SECONDHAND SHOPPING, A TIP, AND A SNEAK PEAK

Have I told you how much I love getting great furniture for next to nothing?  I am almost exclusively a Craigslist/Thrift Store/Garage Sale furniture shopper now.  I've found so many quality, solid, unique pieces that are so much more well made than most of the new things sold today.  They're not always perfect, but that's ok with me.  It adds character, right?  Usually with some inspiration and elbow grease, they can be made into something beautiful once again.

I do draw the line on some things.  If there is damage where the integrity of the piece is in question, walk away.  If it takes more than you are able to do, walk away (unless you have a handy dad or hubby).  Mattresses, buy new.  

A while back I found this table at a thrift store.  It was still the regular price of $6.99...I didn't even wait for markdowns on this one!  The top was in pretty bad shape-there were some slight bubbles in the veneer and the finish was worn.  But it was solid, and in case you didn't know, the bamboo look is hot right now!

I hoped a good sanding would even out the top, and the body was in such good shape that I considered restaining the top and leaving it a wood finish.  But, I had to fill some places and the top just didn't cut it. Trying to avoid painting another piece of furniture black, I turned to Pinterest for color inspiration.  I found something similar to my table that looked dry-brushed and distressed, gray, and they left the caning the original color.  Sold!

                                                                                            Source: laylagrayce.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

 

I had plenty of paint left from my sample quart of Urbane Bronze that I used on the bookshelves, so I thought I'd give it a try on the table.  

I'm happy with the results.  I kept the paint solid rather than using the dry brush method.  

The top is still slightly bubbled in a spot or two, but hey-$7!, and it's not really noticeable with the accessories on top.  You won't tell, right?

  

I'm so excited about this other piece that I just bought from Craig's List-my Instagram friends have already seen it, so bear with me again.  I hadn't been on CL for a while after I found the china cabinet, so I was quickly scrolling through the furniture and looked at a listing for a coffee table.  It was very similar to the one I already have, but I noticed the corner of a pretty brass box in the background of the picture.  The seller mentioned that they were listing several things, so I e-mailed them and asked if the brass piece (I couldn't see it all and didn't know exactly what it was) was for sale.  Yes, it was, they sent me a photo of the entire piece, and I went that evening and brought it home!

I love it!  It's just the size I've been looking for to put between 2 chairs in my bedroom. It's a great landing spot for books and coffee, and the top is hinged for storage inside.  I still haven't done one more bit of work on my bedroom other than painting, but it's coming!  I'm collecting pieces for it and am really getting exciting about pulling it all together. 

 

When I saw the trunk it reminded me of Carmel's beautiful coffee table and the awesome vintage brass trunk that Kristen just won(!).

Two more random things to tell you today...

Did you know that there's really not a limit on when you can return merchandise at TJ Maxx (and I assume Marshall's and HomeGoods since they're the same company)?  I'm the worst at loading up on accessories that I think I'll use for a future project, and then when I actually get to that project I've changed my mind.  I bought 3 of these mirrors for my new bedroom back in APRIL.  

I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask, so I took them back with the receipt yesterday and she said, "No problem, as long as you have the receipt!" and proceeded to tell me that someone else had just brought something back from December 2011.  Well, that made me feel better-at least I'm not the only one.  Now, you will just get a credit and not a cash refund, but I don't think many of us would have a problem with that.  I thought those of you who are frequent re-decorators might be interested to know that.

Lastly, (sorry, didn't plan to be so wordy today!) I'll leave you with one more sneak peak at the china cabinet.  I'm still working on getting all of the hinges and doors and parts and pieces put back together.  I'm so excited about the hardware!  Hint-I'm using big chunky hardware on the doors.  

The backplate isn't really a backplate.  Any guesses?  I'll tell you all about it on Tuesday when you see it all finished!

Linking up with

Miss Mustard Seed

 Thrift It Link Party at Our Fifth House

Home Stories A to Z