The viral post highlights a broader trend in sustainable consumer habits. The global secondhand furniture market was valued at $34 billion in 2023 and projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.7 percent through 2030, according to a report by Grand View Research.

The report attributes the surge to rising environmental awareness and demand for unique, affordable designs. “The rising popularity of vintage and unique designs, coupled with economic considerations, is also expected to drive the demand for secondhand furniture,” the report noted. “Online platforms are facilitating easy buying and selling of used furniture that also contributes to the market growth, providing convenience and accessibility for consumers.”

In follow-up comments, the Reddit user said they hadn’t planned to refinish the table at first. “I didn’t buy it with the intention of refinishing it. The table is ungodly heavy and the craftsmanship is excellent. Also, bits of the paint were worn off in places. It was clearly hardwood, and I wanted to see what was underneath. Since it was cheap it wouldn’t hurt.”

The restoration revealed Suar wood hidden beneath layers of paint. “It was the choice of the brand producing the table [to paint the table black], the previous owners did not, which is insane because the Suar wood is beautiful and the craftsmanship is really good. The bowties and circular inlays were all covered up by the paint. What’s the point of using such beautiful wood if you’re going to sell it like this?”

The Reddit user added that the high quality of the piece was clear from the construction. “It’s very obvious just looking at the way the legs are attached, the bowtie and inlays, and the sheer weight of it that it is high quality. It was clear there was high quality wood involved. You can still see the grain patterns underneath the paint.”

Despite being their first attempt at refinishing, the project turned into a success. “It was the first time doing this actually,” the poster wrote. “Honestly, I am so happy with how it all turned out! A table like this would have been way out of my price range.”

‘Incredible’

The transformation captured Reddit users’ attention, many of whom praised the craftsmanship and result.

U/ronfstampler said: “I am OBSESSED!!! It looks SO GOOD!!! With the way you have it decorated it straight up looks like a magazine photo. I’m in love with this table.”

Another commenter, u/realistic_miracle, wrote: “Wow, that was sooooo worth the elbow grease! What an awesome job …”

User u/xQyn added, “my jaw was not ready for the dropping on the 3rd photo. amazing!!” while u/AlwaysOnStardew noted: “Ooooohhh that’s some incredible work!!! That grain is beautiful!”

U/Reddragon8448 summed up the reaction saying: “Stunning! your dining room is gorgeous!”

Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system.

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