Bay Area Craigslist Roundup (January 12, 2012)

 I've been at it again... searching on Craigslist for things that won't fit into my apartment.  If you're local and looking for furnishings, here are some of my favorite finds this week:

It doesn't look like much, but paint the base of this bamboo/wicker console table a bright color like coral or kelly green and it would totally brighten up the entryway of an eclectic home for under $100.

Speaking of bamboo console tables,  this one is listed at just $50,  and is even more 'Hollywood Regency' chic (just needs a new coat of paint)

More into mid-century design?  Need a coffee table?  Take these two teak side tables (I'd bargain to $150) and stick them together, pile some coffee table books on and you're good to go.  They look like they're in perfect condition...

Pick up this awesome classic cane back chair(with black leather and nail-head trim!) for $100 and put it at the desk your manly study.

Speaking of manly rooms... for a guy that needs a coffee table: add a tray to this lovely black leather ottoman and you're good to go; a place to put your drinks and your feet (plus, it's on wheels!).

 Happy Hunting!

Bay Area Craigslist Wishlist: November 11

As we near the weekend, there is a ton of great (and affordable) stuff popping up on Craigslist.  Maybe people are cleaning out their homes for the holidays?   Here are some of the things I'd pick up if I had the extra storage space (or rooms to fill!)

A great pair of mid-century chairs that look like they're in great condition for $150.  I especially love the nailhead trim.  These would be great to round out the seating in a living room.

An awesome "Mad Men" era desk and chair for just $120.  This is a little beat up, but the shape is classic and I love the hardware detailing.

Do you see the brass caps on the legs?  I'd paint this either a glossy black or red-orange (like below) to make the hardware and leg detail pop.

 You can never have too many mirrors in a house. (They both brighten up a space, and make it feel bigger)  The convex shape of this one makes it especially cool and the oval shape kind of reminds me of snow white.   You could also turn it on it's side to fit a wider  space in the wall.

A white sofa isn't for everyone, but at just $200  you could just replace this one after it gets stained in a few years.

 I'm definitely on a mid-century kick this week.  I'm not sure what the original intetion was for this Henredon piece, but I think it would make an awesome bar or sideboard in a city apartment. (They're asking $180)

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Happy Hunting!

Antique Trunks as a Coffee Tables

A friend of mine with a studio apartment has been struggling to find a coffee table that both fits in his small space and provides a bit of extra storage.  My suggestion to him was to keep an eye out for an antique trunk, chest, or footlocker.  There are tons of trunks around on Craigslist and in local antique shops. And, they can work great as coffee tables or for extra storage at the foot of a bed. 

Plus, trunks can work for a variety of different styles. They can be a bit more glamorous (or even "designer" like the photo above),  rustic (lots of unfinished wood options) or masculine and "worldly" (many have cool old stickers from traveling like the one below).

Here are some great affordable options in the Bay Area that I found with a quick Craigslist search.  (Click on the images for the original listings)

A fun blue one for just $25!

This one might need a tray or plexiglass top but I couldn't pass up the color.  And, the inside has already been cleaned out and restored!

Simple black with great brass detailing ($70 and I'm sure it could be negotiated down)

Another great looking black trunk. (Listed for $50)

If they're too short, you can always add casters (wheels) or legs, like Ashley did to an old suitcase here:

Or, if antique/vintage isn't your vibe,  The Container Store has some great (and bright!) new options for $85:

Bay Area Craigslist Finds

Here's another roundup of my favorite recent Craigslist listings.  If you're in the Bay Area, snatch something up :) Otherwise, I hope this is some inspiration for your own thrifting.

If I had any space I would snatch up this set of chairs ASAP - $50 is a great deal.  They would be perfect in a bachelor pad and I love the idea of dining chairs on wheels.  I'd probably switch out the table for something a bit more modern and light, but you might even be able to paint the table that comes with the set.

"Pair" is one of my favorite Craigslist/Craiggers search terms.   It always comes up with great sets of matching chairs and tables.   A pair of chairs can be perfect to tie together a room, or it can be nice to have a backup if you're trying out a new project (I have a second version of this chair so I can perfect my upholstery)

This $50 pair of peachy wingback chairs look like they're in great condition.  They could read slightly grandma-y but I think with the right accessories, they could also work in a totally modern girly living room.

I'm a huge fan of campaign furniture because I loev the simple shapes and brass details.   At $200, this dresser isn't a total steal, but it's beautiful classic piece.

A friend was looking for a trunk recently and this one is perfectly worn.  It still provides plenty of storage, and could easily function as coffee table with a couple of trays on top.

Happy Hunting!

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Craiggers!

Clearly I am a huge fan of bargain hunting on Craigslist, so I was stoked when a friend told me about Craiggers, which is basically a better interface for searching the classified site.  Craiggers gives you access to all of your local Craigslist postings, with a much more browse-able interface. Plus, the website  makes it possible for you to mark items you like with a star (way better than keeping a list of URLs in a Word doc, which is what I usually do) And,  you can save searches.  Since I have a list of "go to" search terms,  I love that I can pull up the results quickly.

Needless to say, I've found a few items I'd love to pick up...

A great looking set of campaign dressers, just $75!

I love slightly masculine feel and the brass accents.

This pair of chairs might need refinishing, but they are a great shape!  They could be totally worth a little time.

I'm kind of loving mustard yellow right now  and these chairs would be a great pair in a cozy living room.

 

Maybe they'd work to create a more modern version of this Martha Stewart room:

 Happy Hunting!