Lately I’ve noticed a lot of designers insisting that “every room should have something old in it.” Maybe I’m late to the trend, but I’ve become a believer. There’s something about an aged piece that instantly adds character and warmth to otherwise modern spaces.

My conversion to the “something old” camp happened while I was perusing Craigslist, searching weekly for “dresser,” “sideboard,” and “buffet.” We wanted a large wooden piece to convert into a TV stand for the living room, and a substantial buffet-like console for the entryway. Then, out of nowhere, the perfect sideboard popped up.

When I saw the listing I sent a simple message: “I love your sideboard, is it still available?” That’s my first Craigslist tip: keep your initial message short and direct. Don’t overwhelm the seller with questions about dimensions, defects, delivery or negotiation right away. First confirm availability. Sellers are more likely to respond to a straightforward, polite inquiry than a long, demanding message.

After a few anxious hours the seller replied and mentioned there were several interested parties. She said she would sell to the first buyer who showed up with full asking price in cash. That wasn’t surprising—around here many listings are overpriced or in poor condition, so a well-priced, attractive solid wood sideboard draws a crowd. I’ve seen particle-board dressers listed for far too much, while genuine solid wood pieces often sell for $400 or more.

Tip number two: when you want to negotiate, offering to pick up the item immediately and pay cash can be persuasive—especially if you’re one of the few interested buyers. But when competition is high, sellers often prefer the highest immediate offer. Once I realized other people wanted this piece, I knew standing out quickly would be key. We wanted it badly—and my partner was just as eager.

We probably would have paid around $200 for the sideboard. Comparable solid wood pieces listed on antiques sites and local classifieds often ranged from $400 to $500. Painted sideboards in a distressed antique finish were even pricier, sometimes starting at $695. I could have bought an unpainted wood piece and distressed it myself, but I couldn’t find anything else with the same chunky curved legs and generous proportions as this one—plus it was several hundred dollars cheaper than comparable items.

I sent an enthusiastic follow-up: “Please let me buy it! I’ll pay $155 so you’ll choose me over the others. We can pick it up tonight and pay cash.” That leads to tip number three: if an item is underpriced, offer at least the asking price or a bit more. People often snap up bargains to resell them at a profit, so a small over-ask can secure the piece for you. I offered five dollars over asking just to make my offer stand out.

Tip number four: if possible, offer to collect the item immediately. A seller is more likely to accept if they won’t be waiting around for other offers. I sent the “please pick me” message and about half an hour later received a confirmation: sold. We borrowed a larger vehicle and headed over with cash while our daughter stayed with the grandparents. Tip number five: when hauling heavy furniture, it’s wise to leave children with a caregiver so you can focus on safely moving the piece without distractions.

Within an hour the sideboard was in our entryway and it was love at first sight. The piece felt substantial and well-made, and it fit our space perfectly.

Tip number six: if a painted piece is old, test it for lead paint before bringing it indoors. I used a lead test kit and the results were clear—no lead detected. Many antique pieces were left natural for years and only painted after lead-based paint was phased out, so I wasn’t surprised but glad to confirm it. I plan to apply a clear sealer to prevent further chipping, though I like the worn look—it feels like something a high-end retailer might sell for a premium after distressing a new piece.

Seeing the sideboard in place convinced me it was worth both the price and the effort of carrying it down three flights of stairs. It complements the green tones in our dining room curtains and the view from the kitchen peninsula, and I’m excited to style it with lamps, stacks of books, and artwork.

It’s now one of my favorite pieces in the house. The storage is generous and I adore those curved baluster legs. Whenever I question spending $155, I remember similar thrifted finds we’ve scored in the past. For example, we refinished our daughter’s dresser years ago for very little, and it regularly sells for much more when it surfaces locally. When you factor in other secondhand pieces we’ve collected, the average cost per piece is remarkably low compared to new, budget-friendly alternatives.

While we appreciate clean, modern design, integrating at least one older piece in every room has become something we actively seek. Old furniture brings history, personality, and a sense of authenticity that complements our home’s architecture and the layered, lived-in look we love.