Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Things I Found While Thrifting Around

I thought I'd try something new for the blog and introduce a series which may or may not become a regular thing, we'll see how it goes.  If you know me, you'll know that I am a consummate shopper.  And there's nothing more that I like than finding great treasures at unbelievable prices.  I live in an area of Salt Lake that has at least 10 thrift and consignment stores all within a two mile radius.  I try and hit them up as often as I can because you never know what you're going to find.  And so I introduce to you: Things I Found While Thrifting Around.

Now I know that the majority of my readers do not live anywhere remotely near these stores, but I will be posting finds that may spark your imagination such as great chairs that can be reupholstered.  Who hasn't come across a ratty old chair and dismissed it as grubby and ugly?  With a little bit of elbow grease and some imagination, these finds can sometimes turn into gold mines.

These chairs were gorgeous as is.  The fabric was a lovely buttery yellow velvet with minimal wear and tear.  They were a lovely shape and petite size which you don't find these days.  And look!  They even have nail heads.  I'm going to make a guess and say that they're from the 50's or early 60's.  They really knew how to make furniture then.



Look, remind you of something?


How much do you think they cost?

An incredible price of $10 a chair, and there were 5 of them, which is kind of awkward, but you can't pass that up.  Unfortunately I wasn't the only person to think so because someone had already purchased them!

Here's another petite upholstery piece, again in excellent condition.  But I would reupholster in a fun geometric or floral fabric and probably paint the wood either black or white, or keep as is, depending on the fabric I chose.  The label said it was from ZCMI (Utah's original department store) and was dated 1956.  I can just imagine it coming from some lovely grandma's house who took excellent care of it.


There was no price, but the rest of the sofas were priced between $30 and $40.  If only I had somewhere to store all these treasures.  I really could have fun with a staple gun and some cool fabrics. And these shapes aren't too challenging.  Umm, now I'm thinking.

You know how brass is totally in right now.  Well maybe some types of brass, not your shiny 1980's type.  Anyway, take a look at these chandeliers.


Both huge, both really solid looking. And both under $100!


Look at the detail on those arms.  This much brass might be still a little too dated and I know some bloggers that would run for the spray can, but how could you cover up that lovely sheen.  I think it would take a certain style of house to be able to get away with these fixtures.  Don't think they would look right hanging from an 8 foot ceiling.  But just imagine the large one with black shades.  It might make it look more edgy and sophisticated.


Seriously, I just found this one on the internet for $3000.  Looks very similar wouldn't you say?

Source

Since having been hired to help decorate an MCM style house (that ironically was built in the 70's), I've been noticing MCM furniture everywhere.  I really love it's simple, unadorned style.


Looks just like the reproduction chairs that they sell in Urban Outfitters but obviously much better made.  Only $59.99 and in excellent condition too.

This table was only $15.  But it was in pretty bad condition.  The legs were amazing though.


And finally, this made me laugh.  I was tempted for a split second.  I think the boys would have hours of fun playing on it.  Alas, no room in my humble abode.


And that concludes: things I found while thrifting around.  Hope you had as much fun as I did.  And if you want me to find you some special treasures like this for your home, send me an email.  I'll be taking on new clients starting September.


3 comments:

  1. Oh wow, I love those buttery yellow chairs. I love thrifting too. One of my most moved buys is a 1950's sofa that I got for $65.00. It is now in my library room.

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  2. What are the names of the stores you go to!? I live in the SLC area and never find awesome things like this at my thrift stores. I realize this was years ago, but I love everything you found. I would love to hit up those places now! x

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    1. These are mostly from Deseret Industries, but I haven't had much luck there recently.

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