Tags
A Detailed House, Antique finds on Craigslist, Antique furniture, Armoire, Bargains on Craigslist, Basement storage solutions, Craigslist, Family room armoire, Kids' storage, Shopping, Wardrobe
Nothing pleases me more than a bargain. Well, maybe that’s an overstatement because I am really happy when my house is clean and in order, but honestly that is a freak of nature thanks to the loves of my life, all two and four legged. Since that rarely (if ever) happens, I have to get my thrills from bargains.
When I did my post on DIY Ideas for Kids’ Rooms, I talked about Craigslist as a source for armoires. (Now with flat screen TVs, many are trying to get rid of the armoires that they used to store their bulky TV.) In my research, I happened upon a find that I couldn’t pass on:
A huge antique armoire for $90. Perfect condition? No, but for the basement den, it was a great storage solution for all the children’s toys and crafts.
Now, I know many people that would turn up their noses at the suggestion of Craigslist, but I’m here to tell you that it can be a great resource, especially if you are close to a metropolitan area. If you aren’t, that can just mean waiting and searching much longer. Regardless of where you live, you won’t find everything that suits you, but it’s worth a try. Think furniture, mirrors, chandeliers, and, if you like to DIY, you can turn items into some spectacular pieces 🙂
I hope everyone is having a great day 🙂
thatmidcenturyfella said:
When it rains on Craigslist, it pours! Good work!
ADetailedHouse said:
Thanks! I was so happy with the find!!
travelladywithbaby said:
What a treasure you found, and a great deal.
ADetailedHouse said:
It was a complete fluke that I found it, but I am smitten with the find!
Cloches & Lavender said:
I love the armoire, The legs and lines are fantastic.
Cynthia
ADetailedHouse said:
Thanks, Cynthia!
ParentingIsFunny said:
Reminds me of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe! Love Craigslist!
ADetailedHouse said:
Me too! I’ve brought up Craigslist to my friends who need furniture and they look at me like I’m crazy! I think they are nuts for not taking advantage of it!
ParentingIsFunny said:
Agreed.
roxyboots said:
I thought that too! What a beautiful item to pick up for so little.
ibdesignsusa said:
I don’t use it often but have picked up a few treasures from Craigslist. Found a great table where I could sew and also have lot’s of room for measuring. I also love a great bargain. Love the armoire that you found!
ADetailedHouse said:
This is the second time I’ve bought anything on Craigslist, but I love it! I bought a large coffee table for $25! If my house wasn’t already furnished, I’d use it more. I do look on it periodically for chandeliers, but haven’t found anything 😦
ADetailedHouse said:
Oops, I just walked through my house and I stand corrected – I also bought a huge doll house on Craigslist, so that’s 3 things!!
ibdesignsusa said:
That’s really great!
eighttreestreet said:
I picked up so many great finds from Craigslist,this is totally beautiful, what a great find, and bargain.
ADetailedHouse said:
Lucky you!! And so smart of you!! I was so tickled with this piece 😀
daalny said:
My friend got a claw footed bathtub for free on Craigslist. Nice to know it’s not all scams and STDs
ADetailedHouse said:
Thats a great deal – claw foot tubs go for $500 on up!
Kim said:
Beautiful! It looks like mahogany.
I’m currently searching for an armoire or entertainment center to convert to a pantry cupboard in our kitchen. Your site is such an inspiration. Thank you!
ADetailedHouse said:
Thank you for such kind words!! That really makes me happy! I have an armoire in our kitchen and LOVE it, so I adore your idea!! I hope you post a picture when you do 🙂
Nerdy And I Know It said:
I think anyone who turns up their nose at Craigslist simply lacks the vision and imagination that it takes to DIY. There are so many diamonds in the rough on Craigslist!
ADetailedHouse said:
I concur!
redjim99 said:
We visit Brocante shops when we are in France, loads of items like this.
