What happens to the furniture in a model home? (2024)

What happens to the furniture in a model home?

Model homes are a staple in the real estate industry, serving as a way for builders and developers to showcase their properties to potential buyers. These homes are usually filled with furniture and decor, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors to envision themselves living in the space. However, what happens to this furniture when the model home is no longer needed?

First and foremost, it's important to understand the purpose of the furniture in a model home. While it's true that these pieces add to the overall aesthetic of the space, their primary function is to demonstrate how the layout and design of the home can accommodate furniture and decor. As such, the furniture in a model home is often chosen for its versatility and ability to fit a variety of design styles. It's not uncommon for model homes to feature neutral colors, simple patterns, and minimalistic pieces in order to appeal to a wider audience.

Once the model home has served its purpose and is no longer needed, the furniture must be removed. This is usually done by the builder or developer, who will often hire a professional moving company to handle the task. The furniture is then either stored or sold, depending on the condition and age of the pieces.

If the furniture is in good condition and still has some value, it may be sold to a third party. This could include furniture stores, antique dealers, or even individual buyers. Some builders and developers may also hold their own sales events, offering the furniture to the public at discounted prices. This can be a great opportunity for homeowners looking to furnish their new homes on a budget.

However, not all model home furniture is in good enough condition to be sold. Some pieces may have been subjected to heavy use and wear and tear, making them less desirable to buyers. In these cases, the furniture may be donated to a charitable organization or simply discarded.

In some cases, the builder or developer may choose to keep the furniture and store it until it is needed again for a future model home. This can be especially useful for builders who frequently construct new homes in the same area, as they can reuse the same furniture in multiple model homes.

It's worth noting that model homes are typically furnished with higher-end pieces, as they need to withstand the wear and tear of being constantly occupied by visitors. As a result, the furniture in a model home is often of higher quality than what you might find in a typical home. This means that even if the furniture is no longer needed for a model home, it may still have some value and be worth selling or donating.

So, what can you do if you're in the market for new furniture and want to score some pieces from a model home? Unfortunately, it's not as simple as walking into a model home and picking out the pieces you like. Most builders and developers do not allow visitors to purchase furniture directly from the model home. However, you may be able to find out if the builder has any sales events or plans to donate the furniture, in which case you may be able to snag some pieces for yourself.

It's also worth considering that model homes are usually furnished with specific pieces that may not be available for purchase elsewhere. If you see a piece that you absolutely love and can't find it anywhere else, it's possible that it was custom-made for the model home. In this case, you may need to work with the builder or developer to see if it's possible to have a similar piece made for you.

It's also important to consider the environmental impact of model home furniture. While it may be tempting to furnish your home with pieces from a model home, it's important to consider the sustainability of this decision. Buying new furniture, whether it's from a model home or a traditional retailer, adds to the demand for new resources and contributes to waste and pollution. Instead, you may want to consider options such as purchasing used furniture, repurposing existing pieces, or investing in furniture made from sustainable materials.

One alternative to purchasing model home furniture is to rent it instead. This can be a great option for those who are looking to furnish their home temporarily, such as for a staging or event. Renting furniture allows you to enjoy the look and feel of high-end pieces without the long-term commitment or cost of purchasing them. It's also a more sustainable option, as it reduces the demand for new resources and reduces waste.

Another option is to work with a designer or decorator to recreate the look and feel of a model home. This can be especially helpful if you're drawn to the overall aesthetic of a model home but don't necessarily want to purchase all of the individual pieces. A designer or decorator can help you identify key pieces and recreate the look and feel of the model home with pieces that fit your personal style and budget.

In summary, the furniture in a model home serves a specific purpose and is eventually removed once the model home is no longer needed. It may be sold, donated, or stored for future use, depending on its condition and value. While it's not always easy to obtain furniture from a model home, there are alternatives such as renting or working with a designer or decorator to recreate the look and feel of the model home. It's also important to consider the environmental impact of purchasing new furniture and consider more sustainable options such as buying used or repurposing existing pieces.