local thrift shops and secondhand furniture stores in Ottawa.
According to Zeina Badawi, the interior designer at La-Z-Boy Kanata, used furniture is often a more affordable option. “And you might stumble upon a hidden gem, like a solid oak coffee table, a vintage velvet armchair, or a unique mid-century TV stand that’s full of character,” she says.
However, buying used comes with trade-offs. You won’t get the guarantees that come with new furniture. There’s no official record of its usage, no warranty, and no real quality assurance. You may also need to do some hunting to find the right piece, which can be time-consuming and occasionally frustrating.
On the other hand, purchasing new furniture from trusted retailers like La-Z-Boy offers a seamless, predictable, and personalized experience.
You can test out pieces in-store, select your desired fabric or colour, and count on professional delivery and setup. Many customers value this peace of mind, especially when investing in big-ticket items like sectionals, recliners, or complete living room sets.
Another major benefit is access to customization and financing. You’re not just buying a chair or a couch—you’re choosing how it feels, looks, and fits your room. And with warranty coverage, your investment is protected long after delivery.
To learn more about La-Z-Boy’s Protection Plan as well as Furniture Financing, take a look at these articles.
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Used Furniture |
New Furniture |
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Pros |
Lower initial cost |
Superior quality control |
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Sustainable and eco-friendly |
Warranties and flexible financing |
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Unique, vintage, or one-of-a-kind finds |
Customization options for size and fabric |
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Cons |
Unknown condition and limited selection |
Higher upfront price |
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No warranty or return policy |
Potential delivery wait times |
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Increased risk of scams or safety issues |
Less uniqueness (for standard showroom pieces) |
Affordability is perhaps the most compelling reason people explore secondhand options. A used loveseat or recliner can cost a fraction of what it would be brand new, sometimes 70–80% less. This can free up your budget for other home upgrades like lighting, flooring, or paint.
But while the initial cost is low, used furniture can have hidden expenses. Repairing a sagging cushion, fixing a drawer, or reupholstering a ripped seat can add unexpected costs that eat into your savings. You also need to consider the cost of moving it yourself or hiring a third-party delivery service.
New furniture comes at a higher price point, but that price reflects its value. You’re not just buying furniture, you’re buying a solution. With retailers like La-Z-Boy, which include premium materials, performance fabrics, ergonomic design, and manufacturer support. Plus, with furniture financing options like Flexiti, you can split the investment over time.
Ultimately, the cost of ownership may be lower in the long run. New pieces typically last longer and require fewer repairs, making them more cost-effective over 5–10 years of daily use.
When buying used, you're at the mercy of the previous owner's habits. Was the piece exposed to moisture? Pets? Smoke? Poor storage? It’s impossible to know for sure. Signs of wear aren’t always visible until you’ve used the item for a few weeks or months, which makes buying secondhand a bit of a gamble.
Zeina says that you’ll want to inspect everything closely, including joints, legs, cushions, drawers, and fabric. Ask about the brand and try to determine how old the item is. It’s also a good idea to sit on it in person if possible. What looks great in photos could sag or squeak in real life.
To learn more about the Cost to Reupholster a Chair or compare Repairing vs Replacing Furniture, take a look at these articles.
With new furniture, you can expect consistency in quality. Materials are selected for durability and comfort, and the furniture is built to meet industry standards. At La-Z-Boy, all pieces go through rigorous testing and quality control to ensure they’re built to last, and if something does go wrong, your warranty has you covered.
“When you buy new, you’re investing in years of peace of mind. You know the craftsmanship is there, and you’re supported every step of the way,” Zeina says.
To learn more about the Quality of La-Z-Boy Furniture, take a look at this article.
Used furniture shines when it comes to character. You might discover a one-of-a-kind French Provincial armchair or an old-school credenza that’s perfect for your aesthetic. For those who love antique charm or retro flair, secondhand shops are a treasure trove.
That said, fitting secondhand items into a cohesive room design can be a challenge. Matching colours, shapes, and textures from random sources isn’t easy, especially if you’re working toward a specific vision or space constraint.
New furniture provides the flexibility to match your vision from the start. You can choose the fabric, trim, size, and even layout to suit your room and lifestyle. This is particularly valuable when buying living room sets, where coordination and proportion matter.
At La-Z-Boy, many collections offer hundreds of fabric choices, power or manual recline options, and modular layouts to suit everything from open-concept homes to cozy condos.
When buying secondhand, delivery logistics are often up to you. You’ll need to figure out transportation, whether that means renting a truck, borrowing a friend’s vehicle, or negotiating delivery with the seller. You also risk miscommunication, cancellations, or getting a piece that doesn’t fit through your door.
Plus, most used pieces come as-is, which means no assembly support, no protective packaging, and no recourse if something breaks in transit.
New furniture, on the other hand, is designed for convenience. When you buy from La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston, you can expect professional delivery, full setup, and packaging removal. You’ll also have the benefit of sales support, post-purchase follow-up, and virtual design consultations if needed.
It’s a stress-free experience, especially if you’re furnishing an entire room or coordinating multiple pieces.
Online platforms for secondhand shopping are flooded with listings, but not all sellers are trustworthy. Scams involving deposit requests, fake listings, or unsafe meetups are unfortunately common, especially in larger cities like Ottawa. There’s no customer service line to call and no refunds if you get burned.
Buying used also lacks the guidance that a professional sales team provides. You’re on your own in terms of making sure a piece fits, matches, or supports your needs.
Shopping for new offers is a supported, expert-driven experience. You can test furniture in person, ask questions, and work with trained consultants who understand sizing, layout, and material durability. At La-Z-Boy, you can even schedule a free interior design consultation to help you build a room that balances form and function.
This experience is particularly valuable for buyers looking to make a long-term investment, design an open-concept space, or mix multiple furniture styles.
To learn more about Custom Furniture at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article
If you carefully take a look at these helpful factors, you will be able to make an informed decision for yourself and your household. Always remember to compare prices and check the level of quality of your furniture. These are the important considerations when purchasing any furniture piece, new or used.
If you’re wondering where to buy used furniture in Ottawa, there are many places that you can find in this article.
If you’re thinking of shopping for new living room furniture, why not stop by La-Z-Boy? You can start shopping at any of our local furniture stores in Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston. You can also book an appointment online before coming in.
If you’re interested in learning more about our La-Z-Boy sofas, check out some of these articles:
We also offer complimentary interior design services to help create the room of your dreams. Our interior designers, along with our expert design consultants, are always eager to lend a helping hand. To learn more about La-Z-Boy Furniture in general, take a look at this Comprehensive Furniture Guide.
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