Hopelessly Addicted to Craig’s List
I have to admit, I am a Craig’s List junkie. Craig’s List is a service where people post whatever they want to sell at a designated price and people contact them through their Craig’s list email. Go to the website and see if your city is listed. (Note, the link with take you to the San Francisco Craig’s list. Look on the far right columns and you will see a list of the cities and countries Craig’s list is in.) I have found a 1930s mirror and 1950s chandelier. There can be lot of very outdated furniture on the site, but if you are patient you may find what you want. Also, be careful of scams, always go with another person when you are going to look at a piece just to be on the safe side, and make sure that any upholstery or rugs are not full of fleas. My rule of thumb is I do not buy furniture from people who have pets or smoke. (I have also sold pieces on Craig’s list but always have someone with me when I am showing the piece.)
Garage Sales, the Hunt is More Fun than the Bargain
Garage sales are another one of my favorite places to find pictures and knick knacks. I even found 2 beautiful Queen Anne chairs in a neutral color for $75 each! Again, I was at the right place, at the right time. My kind of garage sale is an older couple who is downsizing and is selling the contents of their house. You can find wonderful treasures at these kinds of garage sales.
EBay, you thought it was just for electronics?
I also have a select group of dealers I watch on eBay for used furniture. They tend to have higher quality furniture on their sites. My rule is I only pick dealers who I can go to see their furniture. I did buy a desk on eBay for my husband. It was nerve racking because someone tried to outbid me in the last minutes. I prefer the “buy it now” sites because I am not a risk taker. Generally, the dealers are going to be higher than buying furniture from a homeowner.
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