Chairish Selling Guide 2026: How to Sell Designer Furniture Online
If you’ve discovered a stunning mid-century credenza at an estate sale or inherited your grandmother’s French provincial dining set, Chairish might be your ticket to serious profit. As the premier marketplace for designer furniture resale, Chairish connects sellers with affluent buyers who appreciate quality craftsmanship and aren’t afraid to pay premium prices.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about chairish selling in 2026—from understanding the fee structure to mastering photography that sells, and deciding between Elite Consignment and direct selling.
What Is Chairish and Why Sell There?
Chairish launched in 2013 as a curated marketplace specifically for vintage, antique, and designer furniture. Unlike general marketplaces where your Louis XVI chair competes with cheap flat-pack alternatives, Chairish caters exclusively to design-conscious buyers seeking quality pieces.
The Chairish Advantage for Furniture Sellers
Curated Audience: Chairish shoppers have an average household income exceeding $175,000. They’re interior designers, collectors, and homeowners who understand the value of authentic vintage furniture and designer pieces.
Higher Price Points: While you might struggle to get $500 for a vintage Henredon dresser on Facebook Marketplace, Chairish buyers regularly pay $1,500-3,000 for the same piece because they trust the platform’s curation.
Professional Presentation: Chairish enhances your listings with professional backgrounds and consistent styling, making even amateur photography look polished.
Integrated Shipping: The platform’s white glove shipping network removes the biggest headache in furniture selling—logistics.
Understanding Chairish Fees: The 20% vs 30% Commission Structure
Before you list your first piece, understanding Chairish’s commission structure is essential for profitable pricing.
Standard Seller Commission: 30%
As a regular Chairish seller, you’ll pay a 30% commission on every sale. This might seem steep compared to eBay’s fees, but consider what’s included:
- Payment processing: No additional PayPal or Stripe fees
- Marketing exposure: Chairish actively markets to interior designers and high-net-worth consumers
- Photo enhancement: Your images get professional background removal and styling
- Customer service: Chairish handles buyer inquiries and disputes
- Platform trust: Buyers feel confident purchasing expensive items
Example Calculation (30% Commission):
- Sale price: $2,400 (vintage Baker Furniture dining table)
- Chairish commission: $720
- Your proceeds: $1,680
If you paid $300 at an estate sale, that’s $1,380 profit—a 460% return on investment.
Professional Seller Commission: 20%
High-volume sellers can qualify for Chairish’s Professional Seller program, reducing the commission to 20%. To qualify, you typically need:
- Consistent selling history (usually 6+ months)
- High-quality listings that meet Chairish standards
- Good customer feedback ratings
- Regular inventory additions
Example Calculation (20% Commission):
- Sale price: $2,400 (same dining table)
- Chairish commission: $480
- Your proceeds: $1,920
That’s an additional $240 in your pocket—the difference between 20% and 30% commission adds up significantly with higher-priced pieces.
When the Commission Structure Makes Sense
The 30% fee works best when:
- Individual pieces are priced above $500
- You’re selling authenticated designer furniture
- Items require specialized buyers who appreciate provenance
- You want to avoid the hassle of local selling
Consider other platforms when:
- Pieces are valued under $300 (local selling may net more)
- Items need quick turnover (Chairish sells slower but higher)
- Furniture lacks designer pedigree or unique character
For comprehensive strategies on maximizing furniture profits, check out our Furniture Flipping Guide.
Elite Consignment: The White Glove Selling Experience
For sellers with exceptional pieces who want zero involvement in the selling process, Chairish offers Elite Consignment—a full-service option that handles everything from pickup to delivery.
How Elite Consignment Works
- Application: Submit photos and details of your furniture through Chairish’s consignment portal
- Approval: Chairish evaluates pieces for designer pedigree, condition, and market appeal
- Pickup: Professional handlers collect items from your home
- Photography: Chairish creates professional-grade images in their studio
- Listing: Items are priced by their experts and listed on the platform
- Sale & Delivery: When sold, Chairish handles white glove delivery to the buyer
- Payment: You receive your portion after successful delivery
Elite Consignment Fee Structure
Elite Consignment typically operates on a 50/50 split—you receive 50% of the final sale price. While this is significantly less than direct selling, consider what you’re getting:
- No photography required: Professional studio shots that convert browsers to buyers
- No shipping logistics: Chairish coordinates pickup, storage, and delivery
- No customer communication: They handle all buyer questions and negotiations
- No storage needs: Items sit in Chairish’s warehouse, not your garage
- Expert pricing: Their specialists know exactly what the market will bear
When to Choose Elite Consignment
Elite Consignment makes sense for:
High-Value Estate Pieces: If you’ve inherited a Knoll sectional worth $15,000, the 50% consignment fee ($7,500 to you) might be worth avoiding the complexity of selling it yourself.
Busy Professionals: Time is money. If coordinating photography, responding to inquiries, and arranging shipping would cost you more in lost work hours than the consignment fee, Elite makes sense.
Large Collections: Downsizing a home full of designer furniture? Elite Consignment can handle the entire collection efficiently.
