Friday, October 5, 2007

Does It Count As Second-Hand If....


We bought this mirror new at Ikea about five years ago. It went into an apartment we were renting out "furnished".

Life changed, we sold the apartment. My mother was in a nursing home and needed a mirror. This was a perfect fit for her.

Now it's come back to us. With a bit of refurbishment, it's hanging in our entryway.




But my question is, do I get to claim it as second-hand, or is it just an older new piece? These are the questions I obsess over, so, hopefully, you don't have to (it's my job people, it's what I do!).

After much thought, I've decided that the important thing isn't so much where a piece comes from or what label you slap on it, but how much use you get out of it. The rules I live by these days are to buy less and use it more.

I think a mirror that's had three separate incarnations fits that rule.


The Screws Holding It To The Wall Are Hidden Behind The Corner Hooks

4 comments:

Jane said...

Hey Barb, your blog is super cool. I enjoy reading it, and the pannifer's one everyday. Thanks for updating regularly, it's much appreciated. :)

Barb McMahon and Alan Mailloux said...

Thanks, Jane! It's so nice to be appreciated!

Vineeta said...

I really like your blog :) Your post takes me back to the time I moved into my 1st rented apartment. I had next to no money to buy furniture. I moved into this place with a few suitcases of clothes and other things. The Sofa or the frame of a sofa was one of the 1st things I picked up- second hand, dirt cheap. Its been 6 years and I've moved into my own apartment & doing well for myself. The sofa works for me. I just reupholstered it & I still get compliments for the way it looks. You can see it here if you wish http://www.flickr.com/photos/8742949@N08/650021058/in/set-72157600533481406/

Barb McMahon and Alan Mailloux said...

I can see why you'd want to keep it! Great pictures!