The Dining Room Chair Saga and Craigslist-ing

If you have been reading Viva Cindy a while, you remember that I bought some dining chairs last year on Craigslist - $185 for 6 chairs. A good price for 6 upholstered chairs! There was just something about the metal base.  It was love at first sight.  (minus the fabric - obvs)

Well, if I had only known what a score it was, I wouldn't have made such a rookie mistake.

Let me explain.

After I brought them home, I was searching for upholstery ideas (because they seriously needed it) and found the exact chairs on 1stdibs selling for thousands. You could not tell the difference in pictures.  But I was positive that the originals were solid brass.  I mean, for that kind of money surely they are solid chairs.

Nonetheless, I was excited that I had such great replicas of the originals by Italian designer Milo Baughman.

My excitement dwindled though in the following nine months that I lived with the chairs at my table.

They were bulky and hard to move, I was not able to have a rug, and they called for a pedestal dining table instead of the 4 legged one I have.  Yes, they were comfortable, but they squeaked a lot.  Also, I felt they were too high and cut the flow in our space.
I was over the 80's fabric too.  Hunter green with a sheen damask? No!  The only thing good about the color is that when Mateo spilled a kale and mango shake all over the seat, and the green liquid barely stained it.
From the get go, my intentions were to recover them, but after getting the $110/per chair quote, I was even less excited about them.  $660 to reupholster knock-off chairs, and don't forget the $180 I paid for them, so $840 for fabric dining chairs and I have two small boys?  A toddler that spill things? Spills things everyday? Was I nuts?

Yes.  Yes, I decided I was.  And so I put them up on Craigslist for $400, more than double what I paid for them.  I loved the chairs, and knew someone else would too.  I had such mixed feelings about listing them.  They were great, just not great for me right now.

Not surprisingly, someone else saw the potential in the green monsters.  A lady contacted me that day about the chairs and came the next morning to pick them up.  $400 cash, no haggling.

What I am about to tell you next is with a very heavy heart.  In fact, it has taken me the last 3 months to where I can finally talk about it.
As the craigslist buyer (a dealer, no less) loaded the chairs into her SUV, she pointed out the stamp on the bottom of the chairs indicating "Design Institute of America" which just happened to be who Milo Baughman designed for...WHAT?  WTF?
THEY WERE ORIGINALS?  If that sounded like I was screaming, that's because I was.

Could I have told her they are not for sale even though she paid and had them all packed up?
Sick.  Sick I tell you.  Maybe I could've lived with these chairs.  If not, I could should have made a few thousand instead of $200.  Woe was me.

The saga continues.  Enter Overstock and the knock-off Eames chairs.  They are very cool MCM looking. They are molded plastic so no cleaning issues, and the reviews say they are sturdy and great for kids.  (after just checking O, they seem to be sold out of the wood legged version.  Here is the real deal fiberglass chair by Eames.  Overstocks was very similar, except in price.  ($325 for 4 vs $335 for one chair)

I love the look of them and think the white/wood would look great with my wood table.  And they are practical.  Do something practical Cindy.  I almost ordered them last week, but something held me back.

Maybe I just don't like buying things new.  Or maybe it's because, subconsciously, I knew I would see these on a Craigslist add a few days later. 

Because I did.  And I couldn't hit "contact seller" fast enough.
"Glass table and 4 Chairs - $70" Yes! I'll take it.
The seller left me hanging for a day then yesterday morning [after I wrote her again] she responded saying that she never received my email Saturday and that the set was sold on Sunday.  Ugh!

This was probably a similar situation as my other chairs.  Vintage designer chairs at a steal.
I had a second chance and I blew it!  That add was posted on Oct 1 and I didnt see it until the 5th?  Total slacker!  All I know is that I can't let that happen again.  I don't think I can take the disappointment.  The high of finding something so cool (and so cheap!) and the low of hearing "It's sold"  It's rough out there in Craigsland.

Anyway, moral of this story is that there is always something better around the corner.   I have hope again. Craigslist, or maybe even a thrift store or yard sale, will come through for me.  I just have to keep my eyes open.  You better believe I am going to do just that.

As a matter of fact I already found a couple options, but I need to talk to Paul's shuttle about delivery, because they are in Ohio.
These are only $125 for 5 chairs.  I LOVE the chrome base of these. Not the red so much.

I would recover these in a Navy blue outdoor fabric.  Or if possible, removable covers made of washable cotton velvet.  They do seem to sit a little low though don't they?  I will need to ask for measurements.

Also found these which are very close to the ones I missed out on this weekend.  $250 for 6 chairs and the table.  I would negotiate without the table.

I know what you may be thinking.  Those look like old people chairs. And granted, the decor (mainly the centerpiece) does imply someone old owns these (also in the add it says contact my grandson by email-ha!) but put these around a different table with more modern decor and you have a winner!

ok, are you still with me?
I have one last find to show you Ohioans out there.  Another set of chairs by Milo Baughman.

