10 Things You Should Know Before You Start a Side Hustle Flipping Furniture

Written by Alina Wang on February 25, 2025

A person with curly hair, wearing a striped apron, is kneeling on a wooden deck while painting a wooden chair yellow. They are using a brush and holding a tray with yellow paint. There are plants and a glass door in the background.

blackCAT/istockphoto

Flipping furniture can be a rewarding and lucrative side hustle, but it’s not as simple as slapping on a coat of paint and calling it a day. To turn old, worn-out pieces into cash, you’ll need to combine creativity, strategy, and a strong understanding of the resale market. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just looking for a fun and fulfilling way to make extra money, here are 10 essential tips to help you succeed in the world of furniture-flipping.

1. Learn the Market

A person sitting on a chair uses a smartphone with a social media app open. A laptop with an open webpage rests on a nearby wooden table. The scene conveys a multitasking setup in a comfortable living room environment. — Tero Vesalainen/istockphoto

Tero Vesalainen/istockphoto

Before you start buying and flipping, take some time to research which items are selling well in your area. Consider browsing local thrift stores, flea markets, and online platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to see which styles and pieces are in demand. Understanding trends — like mid-century modern or farmhouse chic — will help you focus on pieces that are more likely to sell. Knowing and understanding the fluctuations in market trends will save you time and money in the long run.

2. Know What’s in Demand

A couple examines a gray sofa in a furniture store, guided by a store employee holding a tablet. The setting is bright with a yellow background and various furniture items on display. — andresr/istockphoto

andresr/istockphoto

Certain furniture pieces, like dressers, dining tables, and accent chairs or sofas, are consistently popular. Pay attention to what buyers are searching for and avoid items that are harder to sell, such as oversized furniture or overly niche styles. Seasonal trends also matter (think outdoor furniture in the spring or cozy pieces in the fall).

3. Take High-Quality Pictures

Hands holding a DSLR camera focused on capturing a bright, stylish interior room with patterned wallpaper visible on the camera's screen. The blurred background features a lamp and a dark-colored chair. — CentralITAlliance/istockphoto

CentralITAlliance/istockphoto

When it comes to selling just about any item online, having high-quality photos is key. Use natural light, clear backgrounds, or multiple angles to showcase the piece’s best features, and don’t forget to highlight any unique details or craftsmanship. Having a well-lit, professional-looking photo can make a huge difference in helping your listing stand out in the sea of others.

4. Price Competitively

A man uses a utility knife to carefully work on the frame of an upholstered wooden chair. He is focused, wearing a gray apron, and is in a workshop setting with tools and materials around. The chair is on a large work table. — NickyLloyd/istockphoto

NickyLloyd/istockphoto

Pricing your flipped furniture correctly is also crucial in attracting (and retaining) new buyers. Research similar items to see what they’re selling for, and factor in your time, materials used, and any repairs. Avoid overpricing, as buyers are often looking for a deal, but will take into consideration things like quality craftsmanship or other unique elements.

5. Invest in Quality Materials

A person wearing dotted work gloves is opening a can of white paint. The can is placed on a speckled surface. The person appears to be kneeling down and is wearing blue jeans. — FG Trade Latin/istockphoto

FG Trade Latin/istockphoto

Using high-quality paint, stain, and hardware can elevate your flipped furniture to justify a higher price. Cheap materials can lead to chipping, fading, or other issues that turn buyers off. Consider spending a little extra on durable finishes and stylish hardware to create a polished, professional look. Using quality materials will also help your pieces stand out.

6. Start Small and Simple

A person with long hair in a bun, wearing a denim jacket and jeans, works on a light blue wooden chair in a workshop. They are focused on fixing or assembling the chair, with tools and wood materials around them. — Halfpoint/istockphoto

Halfpoint/istockphoto

If you’re new to furniture-flipping, consider starting with smaller, easier projects like coffee tables, hanging shelves, or chairs. These require less time and money, allowing you to hone your skills and confidence without feeling overwhelmed. As you gain experience and refine your techniques, you can gradually tackle larger or more complex pieces that will sell for more.

7. Build a Brand

A hand holds a paintbrush applying teal paint to a wooden surface with a carved floral design. A can of paint is nearby, and the wood is partially painted, revealing both raw and painted sections. — Iuliia Burmistrova/istockphoto

Iuliia Burmistrova/istockphoto

Creating brand-recognition can help you stand out in a saturated market, much like how famous brands develop their signature styles through logos or prints. Choose a consistent style, color palette, or aesthetic that reflects your personal touch and becomes instantly recognizable as yours. Use social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest to showcase your work and attract new customers. Remember: A strong brand not only sets you apart but also builds customer trust and loyalty.

8. Network With Other Flippers

A group of five people stand in an office setting, engaging in conversation and shaking hands. A woman with blonde hair and a woman with braids are in the foreground. A man with a jacket and two others are in the background. — Jacob Wackerhausen/istockphoto

Jacob Wackerhausen/istockphoto

Connecting with other furniture flippers can provide valuable insights, tips, and even collaboration opportunities. Join online communities, attend local workshops, or follow influencers in the flipping and thrifting realms. This can help you stay updated on trends, learn new techniques, and find support when you hit a snag. Plus, it’s a great way to share your passion and network with other like-minded professionals.

9. Be Honest About Condition

A man in a blue shirt measures a small round table with a tape measure. A woman in a green blouse looks on. They're in a stylish living room with a beige sofa and various plants around them. — FG Trade Latin/istockphoto

FG Trade Latin/istockphoto

Transparency is key when selling flipped furniture and other vintage items. While it can be tempting to omit flaws, repairs, or imperfections in your listings, buyers appreciate honesty — and you need a good reputation to build a credible and respected brand. Highlight the work you’ve done to improve the piece, but don’t try to hide its history. As cliche as it sounds, honesty is the best policy and will lead to happier customers and fewer returns.

10. Be Patient and Persistent

A woman wearing glasses and a white blouse with red spots leans over a laptop on a desk. The room has cardboard boxes, plants, and a large window. She appears to be working, with papers scattered on the desk. — Cicy/istockphoto

Cicy/istockphoto

Flipping furniture isn’t always the quickest way to make money — it can take time to find the right pieces, complete the work, and find buyers. That said, don’t get discouraged if a piece doesn’t sell right away; sometimes it’s just a matter of waiting for the right buyer. Stay persistent, keep refining your craft, and remember that every flip is a learning experience.