I’m the first to admit thrifting can be really overwhelming. You walk into a store or sale and the amount of stuff (and oftentimes junk) can be a lot to take in. You likely fall into one of two categories: someone who feels defeated because they have no interest in digging through everything to find the good stuff or someone who feels totally determined to look through everything as to not miss anything. I am the latter. The idea that I would miss something great is a terrifying and disappointing thought – a little sick, I know.
But I’ve figured out a way to move through stores rather quickly. A game-changer for me has been this: I always go with a list of things I am looking for. Be it a mental list or a physical one, I stick to that list as I scan shelves and booths. Having items in mind helps me to stay focused and allows me to get through entire antique malls before Milly has a meltdown.
This last Sunday I was able to sneak away for about an hour to a great antique mall just a few minutes from my house. I went there looking for a mirror for our bedroom, some sort of side table or nightstand, and a cabinet for our bathroom. I didn’t find any of them, but focusing on those pieces made the trip through this 42,000 square foot building quick. Another tip, always go against the flow. Start at the back of the store, or if it has aisles start on the right side and go left, as most people shop like they read – left to right. Going against everyone else can keep you from getting stuck behind that same slow couple over and over again.
While I go with a list, I keep myself open to anything that jumps out at me. This chair would be the perfect example.
I had my nose to the grindstone on Sunday, but I turned a corner and there he was. It felt all heavenly – no really, there was a spotlight beaming down on it in the middle of this somewhat dim aisle – and he was just so handsome. I really didn’t have a great need for him, but the couple who rented the booth were there rearranging, so I complimented them on it. I thought for sure it was at least $100, but when she said she’d give me 15% off I took a peek at the tag: $45. Usually the items I am drawn to come with a price tag to match, but sometimes I get lucky. While I wasn’t looking for a chair that day, I did have a chair in our living room that I had thought about replacing if something great came along. This chair was it.
I’ve found that’s usually how I find my favorite pieces; the ones that jump at you from out of nowhere, that show up in the most unlikely of places and times. And when they’re a crazy good deal too? I can’t say no. Well one time I did and I still feel somewhat regretful, but I’ve happened upon several things lately that seemed too good to be true.
This sweet little horse was at the very top of a shelf but managed to catch my eye. For some reason she reminded me of Milly and she was only a few dollars. The kids had so much fun with her today, riding around and pushing each other up and down the hall. A can of spray paint once it warms up a bit – I’m thinking white – will do wonders.
Now this bench is just disgusting. The frame is filthy and the blanket upholstery job is nauseating. Several weeks ago my sister and I stopped at a Red Racks I don’t usually frequent, but she wanted to drop some donations off. This was sitting in the donation area, and I asked what the price would be. They asked what I would offer. I thought the ironwork was really pretty, and with some new paint and fabric I paid them $7 and brought her home to hang out in the corner of the garage so when Micah finally stumbled upon her I could say “oh, I got that a long time ago!”
This last piece has no place in our current home (it’s just too big!) but I knew my sister would love to have it.
With a coupon, this peacock chair was $6 and some change. My sister is moving this spring and plans to take it with her, but the beast lives in our house until then!
My point in all of this is to just keep an open mind while thrifting and decorating in general. You need a plan, but you need to be flexible enough to deviate from that plan. Putting together a space is a process. It can’t be rushed and rarely do you feel like it is ever complete. The rooms I have hurried to finish usually include items I’m not wild about and decisions I would have done differently now. Waiting for what you love and allowing things to happen a bit more organically is often what can give a space life and personality. So be open to what might fall into your lap.
Do you love the search for a deal or one-of-a-kind item, or are you rather overwhelmed by the thought? I’d love to hear about some of the best items you’ve scored!
Great find with that chair! I'm like you- determined to search through and see every little thing so I don't miss something great! It's the thrill of the hunt!
Thanks for reading, Aja! Glad I'm not alone in my determination. 🙂
Love the green chair so much!
That chair is positively amazing and looks so great with your orangerie pillow! I love thrifting. I was spoiled when we lived in the midwest because there was SO MUCH GOOD STUFF at such great prices. Now I live in the NYC area and it's all picked over and over-priced. 🙁 Must get out to the far suburbs this summer.
Thanks! It is nice living where most people have no interest in what's great. 😉 Yes, you'll have to venture out…everything IS way more expensive in the city! Thanks for reading!
amazing finds!! 🙂
That chair looks like it was made for your room! Looks comfy, too. And that bench has loads of potential. I'm itching for a good thrift find…it's been a while!
