Selling used furniture online is a great way to declutter your home and make some extra cash. The quality of your photographs is frequently the key to success, and can make all the difference in whether you’re able to make a sale. Learn how to get great photos in the guide below, including tips on how to master lighting, how to best position your furniture for a successful still shot, and how to capture the perfect angles.
1. Prepare Your Furniture for Photography
Look critically at your furniture before you pick up the camera, and think about what impression it would make on you as a potential buyer. If it’s a little unkempt or faded, clean it up so that it makes a good impression.
Clean and Polish Your Piece
The first step in preparing your furniture for photographs is to give it a thorough cleaning. This can dramatically improve the appearance of your furniture in photos.
Use a gentle furniture polish to bring out the natural luster of wooden pieces. Vacuum upholstered pieces thoroughly and scrub out stains. Spray a fabric freshener to eliminate any odors as a courtesy to the next owner. Polish metal furniture to restore its shine.
Stage the Furniture Appropriately
Place the item in a setting that mimics its intended use. Position a dining table with chairs in a dining area, for example, or showcase a bedroom set in a bedroom-like setting. This may not matter to some shoppers, but using the wrong backdrop can be a turnoff to many.
Make sure you’ve tidied up the space you use as a backdrop. Remove any personal items or distracting elements that might appear in the frame. A clean, neutral background will allow the furniture to stand out and allow potential buyers to envision the piece in their own homes. It also reinforces the idea that you’ve properly maintained the furniture.
2. Use the Right Lighting for Furniture Photography
Lighting can make or break your furniture photographs. The right lighting can highlight the best features of your piece, and poor lighting can make even the most beautiful furniture look dull and unappealing.
Harness Natural Light
Natural light is your best friend when you’re photographing furniture. Soft, diffused sunlight can bring out furniture’s natural tones better than overhead lighting, so try to position your furniture near a large window or glass door.
The best times to photograph your piece are in the morning or early evening when light is soft and flattering. Avoid shooting during midday when the sun is at its highest point, as this can create harsh shadows and overexposed areas in your photos. If you must shoot in harsh sunlight, use sheer curtains or a white sheet to diffuse the light and create a softer, more even look.
If natural light isn’t available or sufficient, use soft, diffused light from multiple sources. Avoid using your camera’s built-in flash, as this can create harsh reflections and unnatural-looking images. Make sure the lighting captures the item’s true coloring and sheen.
3. Capture All Angles of Your Furniture
How successfully you frame your shots can change how attractive your furniture seems. You can provide a comprehensive view of the piece by capturing unique and interesting features.
Show Multiple Views
Don’t limit yourself to just one or two photos. Shoot the front, back, and sides, and any details, such as fabric prints, joints, knobs, and surfaces.
Start with a straight-on shot that shows the entire piece. Then, take photos from various angles. Include shots of the back and underside of the furniture, as buyers use these to assess the overall condition and quality of the piece.
Highlight Unique Features
Every piece of furniture has its own unique characteristics. Make sure to capture these in your photos. Close-up shots of interesting design elements, high-quality materials, or intricate details can help your listing stand out.
If you’re selling a vintage dresser with ornate hardware, for example, take close-up shots of the drawer pulls. If you’re selling a dining table with a beautiful wood grain or intricately turned legs, capture these details in your images. Focused shots can help potential buyers appreciate the craftsmanship and value of your piece.
4. Create Context and Show Furniture Scale
Detailed shots are important, but so are wide shots that help potential buyers understand how the furniture fits into a room, and how big or small it is relative to other pieces of nearby furniture.
Use Props Wisely
Incorporating props that you’ve carefully chosen can create context for your furniture. You might place a vase of flowers on a side table or arrange some books on a bookshelf, for example. You can place a couple throw pillows on a couch or place a bowl or two onto a hutch.Don’t overdo it on props, though. The focus should always remain on the furniture you’re selling.
Demonstrate Size Effectively
It can be challenging for online buyers to gauge the size of your furniture from photos alone. Include common objects in your photos to provide a sense of scale. You might place a standard-sized lamp next to a coffee table, for example, or ask someone to sit in a dining chair while you take a photo.
You can also include measurements in your photos. Place a measuring tape in the frame or add text overlays with dimensions to your images. This extra information can be incredibly helpful to potential buyers.
5. Be Transparent About Furniture Condition
Be honest when you’re selling used furniture online. This will help you to build trust with potential buyers and prevent misunderstandings or disappointment.
Document Damage
If your furniture has any scratches, dents, stains, or other imperfections, document these in your photos with closeups. Take clear photos of any damaged areas so that the potential buyer has clear expectations. Minor imperfections won’t usually deter a serious buyer, especially if they’re getting a good deal.
Highlight Potential for Restoration
Note in your listing whether your piece has restoration or upcycling potential. If you’re selling a solid wood dresser with a worn finish, for example, include a photo of a small area on which you’ve tested a new stain or paint.
This approach can turn seemingly negative features into positive selling points for do-it-yourself enthusiasts or potential buyers who are looking for a project piece.
6. Optimizing Your Online Furniture Listing
To maximize your chances of a successful sale, pair your images with an effective listing.
Write Compelling Descriptions
Photos make the biggest impression on potential buyers, but don’t neglect the written description of your furniture. Use clear, descriptive language to highlight your furniture’s materials, key details, and the condition of the piece. Include important details such as dimensions, age, brand, and any history or interesting facts about the item.
Mention any special care instructions or assembly requirements. If you’re willing to deliver the piece, make this clear in the listing.
Choose the Right Platform
There are many online platforms on which you can sell used furniture. Popular options include general marketplaces on sites such as Craigslist, Facebook, and eBay, and furniture-specific sites such as Chairish or AptDeco.
Consider the type of furniture you’re selling and your target buyer when choosing a platform. High-end or vintage pieces might do well on specialized sites, for example, while more common items might find a broader audience on general marketplaces. Some platforms also offer features such as in-app messaging or secure payment options, which can make the selling process smoother.
7. Ensure Safe Transactions
Take precautions to protect both you and the buyer.
Meet in Public Spaces
Arrange to meet potential buyers in public spaces that feature security cameras. If the furniture is too large to move easily, ask a friend or family member to help. Some police stations offer safe exchange zones that are designed for online transactions, which can add a sense of security.
Use Secure Payment Methods
Use secure payment methods when you’re selling online. Cash is the easiest option for in-person transactions, while platforms such as PayPal or Venmo can be useful for online payments. Be wary of potential scams, such as overpayment schemes or requests to use unconventional payment methods.
Always confirm that you’ve received payment before handing over the furniture. If you’re shipping the item in question, use a tracked shipping method and get insurance for valuable pieces.
