Why choose Karimoku reuse now?
In Japan, Karimoku is a recommended brand of furniture. (Reference: Karimoku Official Brand Guide ) Karimoku is a domestic furniture manufacturer that boasts high quality, but new furniture is by no means a cheap purchase.
However, in recent years, the market for reused Karimoku furniture has been expanding rapidly . There are three reasons for this:
Benefits of reused Karimoku furniture:
High durability
Karimoku furniture is made from materials that have a long history and can be used for decades with proper maintenance, so its value remains stable even on the second-hand market.
- Even if it has been in use for 10 to 20 years, it is still durable enough to be used for decades.
- The wood adapts to the environment, reducing the risk of warping and cracking.
- The price is lower than new products, but the quality is the same.
A timeless design that will be loved forever
The simple and sophisticated design that is not influenced by trends continues to be loved by generations.
- Harmonizes with various interior styles, including modern, Nordic, and Japanese modern
- A design that will never look outdated, even after many years
- Values passed down through generations
Cost-effective, with approximately 40-60% off the price of new products
The biggest appeal of reuse is that you can purchase furniture of the same quality at a significantly lower price.
Price example (approximate):
- Sofa: New 200,000 yen → Used 80,000 to 120,000 yen
- Dining chairs: New ¥60,000 → Used ¥25,000-¥40,000
- Table: New 150,000 yen → Used 60,000-90,000 yen
There is a saying in the furniture industry that "good furniture develops a richer character the longer it is used," and this is especially true for Karimoku furniture. This is why so many people trust and choose our products, even if they are reused.
Three points to consider when choosing used Karimoku furniture
When choosing used Karimoku furniture, the most important thing is not to judge it solely on its appearance. By checking the following three points, you can find a piece that is practical and can be used for a long time.
① Check the texture of the wood and the depth of scratches
The first thing to check when choosing second-hand furniture is the condition of the wood.
Things to check:
| Check points | Check contents | Judgment criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Surface scratches | Depth and extent of the wound | Shallow scratches are no problem. Deep dents and extensive scratches require attention. |
| color | Overall color uniformity | Color changes over time are natural. Partial color differences may be due to repairs. |
| touch | Presence or absence of roughness or stickiness | A smooth feel is ideal. Roughness means the surface needs repainting. |
| grain | Continuity of wood grain | Unnatural breaks in the wood grain indicate repairs or part replacements. |
Tips for checking:
- Surface scratches : Minor scratches can be repaired with wood putty, but deeper scratches and dents require specialized repair techniques.
- Wood colour : Colour changes due to exposure to sunlight are a natural sign of the aging of furniture, but if the colour varies in areas, this may be due to repair work.
- Touch : Check for roughness or stickiness. This indicates the state of humidity control.
For reference, according to the Japan Wood Industry Association, "When wooden furniture is kept under proper humidity control, the changes it undergoes over time are considered to be a deepening of texture rather than a deterioration in quality."
Small scratches and slight fading can be enjoyed as part of the "flavor" of wooden furniture. In fact, they have a unique texture that new furniture lacks. However, you should be careful of deep scratches and cracks that affect the structure of the furniture.
② Check whether the cushions are worn out or need replacing.
The cushions on sofas and chairs are an important element that directly affects the comfort of the furniture.
Check items:
- Degree of sagging : If you sink more than 5cm when sitting on the cushion, or if you feel your body touching the bottom, it is time to consider replacing the cushioning.
- Damage to the upholstery : If there are tears or severe stains, keep in mind that replacement costs will be incurred.
- Replacement history : If the seller provides replacement information, the record of what was replaced and when is a valuable resource for determining quality.
The furniture restoration industry's understanding that "the value of high-quality furniture is maintained for a long time through regular maintenance and repair" can also be applied to selecting used Karimoku furniture.
3. Carefully check the frame structure and metal fittings
One point that is easily overlooked is the frame structure , which is the skeleton of the furniture.
Points to check:
- Wobbling frame : Shake the chair or table to check for any strange noises or wobbling.
- Gaps in joints : Check for partially open joints in wooden frames, a sign of weakening.
- Hardware and fasteners : Check for loose screws and rust or damage to hardware.
"The durability of furniture is determined not by its aesthetic beauty but by the robustness of its frame structure," is a point based on the furniture strength standards of the Architectural Institute of Japan .
Looking for used Karimoku furniture? | Fynd
Fynd, an antique and reuse select shop, offers a wide selection of carefully selected Karimoku furniture.
Why choose Fynd?
✓Quality check
We inspect all products and check their condition.
✓Providing detailed product information
We will provide as much information as possible necessary to make a purchasing decision, such as the condition of scratches and estimated age of the item.
✓ Comprehensive after-sales support
We can also repair or customize purchased items, provide advice on maintenance after purchase, and introduce reupholstery services.
✓You can also check the actual item
If you come to our store, you can actually sit on it, touch it, and check it out.
Check out Karimoku products now
"I want good furniture that I can use for a long time at a reasonable price." Fynd will help you choose the furniture you need.
You can see the products we carry from the link below.
Click here for Karimoku products on Fynd
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How long can used Karimoku furniture be used?
A. With proper maintenance, it can last another 20 to 30 years or more. Karimoku's quality will last even second-hand products.
Q. If I am concerned about scratches or stains, can they be repaired?
A. In most cases, repairs or replacements can be carried out by a professional. Fynd also carries out repairs, so please feel free to contact us.
Q. Should I choose new or refurbished items?
A. If you are on a budget, we recommend second-hand items, but if you are looking for the latest designs and perfect condition, we recommend new items. The quality of Karimoku products is high enough even when purchased second-hand, so second-hand items are ideal for those who value cost performance.
Q. I'm worried about purchasing online...
A. Fynd provides detailed product photos and condition descriptions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We also recommend that you visit our store to see the actual product whenever possible.
