It's time to clear out your house - or perhaps grandma's. One way to earn some cash for your unwanted furniture and accessories it to call a consignment shop. There are a couple of really good furniture consignment shops near Cambridge.
Consignment shops take your items and pay you a portion of the sales price. Each shop has its own flavor - some look very much like antique shops, others have more of a mix of items - the old and the not so old.
Most consignment shops follow a schedule of price reductions. The longer your item is in the shop the lower the price will be marked. Though many items are older - even antique - these aren't antique stores and people are looking for bargains. Set your expectations regarding price accordingly.
Every shop has its own methods. Check with the shop to find out what they accept, how prices are determined, how and when you will be paid, what happens if your item isn't sold, etc.
Typically you'll be expected to deliver your items to the shop yourself so you'll need to think about transportation.
Here are my favorite furniture consignment shops near Cambridge:
Consignment Galleries near Davis Square in Somerville used to be on Mass Ave near Porter Square. For years it was a favorite of mine - no matter the time of day. If it was after hours you could still window shop since they had large corner windows on Mass Ave filled with china and furniture.
In 2003 Consignment Galleries moved to 363 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA. The window shopping isn't as good but there's a lot more space inside the shop.
Consignment Galleries tends to carry a mix of vintage furnishings and antiques. There's a lot of mahogany - dining tables, china cabinets, side tables, etc. There are plenty of accessories too - framed items, china, silver, lamps, decorative pieces, etc.
Tables to Teapots in Acton Mass is a large furniture consignment store. The inventory tends to turn over quickly so it's a fun place to hunt for bargains. The shop carries more upholstered furniture and items of more recent vintage mixed in with the older pieces.
Tables to Teapots has moved since I last visited. Previously on Route 2A in Acton, their new location is in West Acton on Route 111 at 240 Arlington Street.
Though their rules state that items must have a minimum sales price of $10, Tables to Teapots sometimes feels a bit like a rummage sale while Consignment Galleries feels more like an antique shop. If you're emptying grandmother's home perhaps you should start with Consignment Galleries. If you're emptying out your own home and have a mix that includes contemporary pieces, give Tables to Teapots a call.
For more ideas on clearing out your Cambridge home see:
Sell Your Stuff To Sell Your House
Appraisers, Auctions and Antique Dealers
And check back on Monday to find out Where to Donate Furniture and Household Goods.
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