Jim
ADetailedHouse said:
Overseas taking antique shopping to a whole new level! I’m very jealous of your proximity!
Moray Letham said:
Yes, but not for 90 dollars!! what a bargain!! anywhere… and so useful !superb matched walnut veneer, and always remember, with such wonderful pieces from the past, we are “recycling” every little helps 🙂
ADetailedHouse said:
Exactly!! I much prefer pieces from the past… and, you couldn’t buy one for close to that at a store! Good eye on matching veneer!!
dianeskitchentable said:
Drat! The picture is blocked out of your post… I want to see it & I LOVE Craig’s List.
ADetailedHouse said:
What?? It’s showing up for others…huh!! Did you try to refresh? Did you press the “Continue Reading” button?
dianeskitchentable said:
Whoa, now I see it. $90? Awesome find.
Greenhousestarter said:
That is such a food find and yes, who cares if it has a little wear and tear, you have an unusual piece of furniture that is practical too. I love the walnut veneer!
Andrea Kelly said:
Wow, absolutely beautiful piece! I’m so jealous!
And yes, Craiglist can be a great resource! I got a couch and chaise in perfect condition from a couple who had kept them in a sitting room that never got used for a GREAT price. One of the best purchases I’ve ever made 🙂
ADetailedHouse said:
Who-hoo!! I love stories like that! Good for you for for having the insight to look on Craigslist!
patinaandcompany said:
I’m pretty sure everybody is happy to get a deal or perfect item for a project off Craigslist. Furniture is just one of those things that it really isn’t always necessary to get brand new. Nice find!
ADetailedHouse said:
I referenced this in another comment, but I’ve brought up Craigslist to friends before and they snubbed the idea. I think their perception of Craigslist is one of a bad yard sale! Meanwhile, they have had rooms with no furniture for years…geesh!
patinaandcompany said:
So strange–around here almost everyone loves it for one thing or other. Our Canadian House and Home magazine once featured Craigslisted chairs in the major lottery dream home they design each year (typical value of around $2.5-$3.5 million). But good use of Craigslist definitely requires a good imagination, and you have more of that than most people.
ADetailedHouse said:
Here (or at least the people I know) definitely don’t use it or have a good impression of it to the point of snobbery, which is why I wanted to do this post. I’ve never come across a magazine or show that plugs or admits to using it as a source, but you know they do!
patinaandcompany said:
I’m glad you did; it will encourage people. As you say, why have a big house with nothing in it?
ADetailedHouse said:
And thank you for the compliment!
Dawne at D Magazine said:
Oh, baby! *drooling*
kathycarre said:
An awesome deal! I have never bee to craig’s list.
Slimvictory said:
I have been working on a fixer-upper house and furnishing it to use as a short-term rental. I’ve found some very nice items on Craigslist as well as thrift stores. but one thing about it – ya gotta strike while the iron is hot…”he (or she) who hesitates loses out on the bargain”:(
ADetailedHouse said:
SO true!! I’ve lost out on a few items because someone beat me to the punch!
Carinn @welcometothemotherhood said:
Wow – I love that!!!
squirrel circus said:
That armoir looks terrific!! I’ve gotten SO many great deals on craiglist….I haven’t been looking lately though….thanks for reminding me to get back to the hunt!
homeandhearthmagazine said:
What a fabulous find! Enjoy.
Victoria Elizabeth Barnes said:
I’m so glad to hear people are turning up their noses at Craigslist… more good stuff for ME!!
Seriously, craigslist is like an online antique shop. Some days it’s all junk… but once in a while you find a treasure.
rachelkennison said:
Nice! I love Cragislist, I have found so many cool things on there! And sold a few things, too. 😀
flyingwildgeese said:
Good for you! I couldn’t have kept my bathroom or kitchen remodels on their shoestring budgets without the mighty craigslist!
jennysserendipity said:
Great job !!!!!!
cjr said:
this is gorgeous! what a great find.
