My walk in closet has two windows...one overlooks my back garden. I decided to turn the area in front of the window into a mini-office with a small desk, chair & lamp. The shelves behind me will hold my printer and supplies.
I looked for a long time for a small desk and chair. I checked out al the usual sources - local stores and Ikea and Pottery barn and some other catalogues. On Thursday I went to a local estate sale. On the third floor, up in the back attic, the owner had placed all the feminine things - his wife's hair dryer, complete with plastic bonnet and other stuff. Over in a corner, covered with cobwebs, was a small vanity table. It had cubbies on top like a desk and gatelegs that held an extension. It was painted pale green with cream trim, with a basket and flowers on the apron. They wanted $90.
I waited and went back on Saturday when everything was half price. It was still there! I got a small cream wooden chair, the desk/vanity and a metal lamp with a green tole shade - all for $65!!!! The people conducting the sale said they wondered who would spot the vanity - they said it was from the 30s-40s. As I was leaving, shoppers asked me where I got it from. There was a stampede to the attic!
I went on to another estate sale in a very large, old home. Once again, I headed to the attic - this time on the 4th floor, up a very narrow staircase. I spotted a turned leg console table with a doily and books on top. When I removed the books, I found out why they were asking $10 for it - the table top veneer was half off. I got them down to $6 and took that home too.
Everything needed a thorough cleaning. I scraped the chipped veneer off the top of the console and spray painted it black. It's now in my back hall. The vanity was perfect, same with the chair & the lamp. They had obviously been in the attic a LONG time w/o being used...just waiting for someone to find a new home for them!
I'm typing at the small desk, looking out at the trees and the garden.
For $71, I completed furnished my new small study area and got a great console - I already had the spray paint!
Plus, no products from China or Vietnam...no waste, everything will continue to be loved and cared for.
Anyone else have some great tag sale finds????