Please please please someone buy these and get them redone in a navy or emerald velvet.  Please?
Remember I said a while ago that I should be a Craigslist personal shopper?  Well, I think there is something to that.  Need to brainstorm on that.  Or maybe a shopper for Emily Henderson.  I find myself asking if she would like this or that.  I think she would.

Craigslist calling Atlantans!!

I think the best way to welcome myself back to the ATL is by doing a little craigslist stalking and I couldn't resist sharing with you the things I don't have room for....I hope one of you do. 

You can't go wrong with these classic cane/chrome italian chairs. I'm sure you can get them down from the $225 they are asking for all six. 

I love this vintage wood/faux bamboo dining set although what I really want are just the chairs. $275. Again, work out a deal. 

Set of seven mid century Thayer Coggins dining chairs for $275- that's a good price!

Mid century high boy for $200

Although a horrible pic, this mid century long dresser looks like its in great condition and it's only $150

This cool mid century floor lamp is only $40

Beautiful mid century desk $75- whaaaa? Great price.  Maybe the top is laminate?  

Love love loving this beautiful mint condition mid century sofa....if only it was not white. $375 is great for a like-new sofa, but I would still try to offer less.

Look at the pattern too. Ugh! My mind is racing...maybe I could put covers on the cushions to child-proof for a few years., ha!

Really cute  charcoal gray loveseat for $250 - I think it's new, but def has that clean lined mid century look. 

These two Hollywood Regency club chairs are cute and if the gray velvet is in good condition these would be a steal for $125

Beautiful Broyhill dining table with six chairs.  Polish this up and change the fabric on the chairs. Simple and $300. Done and done! 

If these two night stands/tables aren't really red as shown in the pic, I would be interested.  If they are red? Paint!  Love the square simple lines and the huge brass hardware is icing on the cake.  Both for  $225. 

This set of 6 vintage Thonet Cantilever chairs is pretty awesome and for $300 a good deal.  I would prefer them with a wood table as opposed the glass one they are pictured with...

What do you think? Do any of these strike your fancy?

I am making room for one think I found a few days ago while still in San Diego.  It's a huge wood dining table on a brass base.  I am going to pick it up tomorrow and I can't wait to shine that brass up until it sparkles! 

It will fit  my [6] dining chairs around it, so I am pretty happy.  I have been using my $60 stand-in dining table for a couple years now (also from Craigslist) and while it has been functional, it never was my style.  

I'll share pics as soon as it's in place. 

Craigslist for the Win!

Good things come to those who wait stalk Craigslist.

I spent a couple weeks kicking myself after selling my Milo Baughman dining chairs at a knock-off price.  I didn't know what kind of chairs I wanted next, but I knew if I kept stalking they would appear. For the last four months, we have been sitting on folding plastic chairs, but I wasn't going to rush into anything.  Patience grasshopper.

Sunday afternoon, I was trolling and came across this ad while searching my usual "chrome chairs"

The burl wood table was awesome, but it was the little glimpse of the chrome chairs that got me excited.  I love the chrome sled bases and that they are arm chairs.  I immediately thought they would need to be recovered.  Although I love gray, I felt like they looked a bit too officey.

What about navy blue or emerald green velvet outdoor fabric?  My imagination was going full throttle and I just hoped they were still available.  They were listed that same day.  I emailed right away about buying the chairs separately and the guy told me $100 for all 6...Score! Done and done.  I said I would be there in the am to pick them up.   

Of course I couldn't tell Ernesto that I was going to get chairs that I had found on CL, but it would've been nice to have his truck.  I could only fit 3 of the chairs in my car, so I still have to go pick up the other three.  

The seller was retired, getting rid of everything and moving to the south of France with his wife.  Nice!  I was pleasantly  surprised that the chairs didn't seem as sterile in person, and in fact look great in my dining room.  (I will, however need to start searching for a dining table to go with them)  I still would like to recover them with some color, but at least they are in good shape and blend in nicely for now.  

I had them sitting around the table when Ernesto got home from work.  He went to sit down on his computer, reached for a chair and said "what is this?" Luckily he likes them.  A lot. And so do I.  

I think these chairs are here to stay, but if I change my mind (as I often do) you better believe I won't let these babies go cheap!

I checked the bottom of these chairs and they have the same label as my other ones.  "Design Institute of America."  And they were made in Ohio!  

Dining Room Dreaming and New Craigslist Find!

Ever since we moved into our house, I have been wanting for a huge round table (60") for the dining space.  I think a round table is great for entertaining and I love the look of upholstered chairs surrounding it.
Here are a couple inspiration pictures:  (from my Pinterest)

Now, I have looked online for a table and there are several that I like, one being this table for $1600 (cough cough)

Room & Board's Adams table

Enter Craigslist of course!  60" dining table was one of my daily searches [for the last 7 months] and it finally showed up.
A solid maple table with 2 extentions making it 90" long.  Perfect for when my family comes for the holidays (ha!) and friends come over for dinner.

