Thrifting is one of those things that’s definitely hit or miss. I make the rounds to my local thrift stores once or twice a week and often come back empty handed. Sometimes I hit the jackpot though, like I did with my chippendale dining chairs and the campaign chests. I recently hit the jackpot again though, and I managed to find great pieces at all three of my favorite thrift stores, all in one day.
The first item I found was this faux bamboo and brass tray top coffee table.
I was smitten with the faux bamboo immediately, and only after I bought it did I realize this is a very nice piece made by Baker in the 1960s (here is a great piece by Tokyo Jinja about the history and popularity of the design). 1stDibs, which is always crazy overpriced in my opinion (but is very good for the ego), has a few different variations listed at prices ranging from $1,350 to $3,500. Needless to say I was pretty happy to see that I found such a nice piece! I’m planning on painting it white to make it look a bit lighter. I toyed around with the idea of painting it gold, but for some reason I’m starting to go through a more neutral phase and sometimes gold can just be a little over-to-top girly. Here is a photo of the table in my apartment:
I love the character of the piece so much, but the color of the base definitely needs to change. I may need to swap the rug out as well because I’m starting to feel that the spots are a bit too busy. I’m still crazy about the rug but it may need to go into storage until we move and I find a better home for it.
Ok, on to the next piece!
I found this pair of faux bamboo nesting tables at my next thrift store. They are made by Lane Furniture Company and they are very sturdy and well made. They have glass tops on them too. I don’t like to cover up nice wood if I don’t have to, so I’m a little torn with these little tables. The wood is in great condition, but I feel like they look a little dated. Wouldn’t they be so much more fun if they were painted white or even turquoise? What do you guys think?
Next up was a pair of brass cantilever dining chairs:
The fabric is disgusting, but I see a lot of potential in them! I’m planning on recovering the seats and then I’ll either sell them on Etsy or try to sell them locally. I’ve found some great sources of inspiration online for these chairs, and I’ll share those once I reveal the finished product…so stay tuned!
Many of you have asked on Instagram for my tips on thrifting. I did a blog post on how to hunt a thrift store about a year ago (you can find the post here), so hopefully that will help get you started! You really can find such amazing and unique pieces if you’re willing to work for it…so if you have the time (and patience) I highly recommend checking out the thrift stores around you! Some will never ever have anything good simply because of who decides to donate at that particular store, but some will offer some wonderful treasures if you check back often.
Thanks for sharing, Anne-Marie! I actually check it out very carefully after you told me about it, and her sources say it's from Z Gallerie. I don't know how painting solid brass would go, but the all black look is definitely really cool!
I definitely luck out from time to time, which is weird because I end up finding the best stuff in not so great areas. Thrifting is definitely hit or miss though! (I strike out most of the time.)
I have an "after" photo posted on my @dashofwhimsyauction Instagram page if you want to check it out! I just reupholstered them but it made a big difference.
Wish my thrift shops had great finds like these.
The new home featured on The Everygirl this week has a coffee table just like this one! Hers is all black and its fantastic! Just a thought!
amazing finds! I love that first table…I kinda like it just how it is…very chic!
Thanks for sharing, Anne-Marie! I actually check it out very carefully after you told me about it, and her sources say it's from Z Gallerie. I don't know how painting solid brass would go, but the all black look is definitely really cool!
I definitely luck out from time to time, which is weird because I end up finding the best stuff in not so great areas. Thrifting is definitely hit or miss though! (I strike out most of the time.)
Thank you Emily!
Oh my goodness – I am obsessed with that coffee table! It's beautiful!
My two cents on painting the other tables – go for it! They'd look really chic.
What did you end up doing to the chair? I have a set of these and I can't figure out how to change them up.
I have an "after" photo posted on my @dashofwhimsyauction Instagram page if you want to check it out! I just reupholstered them but it made a big difference.