Has anyone had any luck with Craigslist? I swear, I am so sick of reading in design blogs and magazines how people just stumble across original Saarinen Tulip tables in mint condition for $11. Not in my area! I’m lucky to find a 32 year old dining table from Wickes for less than $1500. I thought I might have found a potential refurbishing project, and even had an appointment for this morning to check it out. The table was a perfect 49″ round with four leaves that extended the table to seat ten–and the table came with all ten chairs! I would have changed the upholstery on the chairs, but still–ten chairs! Alas, the owner called me yesterday after he sold it to someone else. Too bad, because it was originally from Denmark and had only one owner.
We have a small dining area (about 8×10) so we need a maximum 49″ round table with leaves in order to also accommodate a sideboard. That’s near impossible to find in stores today, as industry standard (so I’ve been told) is leaves on tables larger than 52″. As much as I like round tables, I think I need to start looking at rectangular tables, too. In that case, it can’t exceed 64″ without leaves. The trick to all of this is finding a small table with 3 or more leaves so what normally seats 4 can expand to seat [gulp] ten. Like the designer in the showroom said on Monday, “Your dining room measurements suck. Good luck with that.”
I admit, I’m also picky. If I’m going to spend thousands of dollars on a table, by God it better be solid wood. Most everything out there with my size requirements is solid plus veneer. Anything that isn’t costs over $3000 for just the table, which is presently of my budget. I’ll just keep searching Craig until the perfect set from the 50s-60s falls in my lap. I have one other table I found that I really like, but I just don’t know. In case you haven’t read my tagline, I’m scared to death of commitment a wee bit indecisive.
Have any of you had luck with Craigslist? I want to hear all about it. Maybe your good luck will rub off on me.
THANK GOD you updated your blog. If I had to look at that picture of the bugs one more time…..
Good luck with the table situation, it seems like more furniture manufacturerers are turning to veneer finishes and it’s pretty much all imported. Let’s plan a trip to Pennsylvania, I’m sure we could find something in the Amish community.
Your picture of the table that got away was beautiful, btw.
I haven’t ever used Craigs List, but a person I work with uses it and she is always running out of her office telling me to come look at her newest “find”. She has furnished her new nursery with practically new items off of Craigs List for almost nothing. She has the “touch” though, I’m sure if I tried to find something on there I would never find it. I just have that kind of luck. I hope you have better luck with the table.
I have never used craig’s list either. I can’t really figure it out and I hate the idea of going to someone’s house to get the stuff. With my luck they would be a psycho maniac….
Anyway, I have a long rectangular wooden table that I do love but if my space were different, I would definitely go round. Round is good, you can fit more people, fun for company etc. Good luck ;D
Jules we use Craigslist a lot. Let me think I bought a solid wood headboard for 100 recently and a 7 year old fridge for 100 for our basement. We also in the past have bought an elliptical machine. I am sure there is more. We really like using it and if your are persistent and keep searching you can find good deals on quality stuff. My favorites are when they say moving out of the country or state need to sell everything. Then you know you are getting good stuff they just cant take it with them. Good luck…sorry the table got away…I hate that.
You can come visit me. I live about 25 minutes from the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country. In fact my MIL’s *round* table goes from seating 4 to 8 with some ‘leaves’ and she can purchase additional ones if necessary. All bought, right down the road.
I’ve had good luck with toys for Malayna from craigslist. I got a Ryan’s Room dollhouse a few years ago for only $50 (with furniture). It sells for about $150 new!
No luck with furniture, though. But we have given lots of stuff away through Craigslist.
Good luck!
I’ve not tried Craig’s list but good luck with your search.
I LOVE CRAIGSLIST.
I got my apartment off of Craigslist, as well as some really amazing vintage end tables. The key I have found for Craigslist, is to check it 4-5 times a day, if not more.
I found my job and my apartment on Craig’s…but when it came time to find some pieces to furnish my place, forget about it! And I know how you feel – you see all these blogs & posts about amazing finds. I shouldn’t be surprised though. I don’t have the “touch.” But you never know!
Good luck!
I check Craigslist everyday. I bought a $50 old desk and re-finished it and LOVE it. I also found a small 50’s side table for $12.
The problem with Craigslist is you have to sift through “Vintage” wicker crap from the 80’s to find someone who doesnt realize what they have.
So my advice is to just keep looking.
I have had awesome luck on CL. I purchased a vintage 42″ round Drexel Heritage table with three leaves and four chairs for $100. The trick is to check early in the morning and late at night to get the really good items. Don’t be afraid to negotiate price either. Also, tag team with a friend to help you look.
Drexel Heritage with three leaves? Wow! That is a find!
I did it! I bought a table and chairs from the 60s. It’s not round, but it extends to seat 10, and comes with three leaves (one never used) and 6 chairs–all in incredible condition. It has the original upholstery! (It’s going).
It needs TLC to look cute, but I’m thrilled to re-purpose instead of buying new. I can see why people find it addictive! :)