The lady was asking $100 including the 4 chairs (that I din't like) I asked if she would take $50 for just the table, she said $75, I countered with $65!  Done!  I love bargaining! 

Now I just need some chairs!

I love these from ZGallerie looking glam in all white with nailhead trim for $299 each.

ZGallerie Scallop Chair

This one from West Elm is great too,    also $299.

West Elm Curved Dining Chair

I found these chairs at a hotel liquidation center north of Atlanta.  

They are from the luxury hotel Mandarin Oriental in New York.  They want $55 per chair.  Hello?  These chairs are usually $300 upwards of $1000.  I love the shape and I am already dreaming of the fabric I can put on these beauties.  I would like a solid color on the fronts and a big bold print on the backs!    (mom, are you ready for this? It will be easy, right?)

I love how these chairs look, although I would never put white fabric (unless it's leather) on dining chairs. 
 
Im sure with enough searching/waiting, I will find chairs I love at a great price.  I mean this is what I do.  Decorating/furnishing a home is a process, right?  I could just go buy a set, but I like I to piece things together.  I think this is what gives a home character.  (This is what I tell myself anyway to help me deal with not being able to go out and buy everything I want.) Maybe it would be different if I had the $$$ to buy whatever I wanted, but then what would I search for on Craigslist??

Designer Dining Chairs?!

I know some of you think I am crazy for buying my Craigslist brass dining chairs.

 I actually went through a lot of second guessing after I had them home.  But I thought I would share what I found while browsing google images in search of inspiration for reupholstering them.

Milo Baughman Brass Base Dining Chairs

They look familiar, right?  You'll never believe what they are going for on 1st Dibs.
$4900 for a set of four!

I paid $185 for SIX CHAIRS!  Granted, mine are not the real deal, but the design is exactly the same.  This just re-affirms that my initial gut feeling was correct.  These are cool chairs.

Fabric Search for My Vintage Chairs

Back in July, when I was in Ohio for my baby shower, I saw this chair in my parents basement. There are two of them and they are truly vintage chairs. 

The original fabric was a bright gold. There are pictures of me and my siblings on these when we were little. (I will have to dig them up to show you).  My mom reupholstered them herself a long time ago and then a few years ago they were moved to the basement.   I sat down and realized, these are really comfy chairs, and I like square shape. 

Not exactly mid-century modern, but if I get them recovered leaving off the skirt and add tapered legs...hmmmm...I started thinking maybe they could look closer to this: 

 

Ok, maybe these are closer to the shape (no, not the fabric)

I contacted a few upholsters here in Atlanta and got a pretty good quote of $500 for both chairs.  So the hunt was on!   The best fabric store in Atlanta (in my opinion) for a variety of gorgeous designer fabrics is Forsyth Fabrics, I knew that I needed to find a real deal on the fabric (I need 14 yards!) since I am splurging on paying someone to recover them.

You want deals on fabric?  That mean Fabric World.  It is a bit of a trek (out to Stone Mountain) I have no idea where this guy gets his selections, but it's kind of like TJMaxx.  Never the same thing twice!  I have been there about 5 times and the selection is ever changing.  I still have not found the "right" fabric for the chairs yet, but I am determined to buy it here.   All of his fabric rolls are $3.99/yard!  That means I will spend less than $60 on fabric.
This is a *horrible* picture, but I want to show you the size of this place.

Besides the fabric on rolls, they have about 5-6 tables of remnants.  Anything on the tables is only $1.99/yard!  What a steal!  I can not lie.  I LOVE sorting through the piles to find a gem.....and that I did!  I spent only $52 for all of the following pieces off the remnant table....sizes range from one yard to 4.5 yards.   

My friend Aileen went with me and we started getting excited with all the cool fabrics.  Could this be the start of a little Etsy shop?? Have you seen how much pillows cost these days?  hmmm

I would like to use these yellow fabrics in a nursery ....someday:(

If we have a girl, I could do something really cool with all of these pink designs.  If not, I could just put them in a tub and never use them! ha!

I love this blue and white combo. 

I am crazy for chevron prints, one of these may cover my dining chairs.

This Robert Allen trellis fabric is highly popular in the blog world.  I think the cotton-linen blend would make awesome curtains, don"t you??

I swear I just saw this cockatoo design on a blog the other day.  Once I had it in my cart, a guy rushed  over to ask me ..."WHERE DID YOU FIND THAT?" He seemed like a designer, that made me feel good.  It is cool isn't it?  What will I do with it?  Who knows!

This piece of sturdy fabric was already cut to a perfect 4x6 rectangle.  I would like to make it into a rug! 

As it turns out, my fabric search for the vintage chairs continues.  I will wait a week and head back to Fabric World to see if I can find THE ONE! 
I wonder how much I will have to spend on fabric that I don't NEED until I find the fabric I do need??