How to Sell Used Decor and Lamps in Colombia: A Guide to Photos and Packaging

Quick answer: To sell used decor and lamps quickly in Colombia, thoroughly clean each piece, take photos in natural light (and with the bulb on, if applicable), list the exact measurements, and double-box them if you are going to use carriers like Servientrega or Coordinadora. Posting on commission-free platforms speeds up your earnings.

We all have that lamp at home that no longer matches the living room, a mirror tucked away in the storage room, or a vase that we simply stopped liking. What is a nuisance to you is exactly the piece someone else who is furnishing their apartment in Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali needs. If you want to see real options right now, you can view apartments and houses on Colombia Move — posting is completely free.

The second-hand home goods market is booming. In fact, according to listings and active searches on Colombia Move (July 2026), the furniture and home section has accumulated over 1,200 recent views from buyers, but the supply in categories like sofas or specific decor is almost non-existent. Demand far exceeds supply, making it the ideal time to post.

However, selling household items is not the same as selling a cell phone. It requires a bit more visual strategy and logistical care. Here I explain how to do it right so you don't waste time.

1. Preparation and photography: the secret is in the presentation

In interior design, purchasing is 100% emotional and visual. If you upload a dark, blurry photo with an unmade bed in the background, the buyer will just keep scrolling.

• Deep cleaning: Before taking out your phone, dust off the lampshades, wipe the fingerprints off the mirrors, and polish the metal surfaces. Grime shows up a lot in high-resolution photos.
• Natural light vs. flash: Turn off your camera flash. The flash creates terrible reflections on ceramics, glass, and mirrors. Your best friend is natural light; place the ornament near a window in the afternoon to achieve warm lighting.
• The lamp-on trick: If you are selling a lamp, you must include at least one photo with the light bulb on. This not only creates a cozy atmosphere, but also serves as proof that the electrical system is working correctly.
• Context and neutral backgrounds: Don't take the photo of the painting leaning against the trash can. Show it in an organized space, preferably with a white or brick wall in the background. Help the buyer imagine how it would look in their own home.

2. Descriptions that sell: style, dimensions, and honesty

There is nothing that scares a serious buyer more than an ad that only says: “Lamp for sale, DM for info”. Your description should be your best salesperson.

First, include the exact dimensions (height, width, diameter). In decor, size is everything. If someone is looking for a painting to cover the fuse box, they need to know if it fits before contacting you. Including the measurements from the start will save you a lot of time. respond to buyers via WhatsApp.

Use style keywords. Buyers often search for specific terms on platforms. If your lamp is black metal, include the word “industrial”. If your mirror has a distressed wood frame, use “rustic” or “vintage”. If it has simple lines, use “Nordic” or “minimalist”.

Finally, be brutally honest. If the lamp base has a scratch, take a close-up photo of it and mention it in the text. Transparency builds trust and prevents the deal from falling through at the time of delivery.

3. Logistics and packing: how to ship fragile items without accidents

This is where many sellers fail. Shipping a ceramic vase or a mirror from Bogotá to Barranquilla requires technique. I would skip national shipping for extremely large or heavy pieces and prefer local pickup at a safe spot in your city, but if you decide to ship, be careful with the packaging.

Coordinadora and Servientrega's technical guidelines are strict regarding fragile items. If you don't follow them, they won't be held responsible for any damages:

• Bubble wrap: Wrap each piece individually with plenty of bubble wrap (at least 3 to 5 cm of protective thickness).
• Double box (box over box): Place the wrapped item in a small box, and then put that box inside a larger one. Fill the empty space between both boxes with crumpled paper or Styrofoam to cushion against impacts. Nothing should move when you shake the box.
• H-sealing: Use wide packing tape and seal all box openings in an “H” pattern (both on the top and bottom).
• Labeling: Write or stick a large, visible label that says “FRAGILE” and indicate which way is up.

Important legal notice: By law, Colombian carriers are strictly prohibited from transporting items that constitute the historical, archaeological, or cultural heritage of the Nation. If you sell genuine antiques, verify their status before attempting to ship them by mail.

4. Where to post for free and without commissions in Colombia

To maximize your earnings, avoid platforms that charge you a high percentage per sale. There are specialized options like TuHome or Tu Mueble Usado that focus on second-hand furniture and are good local alternatives.

If you are curious about other categories and strategies, check out our guide on where to sell used items in Colombia.

Of course, you can also use social media, but if you want to avoid fake profiles and curious onlookers, I recommend using the Furniture and Home section on Colombia Move. It is 100% free, we don't charge a commission, and buyers contact you directly via WhatsApp. If it's your first time, learn how to post a free ad in a couple of minutes.

Frequently asked questions

❓ How to calculate the price of used decor or lamps in Colombia?

Check similar prices on used goods portals (July 2026) and subtract between 30% and 50% from the market value if the item is in good condition. Apply a larger discount if it has visible wear, missing parts, or accessories that no longer work.

❓ Is it safe to ship a mirror or glass lamp via Servientrega or Coordinadora?

Yes, it is safe as long as you use double-box packaging with plenty of bubble wrap and label it as “Fragile” according to the current official guidelines (2026). For large items, it is always preferable to arrange an in-person delivery at a safe location in your city.

❓ Where can I list used lamps and decor in Colombia without paying a commission?

Colombia Move has a Furniture and Home section where you can list your items for free, with no commission and direct contact via WhatsApp. TuHome and Tu Mueble Usado are other alternatives specializing in second-hand home goods. Choose the platform where your buyers are already looking.

❓ How do I prove that a used lamp works correctly in my ad?

Upload at least one photo of the lamp turned on and offer to send a short video via WhatsApp to the interested buyer showing the cord, the switch, and the full lighting. This builds trust and reduces repetitive questions before closing the sale.

❓ Which decorative items are prohibited from being shipped by courier in Colombia?

It is prohibited by law (current regulations) to ship pieces that are part of Colombia's historical, archaeological, or cultural heritage, as well as flammable or combustible materials. If you have doubts about an antique piece, consult the Ministry of Culture before shipping it.