Authenticated Antiques: Pieces requiring provenance documentation and expert evaluation benefit from Chairish’s authentication process.
Elite Consignment Profit Example
Scenario: You inherited a set of six Eames DCW dining chairs
- Chairish Elite Consignment sale price: $4,800 (set)
- Your 50% share: $2,400
- Your cost: $0 (inherited)
- Time invested: 30 minutes submitting photos for approval
Compare this to direct selling:
- Direct sale at $4,800 with 20% commission: $3,840 to you
- Photography time: 2-3 hours
- Inquiry management: 5-10 hours over listing period
- Shipping coordination: 3-5 hours
- Potential headaches: Damage claims, buyer remorse, returns
How to Sell Vintage Furniture Online: Chairish Best Practices
Whether you choose direct selling or consignment, success on Chairish requires understanding what makes listings convert.
Photography That Sells Designer Furniture
Chairish buyers are visually sophisticated. They can spot amateur photos instantly, and poor imagery kills sales faster than high prices.
Essential Photography Setup
Lighting: Natural light is non-negotiable for furniture photography. Shoot near large windows during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) when light is soft and warm.
Background: Clear, uncluttered backgrounds work best. Chairish will remove backgrounds digitally, but clean starting images yield better results.
Angles: Capture every angle buyers need:
- Front straight-on view
- 45-degree angle showing depth
- Detail shots of hardware, joinery, and materials
- Any damage or wear (transparency builds trust)
- Maker’s marks, labels, or signatures
Scale Reference: Include something for scale—a book, plant, or styled vignette helps buyers visualize size without checking dimensions.
Photography Mistakes That Kill Sales
- Flash photography: Creates harsh shadows and washes out wood grain
- Cluttered backgrounds: Distracts from the furniture’s appeal
- Missing damage documentation: Leads to returns and negative reviews
- Low resolution: Buyers want to zoom into details
- Single angle only: Multiple perspectives build confidence
Writing Descriptions That Convert
Chairish buyers are knowledgeable. Your descriptions should demonstrate expertise while providing practical information.
Include These Elements
Designer and Manufacturer: “Authentic Knoll Barcelona Chair designed by Mies van der Rohe” beats “Modern leather chair.”
Period and Provenance: “1960s production, purchased from the original owner’s estate in Palm Springs” adds collector appeal.
Materials and Construction: “Solid walnut construction with mortise-and-tenon joinery throughout” signals quality.
Condition Assessment: Be brutally honest. “Light patina consistent with age; small veneer chip on rear left leg (shown in photo 6)” prevents returns and builds trust.
Dimensions: Always include height, width, depth, and seat height for chairs.
Pricing Strategy for Designer Furniture Resale
Pricing requires balancing profit goals with market reality. Chairish provides pricing guidance, but understanding the factors helps you source smarter.
Research Comparable Sales
Before listing (or buying to resell), research what similar pieces have sold for:
- Chairish “sold” filters
- 1stDibs completed sales
- Auction results from Heritage, Wright, and Rago
- eBay completed listings
Factor in Condition Premium/Discount
Excellent original condition: +20-30% above average Professionally restored: +10-20% (if done correctly) Good vintage condition: Base price Needs restoration: -30-50%
Consider Designer Heat
Some designers are perennial favorites (Eames, Knoll, Herman Miller), while others fluctuate with trends. Currently hot in 2026:
- Postmodern pieces (Memphis Group, Ettore Sottsass)
- 1970s brass and glass
- Organic modernism (Wendell Castle, Vladimir Kagan)
White Glove Shipping: Making Large Furniture Sales Possible
Furniture shipping is the biggest barrier to online sales. A $2,000 credenza means nothing if shipping costs $800 and risks damage. Chairish’s integrated white glove shipping solves this problem.
How Chairish White Glove Shipping Works
When a buyer purchases your piece, Chairish coordinates the entire delivery:
- Quote Generation: Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on dimensions and destinations
- Pickup Scheduling: Professional art and antique handlers contact you to arrange pickup
- Packaging: Items are blanket-wrapped or crated depending on fragility
- Transit: Pieces travel via climate-controlled trucks with professional handlers
- Delivery: White glove means inside delivery, placement in the room of choice, and packaging removal
Shipping Cost Expectations
White glove shipping isn’t cheap, but Chairish negotiates volume rates that benefit all sellers:
- Regional deliveries (under 500 miles): $200-400
- Cross-country standard pieces: $400-800
- Large or fragile items: $800-1,500+
- Oversized or extremely heavy: Custom quotes required
Seller Shipping Tips
Accurate Dimensions: Measure everything carefully. Incorrect dimensions cause requoting and buyer frustration.
Weight Estimates: Know approximate weights. A solid mahogany dresser weighs significantly more than a veneer piece.
Accessibility: Inform Chairish if your piece is upstairs, in a tight space, or requires special handling.
Packaging Preparation: While handlers package items, having drawers emptied and removable parts separated speeds the process.
Profit Examples: Real Furniture Flipping Scenarios
Let’s examine realistic profit scenarios for different types of furniture flips on Chairish.
