The Thrill of The Thrifted Hunt

There’s something about a good thrift store that gets my heart going like an impressive cardio workout. I frequent the ones in my area weekly, and though I don’t walk out with something every time, I love the thrill of the hunt.  eBay is also my kryptonite.

While our foyer project was in progress, I wanted to replace the lamps with ones of a more retro feel, and I wanted a bigger table of some sort.  eBay is one of my favorite places to look for lamps because there are thousands to choose from and I always can find a pair within the price range I’m willing to spend.  And, as a side note, I’m kinda cheap when it comes to lamps – I don’t like to spend a lot because I don’t think it’s necessary, especially when I can find someone’s gorgeous cast-offs.

For this space, I had my mind set on wooden lamps with some sort of brass somewhere and I stumbled upon these on eBay.  Exactly what I wanted and at $20 for the pair, I couldn’t go wrong.  They called for just a simple lampshade, and I found these at Home Depot.  Another side note:  Keep an open mind with lamp shades.  Plain and simple can be easily spruced up with an eye-catching ribbon or trim.  Take your lamp with you when shopping for shades, to guarantee the right shape and size.

I’m a sucker for sideboards or buffets, they are also known as, and in my mind’s eye one of these is what I wanted for the foyer.  Long and slender was my angle, and I soured antique shops and thrift stores, all to no avail.  However, last weekend I went to a consignment shop on the recommendation of my idol, Eddie Ross, and this dresser stopped me in my tracks.  The silhouette, the inlaid wood – I mean, really!  Talk about my heart going like a cardio workout.  I was prepared to be floored with a high price tag, but on the contrary.  The sales clerk said that it is a reproduction, but that didn’t matter to me in the least.  Two cute boys loaded it in my car and here it lives in our foyer.  On the back is a sticker where the dresser is signed and numbered.  Made entirely by hand, each inlaid piece of wood was carefully chosen.  The drawers are lined in silk and finished with an intricate trim.

The consignment shop where I found this piece is located in Greenwich, Connecticut.  A wealthy and affluent area, these consignment shops are loaded with high-end pieces with prices that the budget-minded like me, can afford.  Keep this in mind when you go thrifting; not all of us were born with a silver spoon in our mouth, but we all can certainly pretend.  Shop the thrift stores and consignment shops in these areas for high end things at bargain prices.  Because after all, it truly is about the thrill of the hunt!