While I love finding my own treasures, I get so much joy out of seeing what other people are able to come across. And I love the stories of the pieces and how my friends found them. Do you enjoy that too? I hope so. I thought I’d share with you some of the finds I’ve come across since living in our new home.
Please keep in mind that things are merely a hodgepodge right now. We’re trying to work on one room at a time, so until I get to a space, you’re going to see a mix of pieces from our old home and things I’ve collected along the way to make the space functional, not necessarily beautiful.
One of the hazards of thrifting is finding pieces that you don’t need (quite yet, anyway). These side tables would be one of those. There’s a furniture consignment store near us that mainly sells things that have been used in model homes. A lot of it isn’t great, but once in a while there are some really lovely, quality pieces. I came across this set of end tables a few months ago, and I couldn’t stop thinking about them.
The burl walnut wood was the first thing I noticed and then I turned them over to see the Drexel Heritage stamp. The condition is excellent and I later found them selling for way, way more then I paid for mine. I love the rich traditionalism they will bring to any space they end up in.
This cocktail table was a steal at $40 off craigslist. It’s in near perfect condition too…a small cigarette burn on the top, but I like to think there’s some great story to that, and it’s easily covered up by accessories. I wasn’t totally jazzed by it, but the lines are clean and the length is perfect for the couch I found.
Ok, try to overlook the oyster-colored, quilted fabric to be reupholstered at a later date and look at the lines of the piece. This thing is 9′ long and such a great sofa for entertaining. Along with that, it was made right here in Kansas City (still has the original tags) so that feels special.
The wood detailing around the arms is what sold me, and the right fabric will make that detail even better. I don’t think this couch and coffee table will live in this room (too much wood going on) but for now it works as a place to hang out when guests are over. And the kids love to run across the length of the couch: to them it feels like miles, I’m sure.
I found the long couch and this little red velvet one in an ad on craigslist. They were both available from different vendors at the same warehouse down in the West Bottoms, so I got a deal for buying both of them. The red one is planned for the playroom renovation and is living in there for now.
I was thrilled to find it, but a word of warning – when you buy something in a dark warehouse make sure you go with to pick it up. I went down to see it and the fabric appeared to be in good condition. I made an offer over the phone, and my husband picked it up for me. Once he had brought it home in the natural light I noticed how dingy it was. I am positive it’s silk velvet (it’s so soft) and while I’ve done all I can to make sure it’s germ-free, it’s still discolored in a lot of areas. I’ve read you’re not supposed to use a steamer on silk velvet, can anyone attest to that? I tried the method of using soap suds to clean it, but that didn’t yield any great results.
Regardless, I would have bought the sofa, I just would have offered less. I knew I wanted a red sofa and those don’t come up around here very often. It’s a vintage Ethan Allen so the quality is there. And to be honest, being in the kids room, I like that I’m not worried about what they’ll get on it. I’d love to take off the skirt and put some new legs on it down the road.
I picked up the little marble and brass stand while we were still in the cabin for $10 at Red Racks. It’s small, but has been a little workhorse, as it works beautifully almost anywhere. It seems to move from living area to living area right now, but would be perfect with some towels stacked on it in the bathroom or nice with a plant in the bedroom.
Oh, and I can’t forget this rug I found for $35 at a flea market. I instagrammed it quite some time ago, but since it wasn’t a craigslist find I haven’t shared it on the blog yet. The fringe is silk and the colors are so interesting.
So, tell me, have you found some great things lately? And any tips for cleaning the red couch?
angela | the painted house says
Good eye, good finds! Love that arm panel on the cream sofa and…was surprised to read that you would take that sweet button and scalloped skirt off the red sofa!!! 😉 I'm a sucker for scallops. Truly, it's weird. Anyway, you are killing it.
Autumn Beach says
Angela took the words right out of my mouth…you are KILLING it. And you're killing ME! Gah! That rug! Must. Have. That. Rug! Lately, all I can think about is painting my walls white and finding a fabulous Persian rug. And $35?! That's amazing! Of course, all of these finds are amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Fun finds! I've seen so many beautiful vintage sofas that would be stunning re-covered, but I can't seem to get past the shorter stature they usually have. It always seems like the back is too low and the seat too short. I know different legs might help, but just wish they were a little bigger! That red sofa is killer…
Bethany DeVore says
Love the burl wood and that couch is so cool!
AG says
We're moving from our apartment to a house (eek), so I've been all over Craigslist lately. We need to fill up our house, quickly and cheaply, and the big box discount stores leave me cold. I've found some great little things on Craigslist that are currently filling up the foyer in our apartment while we prepare for our move. My favorites have been a set of brass and glass end tables that were dirt cheap, but great shape and quality, and a weird and wonderful burl wood and brass table (my husband isn't sold, but he will be) that I paid $65, and have since found it's twin being sold for $400.
Also – I'm a new reader and have been loving your blog! It's been great following along on your new house adventures as we're about to start our own, and I really appreciate that you're not afraid of color and bold design.
Jessica says
Everything is coming together so beautifully!!! That red couch…ahhhhhh!!!!
Lela B says
Everything looks so beautiful!!!The red couch&the blue carpet…..love them!!!!!
Kisses
Emily || I Dream of Style says
You have the best taste! I love everything, especially the rug!
Molly Price says
Love love LOVE the side tables and coffee table. Any chance you can find exact replicas for my house? 😉 You are doing some marvelous things to your new house…I am enjoying following your journey, friend!
Carlotta Lacy says
Just saw this on Chicago craigslist and thought of your red loveseat
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/atd/4906052740.html
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
That red tufted number is stunning! xoxo
Robin @ designbyrobinsnest.blogspot.com says
Those are some amazing finds! I love the red tufted sofa and marble table. I have a little wooden Ethan Allen side table that I purchased at the Raleigh Flea Market. It is one of my favorite pieces and not at all what I was looking for that day. I agree that when you are decorating on a budget you have to buy things as you find them even if that wasn't what you had planned. -Robin @ http://www.designbyrobinsnest.blogspot.com
Julia Konya says
Incredible finds! Can't wait to see what fabric you pick for that amazing huge sofa
theanatomyofdesign.com says
can't wait to see that 9'! long sofa upholstered. i'm sure you have some fantastic fabric you're dreaming of.
Rachel Rardon says
I feel like I'm really seeing your style come to life in your new home. Love it! Create on. Hunt on. Style on. Thanks for inspiring me.
Shavonda Gardner says
Holy amazingness these are amazing Gwen. That sofa is the stuff of dreams. I mean that wood detail is just gooooorgeous. I can see this with so many different fabrics. The burlwood piece is amazing too. You have such a great eye friend. Cant wait to see all these amazing pieces in your home.
house of floyd says
I love the pillows! Where are those from?
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks! I made them out of Designer's Guild Orangerie fabric. You can sometimes find remnants on Ebay.
Howard M. Wright says
Good collections of recliners chairs. I really loved your collection and I would love to get the last one for my home. I think i can also contact top recliner reviews for such chairs as they have huge collections of such kind of chairs