Thanks, Jennifer! I've found I go through wet and dry spells with thrifting too. I've just been getting lucky lately, but I'm finding a lot of things I don't need and none of the things I do! 😉
You're like me and my markdown racks. Except yours takes more talent.
Ha, I'm sure you have just as much talent, and I'm glad to know I'm not the only one rushing to the clearance section too!
Love the chair! I've been "ghost hunting" for awhile now (that's what my kids and i started calling it to make it interesting…aka keep their interest another 5 min.) and I realize I've kinda got similar rules. I always start the opposite way the majority is going and I also always have a mental list of what I'm always looking for but am open to new inspiration. Another tip is I always ask if they can do better than the sticker. Also some consignment shops mark on the sticker the date they got it in so u know if its been there a while. I love thrifting and feel that it's always those few interesting pieces in my rooms that people compliment…
Thanks for sharing! Distraction is always key, isn't it? And thanks for the other tips. It's always best to ask if they can do better…it can't hurt anyway!
Great chair!! I agree it's not so overwhelming to have an idea of what you want when you thrift and especially antique shop. I scored a couple of chairs last week too! They weren't on my list but just had to get them!
I think I saw that on my Facebook feed and was hoping to pop over, headed there now! Glad I'm not alone in this. 🙂
Your photos and styling are just gorgeous!!! Great finds…I love that chair! And the floral pillow in it!
You're sweet lady. 🙂 The styling and photography is probably my favorite part, so thanks!
Love the chair and horse! I recently scored two giant chinoiserie lamps from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore for $40 total. They need rewired and new shades, but I'm calling them my best score ever.
Ooh, that's amazing! I think I'll be able to squeeze in a stop at our ReStore tomorrow and this makes me excited for what it might bring. Thanks for sharing!
I have had my eye on the exact same green chair for sale on our Craig's List but was reluctant to purchase. Now that I see one in your house I'm might have to jump on this one for sale. But they want $300, for the chair and ottoman 🙁
It IS extremely comfortable and a timeless midcentury piece! I hope you can work out a deal, and thanks for making me realize what a deal I got! Best of luck!
I got it but could only talk him down to $250. It is so comfortable though! Here it is in my room: http://www.suburbanbitches.com/living-room-re/
That chair is a honey for sure!! I've been into Red Racks a few times – they have great lamps at my location.
"A honey" – I love that!
Hi Gwen!
Oh. I love the leather chair. What a find and what a fabulous price!! I wish we had thrift stores this good in and around Boston – maybe I need to do a little more research. You've definitely inspired me.
Always love reading your posts.
Kisses,
Ola
Thanks, Ola! May I recommend following Honey & Fitz. She's a blogger friend in Boston and she finds some amazing things!
Hope all is well and you're making it through the winter ok. 🙂
You found some good things! I seriously love thrifting. I don't mind it at all..it's worth it to save money and find good quality items for cheap 🙂 xo Kristin
The town we just moved from had a built-in thrifting mecca – a "swap shed" where everyone brought their old unwanted furniture. I got some amazing gems there. Now I feel a little adrift actually and am not sure where to go for these kinds of things. Maybe just as well for now…I am powerless against the siren song of a discarded piece of furniture 🙂 Like, kind of on a chair-hoarder level.
I'm sure you'll find the hidden gems soon enough! Best of luck, and I too am a total chair hoarder! They seem to be calling my name from everywhere!
Ummm does your chair have a twin sister? Gah!! Its so so good. Ive been really disciplined about staying out of thrift stores until after we find our new house. Its been so so hard though and seeing this beautiful score certainly doesn't help. Thanks a lot, Gwen;)
I love that chair! I just found your blog through the KC Blogger Meetup site and am so excited to follow along! I love your style. What antique store were you at in KC? I've got to check it out:) There's nothing quite like finding the perfect piece in one of those stores.
Oh, so glad you found me Kari! It's from Brass Armadillo. Thanks for your kind words, and I hope we can meet in person someday!
I hope so, too! Thanks for the store name. I'm going to check that place out as soon as we're out of this tundra like weather:)
great finds, I love that little horse!
Love all your finds! You have a great eye, i'm curious where you bought your orangerie pillow from?
What incredible finds! Happy thrifting!