Ultimate Guide: How to Find Real Designer Furniture When Thrifting Online

Save this post if you're into thrifting online. Seriously. This is everything I've learned thrifting online for 5 years. And scoring AMAZING deals and real designer pieces for 1/10th of their original price. 

I've furnished my house completely using thrifting and here are my methods- most of it I've developed myself over years of doing it and making mistakes. 

We've all been there- scrolling through marketplace listings late at night, heart racing as we stumble upon what looks like a genuine designer piece at an unbelievable price. Is it too good to be true? Probably. 

But sometimes, it's the real deal. 

After years of hunting (and making plenty of mistakes along the way), I've developed a truly foolproof system for separating the wheat from the chaff in online thrifting.

1. The Reverse Image Search Double-Check

Before you even think about contacting a seller, your first move should be reverse image searches - and I mean plural. Here's my exact process:

1. Right-click and search Google for the image
2. Do the same search on Taobao (yes, even if you don't read Chinese)
3. Check Vinterior and other high-end resale sites

This triple-threat approach has saved me countless times. Just last month I found what looked like an authentic Wegner chair, only to discover the exact same photo on Taobao for $79. The seller was asking $900. The audacity!

2. Become a Good "Detective"

When you find a promising listing, immediately pull up the official product page from the manufacturer. Study it like you're preparing for an exam:

• Examine every angle in official photos
• Note exact dimensions (fakes are often slightly off)
• Memorize material specifications
• Identify any unique markings or engravings

I keep a folder on my phone with screenshots of authentic pieces I'm hunting for. 

That way I can do instant side-by-side comparisons when browsing listings.

I also search for images on Google of the real thing and try to scrunch my eyes and look for matching details. The dupes are often "off" for various reasons, like the incorrect size or shape. 

3. The Art of the "Stealthy" Inquiry

Here's where things get tactical. You want information from sellers without tipping them off about the item's potential value. My approach:

• Never lead with "Is this authentic [designer name]?"
• Instead ask generic questions: "Could you share photos of any markings on the bottom?" or "Do you know the brand or where it was purchased?"
• If they seem clueless, you're in luck. If they suddenly become an expert, proceed with caution.

4. Timing Is Everything

The best deals disappear fast. I set up alerts and check my favorite platforms:

• Every 3-4 hours during peak posting times (mornings and evenings.
• Immediately after paydays (when people list items to make rent)
• Late at night (when drunk-posting happens)

5. Mastering Search Keywords

Forget just searching for "Eames chair." The real treasures are hidden under vague descriptions. My search strategy:

• Generic terms: "vintage office chair" or "midcentury stool"
• Material keywords: "molded fiberglass" or "chrome base"
• Location hints: "Italian" or "Danish"
• Size specifications: "60cm chair" or "42" sofa"

I once found a genuine Artemide lamp listed as "Yellow light" for free. The seller had no idea what they had. They gave it to me for free. It's worth $1000+! 

6. Ask For Photos of the Base/Underside 

Labels, stamps, and manufacturing marks are usually on the bottom or back. My script when asking for photos:

"Hi! Could you share some photos of the base/underside? I just want to check the condition before coming to see it."

This sounds reasonable without revealing your true intentions.

7. When to Play Dumb vs. Show Knowledge

There's a time for each approach:

• Play dumb when the seller seems clueless ("This is a nice chair - do you know anything about its history?")
• Show knowledge when dealing with resellers ("I notice this should have a Vitra stamp on the base - is it visible?")

8. Valuation Checks

Before making an offer, I always:

• Check Panomo/ resale sites for recent sale prices
• Search completed eBay listings
• Browse 1stDibs for retail comparisons

This prevents both overpaying and lowballing so much that the seller gets suspicious.

9. The Telltale Signs of Fakes

After examining hundreds of pieces, these are my red flags:

• Slightly wrong proportions (even 1-2cm off)
• Materials that feel "almost" right
• Poorly replicated labels
• Missing or incorrect hardware (e.g. wrong type of screw)
• Lightweight items- designer goods are usually very heavy
• Prices that are just a bit too good

Story time: How I Applied These Thrift Tips

One of my best thrifting wins was spotting a real Ligne Roset Clara coat rack buried in a sea of knockoffs. The listing just said "metal coat stand with wood hooks"—no brand mentioned—but something about the proportions looked right. 

I messaged the seller asking for clear photos of the base, screws, and underside, pretending I wanted to check its stability. 

When they sent the pics, I immediately noticed the powder-coated steel feet had that perfect matte finish (cheap fakes are either too glossy or rough). 

Then, I did something extra: I emailed Ligne Roset's customer service, asking for reference images of how the base and hardware should look on an authentic piece. They actually responded with detailed close-ups!

Comparing them side by side, the real deal had specific screw placements, a seamless weld at the joints, and the exact right sheen on the metal—things replicas never get right. 

The seller had no idea what they had, and I walked away with a €900 coat rack for €50. Lesson learned: when in doubt, go straight to the source- designer brands will often help authenticate if you ask nicely.

10. Building Your Mental Database

This is probably the most important tip.

The more authentic pieces you examine in person, the better your fake-detection skills become. I make time to:

• Visit design showrooms (I try to visit showrooms during my travels or free time)
• Study pieces in museums
• Handle real items at high-end stores

This trains your eye and fingers to recognize quality.

If something feels off, it probably is. I've passed on "authentic" pieces that checked all the boxes but just didn't feel right - and later discovered they were sophisticated fakes.

Conclusion

Finding genuine designer pieces in the wild is equal parts skill, timing, and luck. 

But with these techniques, you'll dramatically increase your success rate. 

Just last week I scored a genuine Gubi Adnet Coffee Table for $130 because the seller wanted to get rid of it and I checked whether it's a real one or one of those terrible Taobao ones. It was real. 

Finally, remember: patience and persistence pay off. Happy thrifting!