This has been a busy week of buying "refurbish-able" upholstered furniture. We are getting close to a two-week vacation out of the country, so I am feeling particularly compelled to get out there and check out as many bargains as I can. Sales have also been robust (for my world), so there is even some money and, more importantly, room for more pieces.
The week started with a phone call from one of my favorite vendors, Vicki, who had a nice sale over the last weekend. I had found a set of great Kindel (perfect condition) dining/accent chairs that were priced pretty high. I had left a bid for 1/3rd the price thinking that was the end of it so was surprised to get a call from Vicki saying that the bid was accepted. I picked up the chairs on Monday afternoon and listed them "as is" on eBay. They are currently under bid with lots of viewers. So, it looks like this was a good investment.
I had been corresponding with a couple living on Lake Lanier (North Georgia) in a city called Flowery Branch. They live on a houseboat and were selling a set of Norwalk accent chairs. I liked the look and have had good luck with Norwalk which is a good to very good brand. The styling is generally very good. So, I drove out there on Tuesday to look at (and buy) the chairs which I plan to reupholster in a great Robert Allen "Beacon Hill" velvet on linen fabric to coordinate with the black woodwork,
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The trip was not that long and the visit to the marina where the couple is living was charming - photo of chair below. I did actually go to Marietta the same afternoon to see (and not buy) a set of club chairs and ottoman - the quality was just not good enough. |
The "weekend" estate sales often start as early as Thursday, and I checked out sales Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
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This was a nice sale and well orchestrated - something that I have learned to appreciate over the years. This is a neighborhood about six miles from my home. |
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There were definitely interesting things for sale but the prices were a little high. I left two bids - one on the French style chair and another on the set of club chairs (Drexel Heritage) with ottoman. I haven't heard back so think I didn't get either one. |
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This was one of Vicki's sales - it was being held in the garage and lower level of this fabulous house. i did pick up the Southwood Martha Washington chairs (plan to redo in a wonderful green and cream zebra stripe). I also left a bid for two wingback chairs and an ottoman and think I didn't get those. |
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Line of people waiting to get into Dan Carithers home for the estate (moving sale). |
On Saturday, we (now traveling with my faithful companion, Ouida), we really struck out - not much to see and most of the sales were Friday/Saturday meaning that all the good stuff was long gone. We did attend an estate sale at the home of nationally-renowned Atlanta-based interior designer Dan Carithers
Link to article bout Dan. I attended his design shop closing about two years ago and bought some wonderful fabrics at great prices. His home was actually somewhat modest but very interesting - although everything was pretty pricey. I was told that he is in poor health and was moving.
On Saturday afternoon, I got a phone call from an estate sale I had attended on Thursday and left some bids). I ended up getting three pieces (two of which are photographed below) for 75% off of the price they had been asking. Not a bad deal!
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The chair in the middle is one of two that I got in Flowery Branch - see houseboat sale above. |
So, pretty good for the week. I even stopped by a local thrift shop that is run by volunteers and benefits pet shelters and pet placement. I have never bought here but I do check and it is a good cause. I bought two 1950-60's era "junior barrister" chairs that have split leather and solid woodwork - I plan to redo both the wood and the fabric but haven't decided what to use yet.
I got tired just writing this posting!
I have learned so much about buying used, but good, furniture and about going to estate sales. I had no idea one could put in a bid! Thanks so much for such an informative post.
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