There’s something about a bistro table and chairs that has me at hello. It’s almost like the set beckons for conversation; a little peace and quiet; perhaps some inventory on the thoughts. Regardless, I’m a sucker for such pieces.
As you all know, the Stormville Flea Market is a big deal around these parts, and I do my best to be there whenever it is open. Memorial Day weekend happens to be my favorite weekend to shop the market and though that holiday weekend was a couple months ago, I did find a treasure that fits right in on our west yard. And, it just so happens to be an iron bistro table and chairs. A beautiful set.
The Little Miss and I were walking along and found it. So, I struck up a conversation with the vendor and it went something like this:
Me: “Hey, I love this iron bistro set. How much?”
Vendor: “Guuuuuurrrllllll, that set is heavy. I almost feel like I should pay you to take it away.”
(picture me here, thinking to myself, “hum-a-na. hum-a-na. What does this guy mean? Do I get it for free??”)
So then, I tug on the line..
Me: “I have a big car, and I can take this set away within the hour. What’s your best price?”
Vendor: “$50”
Me: “Done.”
Easy enough.
Loaded up and ready to go, I bring the set home only to be greeted by a confused husband (natch) and endless possibilities where this table and chairs can live.
In our west yard, there lives a tree on the smaller side, with perfectly spaced branches and just the right amount of shade. And just beneath those branches is the ideal spot for this iron table and chairs. Carefully placed at this ideal spot, the set was in dire need of restoration.
Regardless of the rust and the muck, I fell in love sitting at this table and chairs. Though I knew under this tree was the idea spot for the set, little did I know that it was the ideal spot for me and my thoughts. A spot to sit and allow my mind to wander? Yes please.
Already, countless hours have been spent under this tree, sitting in either one of the chairs. When rust started transferring to my clothes, I knew I needed to take action and give this set a face lift.
I brused off the loose rust with a wire brush, and cleaned the table and chairs with mild dishwashing detergent. After the final rinse and dry, I was in business. I broke out the spray paint.
As there isn’t a can of spray paint I don’t like, I first sprayed on the primer. Then a light spray of green that proved to be too bright of a green. Coming in with the final touch was plain black. Keeping a tender touch on the sprayer, and a generous spray distance away, the black was sprayed on. Allowing previous layers to show, all three colors started to make a bold statement. And, these colors made the exact description I had envisioned.
And here the set lives, in all her glory, ready for a piece of mind and a little conversation. A tranquil spot where a flea market find allows thoughts to flow. Coupled by a new paint job.
A penny for your thoughts?
The Thrifty Issue says
They look stunning! It’s wonderful when we find things like this, give them a makeover and they bring such joy.
Jamie says
Beautiful and what a great find! That looks like a lovely place to relax now!
Kim says
Love flea market finds! You found a great spot to put them.
JoJo says
Beautiful! Does look very tranquil.
Rebecca says
What a great find! You fixed it up beautifully!
daddy says
Hey Brooke, can’t wait to do a little reflecting on the west side of the yard. that said, if I reflect too much which way to the hammock. Daddy
Nan @ Hungry Enough To Eat Six says
What a great find!
Paula says
This is a beautiful set and such a great find!
Donnamae says
The tree and the set were made for each other! 😉
Jill says
I love a good bistro set… at a discount price with a little DIY is even better! 🙂
Lola says
Stunning! I’ve been in the market for a set like this for our back patio, but still haven’t fallen in love with the right one.
CoCo says
I can’t believe you scored this set for $50! That is so exciting. It looks really good. I love the lights you chose to go above them as well. It all looks so cozy. Hugs, CoCo