What’s the fun of searching through thrift stores if you can’t tell somebody else about the treasures you find—right? I’m always curious about what other people find–and what they’re paying for it—so I can compare when I find something similar. So, this is what I’ve brought home lately:
While shopping over Christmas break, I hit the milk glass jackpot. I found a slew of bud vases for $0.50 to $1.00 and bought all of them. (I’m using a big grouping on our mantel right now.)
I have a hard time refusing round/sunburst gold mirrors. I love the size of this small one, and it was less than $5. Perfect for stacking above a frame for extra height.
Okay, so my dad actually found these miniature busts and brought them to me. I immediately did a sloppy job of spray painting them glossy gray. He let me ooh and aah over how unique they were and how old they must be. Then, he broke it to me that he had found a Dollar Tree sticker on the bottom and peeled it off before giving them to me. Isn’t he funny. . . Well, I still think they’re a find. :)
This glass pedestal bowl was only a couple of dollars. I thought I could use it for candy. . . or cotton balls. (Or both, if I were Buddy the Elf.)
I also have a hard time passing up a good pharmacy lamp. Especially when it’s big with really good curves—and only $40.
And, these bentwood chairs are why I get up early on Saturday mornings to go to yard sales. I bought four of these for $2 a piece and sprayed them glossy gray for our dining room/office table.
Have you found anything good lately?
All those thrifting days of finding nothing are worth it for a big score! Those chairs look fantastic with your table.
Emily, where do you like to shop in Charlotte-metro – thrift store/antique store wise? Or can you divulge your secrets? :-) Thanks!
It’s not that secretive :) I mainly just shop my Goodwill (Gastonia), yard sales, the antique mall. . .I like Sleepy Poet but don’t make the drive often. I also find the best deals at some smaller thrift stores near my parents’ house when I visit them in Ky. And, I love the Raleigh flea market and Metrolina Expo.
Thanks! I too love Sleepy Poet and haven’t been in over a year. I haven’t been lucky at Goodwill the past several times, but I know it’s hit and miss. I’ve yet to find a thrift store I like that has good stuff and that isn’t extremely expensive. I’ve been to a couple with co-workers, but for home décor, they are blah. I’ve been talking to my husband about going to Metrolina Expo this spring – so I can’t wait. :-)
I recently found a very old crock for $10 that I am using on my kitchen counters for our wooden spoons. I love it… and all of your finds as well. Love the little back story on the busts.
That’s a great deal. Those are usually pretty pricey!
The chairs were a total steal! Love the pharmacy table lamp too. I had zero luck thrifting last week. Great finds, Emily!
I’m a sucker for anything bentwood! A few months ago, after finally deciding to just get rid of the dining chairs I really didn’t like at all, I started looking around for something to replace them. A used furniture store about an hour from me had 6 bentwood/ woven cane chairs (Thonet style) for 95.00! I found them on the store’s website and called right away. They were still available! I was so excited, I had to keep reminding myself to pay attention while driving to get them!
I think you hit the chair jackpot, too!!! My cart was overflowing the other day and I passed up a pretty milk glass dish, regretting it now!
I LOVE your thrift store finds….especially the busts.
I recently scored not one, but two Broyhill Brasilia dressers for $80 each. They are coveted mid-century modern pieces that sell for a lot more. One is going for $1299 on ebay currently. I love them so much and knew they minute I saw them they were going home with me.
Beautiful finds! I am going to Junk Bonanza next month and cannot wait! I think I need to find some junk. ;)
I love some good thrift finds. Those Bentwoods are super cute ( I’m such a chair junkie) and that paint color is perfect! Good to know there are good finds to be had close to my (soon to be) new home.
We’ll have to plan a shopping trip when you get back :)
Oh how I wish I’d seen this picture of your chairs before I spent hours restaining mine (that I got at a yard sale for $7 a piece! The gray looks so much more current!! I guess it’s not too late. And that lamp–love it!
You always seems to find the best stuff – so jealous! Good for you
I had that exact same Pharmacy lamp in my dorm when I went to Nursing School in the 1970`s.
How fun!
Great finds!! I especially like the busts and the deer candle holders. I too am a thrifting fanatic (you know you go too often when all the employees know you by name ;-) Most of my big scores are fashion, but I do find great household goodies as well, like an amazing acrylic and brass table for $14.99 and a signed LE Edward Gory print for $8.99! You can see all my finds at http://theyearoflivingfabulously.com. Happy Thrifting!
-Marie Vlasic
Those chairs! Amazing deal! Hilarious about the Dollar Tree busts. Your secret’s safe with me :)
So many amazing finds, Emily! I absolutely love all of the milk glass and those bentwood chairs! Swoon!
Those are some great finds! I usually have a hard time passing up anything brass. My favorite score was from a few weeks back, but I picked up a barstool that was identical to the Riviera backless stool from Serena & Lily. Mine was only $8 as opposed to $225 :) (http://www.serenaandlily.com/riviera-backless-stools/m10327.html?dwvar_m10327_color=Navy#start=11)
-Lori
Great find!
Score on the milk glass! I love milk glass, but every antique/thrift store in the Chicago area wants so much money for it. My mom and I were shopping at a salvage shop a few months bag and found a small milk glass bowl. I kid you not – they wanted $145 for it!
Wow, great find on those chairs!
I love to see what other people find thrifting! You are good. Very funny about the Dollar Tree busts. I like them! I would have ooh’d and ahh’d too.
Ah! LOVE those chairs! What a find & a steal. The busts are awesome, too. LOL when I read they had a Dollar Tree sticker on them. Yep, those are keepers.
Hi Emily, You totally scored on those bentwood chairs! They look amazing, ditto the mini starburst!
xo
Holly
As well as rewarding, thrifting is so fun! I have a passion for sunbursts too.
Such fun seeing your treasures! I’m loving that gray gloss paint — what brand is it?
It’s Valspar
Great finds! I love how you painted the chairs. :)
So very jealous of those bentwood chair finds! I’ve gotta start garage sale hunting on the weekend. You’ve inspired me to get hunting!
I have both of those bowls and the deer candles. The bowls are pretty common but I wonder how many of those deer candles were made in the day?? I’m addicted to chairs and love yours and what you did with them they are perfect! The pharmacy lamp is my favorite score!!
Can you say SCORE? Your Dad is so funny:)
Love the thrift store finds. Here’s a vanity I found in Cornelius for 39.99. The pic is on my FB site.
https://www.facebook.com/shuggysplace