Scenario 1: Estate Sale Mid-Century Find
The Piece: Paul McCobb Planner Group dresser, 6-drawer, original condition Acquisition: Estate sale, $175 Investment: Minor cleaning and hardware polishing, $25 in supplies
Chairish Listing: $1,400 Commission (30%): $420 Net Proceeds: $980 Total Profit: $780 ROI: 390% Time to Sell: 6 weeks
Scenario 2: Auction Flip of Designer Seating
The Piece: Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus swivel chairs Acquisition: Local auction, $2,200 (below market due to reupholstery needs) Investment: Professional reupholstery in period-appropriate fabric, $1,800
Chairish Listing: $8,500 (pair) Commission (20% professional): $1,700 Net Proceeds: $6,800 Total Investment: $4,000 Total Profit: $2,800 ROI: 70% Time to Sell: 3 months
Scenario 3: Elite Consignment of Inherited Collection
The Pieces: Complete mid-century dining set (table + 8 chairs + sideboard) Acquisition: Inherited from family Investment: $0
Elite Consignment Sale: $12,000 Your 50% Share: $6,000 Total Profit: $6,000 Time Invested: 2 hours total
Scenario 4: Quick Flip Local Find
The Piece: Baker Furniture chinoiserie cabinet Acquisition: Facebook Marketplace, $450 (seller didn’t know the maker) Investment: None needed—excellent condition
Chairish Listing: $2,800 Commission (30%): $840 Net Proceeds: $1,960 Total Profit: $1,510 ROI: 335% Time to Sell: 8 weeks
Common Chairish Selling Mistakes to Avoid
Pricing Too High Initially
While Chairish supports premium pricing, dramatically overpriced items languish. Start competitive and use Chairish’s “Make Offer” feature to find the market price.
Ignoring Buyer Messages
Chairish buyers often have detailed questions—specific dimensions, material composition, shipping to unusual locations. Responsive sellers close more deals.
Incomplete Descriptions
Missing dimensions, vague condition descriptions, and absent provenance information cost sales. Serious buyers move on to complete listings.
Poor Condition Disclosure
Nothing damages your Chairish reputation faster than items arriving in worse condition than described. Document everything—buyers appreciate honesty.
Not Offering “Make Offer”
The Make Offer feature significantly increases engagement. Buyers feel empowered to negotiate, and you can decline unreasonable offers while accepting fair ones.
Building a Sustainable Chairish Business
For those looking to turn occasional flips into consistent income, Chairish rewards dedicated sellers.
Develop Sourcing Channels
Consistent inventory requires reliable sourcing:
- Build relationships with estate sale companies
- Attend preview days at auction houses
- Network with interior designers upgrading clients’ furniture
- Partner with senior move managers
For finding undervalued pieces, use tools like Underpriced to analyze market values before bidding at auctions.
Create Systems for Efficiency
Photography Studio: Dedicate space with consistent lighting for quick, quality photos.
Measurement Templates: Create a checklist of every dimension needed for furniture types you sell regularly.
Listing Templates: Develop description frameworks for different furniture categories.
Storage Solutions: Organize inventory so items are accessible for photography, measurement, and pickup.
Consider Category Specialization
Expertise in specific categories builds reputation and sourcing efficiency:
- Danish modern furniture
- Hollywood Regency brass and glass
- American craft furniture
- French provincial antiques
Specialization helps you recognize value others miss and commands premium prices from knowledgeable buyers.
Should You Sell on Chairish?
Chairish isn’t right for every piece or every seller. Here’s the decision framework:
Chairish Is Ideal When:
- Pieces are worth $500+ in the designer furniture market
- Items have maker attribution or period significance
- You’re patient—Chairish sells slower but higher
- Target buyers are design professionals or collectors
- Furniture condition warrants premium pricing
Consider Alternatives When:
- Pieces are under $300 (local sales avoid shipping complexity)
- Items need to sell quickly for cash flow
- Furniture lacks distinctive design heritage
- You prefer immediate payment over higher long-term prices
For building a complete furniture resale strategy, combine Chairish for premium pieces with local platforms for quick-turn inventory. Our complete reselling guide covers multi-platform approaches for maximizing furniture flipping profits.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Designer Furniture Resale
Chairish has established itself as the premier platform to sell vintage furniture online for those who appreciate quality and are willing to wait for the right buyer. The 20-30% commission structure, while higher than some platforms, delivers access to affluent buyers, professional presentation, and integrated logistics that make selling large furniture pieces practical.
Whether you choose direct selling for maximum profit or Elite Consignment for convenience, success requires quality sourcing, professional photography, and accurate descriptions. The designer furniture resale market rewards knowledge—understanding makers, periods, and materials helps you recognize value that others overlook.
Start with pieces you’re confident about, price competitively, and build your reputation through excellent service. As you graduate to 20% professional seller rates and develop expertise in specific furniture categories, Chairish can become a significant income stream for serious furniture flippers.
Ready to analyze potential furniture flips before buying? Try Underpriced free to research market values and ensure profitable sourcing decisions.