I am a hardcore Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace advocate. I really don't see a situation where I would ever buy "hard" furniture new. Beautiful wood dressers, tables, dining chairs, desks, coffee tables, end tables, etc. If you don't want all wood, grab some chalk paint for $15 and some fresh new handles/hardware at Home Depot and go to town, it's literally idiot-proof and you'll have a home people envy.
I am weird, though, about buying "soft" items used... sofas, bedding, etc. For that I suggest OUTLET SHOPPING. You mentioned West Elm... they have outlets all over the country. Outlet prices are already discounted from the retail price online/in the "real" store, and then they'll throw an additional 40%-60% off. I follow West Elm outlet, Pottery Barn outlet, even Restoration Hardware outlet on Instagram and they are posting in their stories DAILY about new arrivals and deals. If you make a point to watch you can hit some really awesome sales. Friend of mine got a huge Andes sectional from West Elm for $600 from the outlet.