Lynette said:
Do you have a fav craigslist mobile app you use, or strictly computer?
ADetailedHouse said:
I just use the computer, but if I had more of a need, I’d be all over an app! I bet a lot of antique stores use them.
underestimatedmom said:
Oooh! What a good find! I recently picked up free pallets from craigslist 😀 gotta love free things!
ADetailedHouse said:
We got a pallet when our column was delivered; my husband asked if he should put it in the trash or save it and I said absolutely save it because you can do a million things with them! Do you know what you’re going to do with yours yet?
underestimatedmom said:
Oh yes I have huge plans for it – just waiting for my dad to get here to help me break one of them apart. I’ll be posting about it as soon as he has some time for me!
ADetailedHouse said:
Who-hoo! I’m excited to see it 🙂
susan@colorado rustico.com said:
Kearney, Love the post today and it inspired me to place my car on Craig’s list. I got calls right away! Easy – peasy!
Also, thanks for visiting my new blog yesterday. I’m awful at the technical part of it. Hopefully I’ll get better soon. In the meantime, I posted my dining room today if you want to take a look at it. Go to coloradorustico.com.
Thanks again!
Uncharted said:
Wow, that is a beautiful piece! My roommate and I furnished most of our apartment with Craigslist finds. I am a huge supporter as well! <–As long as you never go by yourself to a strange person's house!
ripe red berries said:
I too am one of those folks who just LOVES a bargain – good bargains that is. I agree, Craigslist is a good source to peruse every so often…you could be pleasantly surprised! Great find.
Keri said:
wow! that’s a good feeling! love it 🙂 i wish i was able to DIY more- but I love seeing what you do!
ADetailedHouse said:
I was so, so happy with the find! Thank you so much! I wish I had more time to devote to projects and was better at them, but I do enjoy them 😀
Booksphotographsandartwork said:
That’s a fabulous piece!
ADetailedHouse said:
Thank you! It was a super find at an amazing price! Now, I just need to old an old chandelier for the birdhouses:-)
AC Abbott said:
Great post! Your blog is so full of sophisticated and elegant design styles and ideas – indeed a detailed house – I was pleasantly surprised to see the nod to craigslist because of the stigma that you mentioned here. Living in major metro areas around the country I have found tons of great finds on CL. No matter what your design style is, it’s a terrific resource. I’d rather get my table second hand and put that extra money toward… oh I don’t know.. paying my mortgage off faster! It also gives your collection of pieces varied and interesting stories – because its not just the piece and how much it cost, it’s the curious and delightful people you bought it from. I say never be ashamed.. of a great bargain!!
ADetailedHouse said:
First, thank you so very much for the compliment! Second, I couldn’t agree more about Craigslist – you know antique dealers are sniping pieces from it – it is such an amazing resource, which is why I wanted to show that you should be proud of a bargain and to try and dissuade people of the stigma! I certainly am not ashamed of it 😉 You nailed it on the head – don’t pay bloated prices when you could pay down/off your mortgage!!
Dawne at D Magazine said:
$90?! Get out! That is the best deal I’ve heard of in a long time !
I’ve been looking for an armoire for a guest room, you’ve just given me a place to start! Thank you!
ADetailedHouse said:
I couldn’t believe it either!! I now check CraigsList like a crack fiend, but haven’t bought anything since (or seen such a steal!)
Dawne at D Magazine said:
I’m not bragging. (yes I am!!) I found an armoire on Craigslist for $140. !! I’ll take it! Yaaay
ADetailedHouse said:
Who-Hoo!!! That is awesome!!! You are on a design rampage!
Dawne at D Magazine said:
Ha! Totes!
summer picnic said:
Love the roomy armoire! You could even hide in there. Love Craigslist too. I’d estimate that 80% of my home furnishings and accessories are courtesy of Craig. : )
Pingback: FROM MUSTARD MAY COME FRENCHY ANTIQUEY « D Magazine