After this post fed to Taste{full}'s Facebook page, I got a question: Where do you get the furniture you paint? Here are my top sources for used  pre-loved furniture:

1. The side of the road.  Yes, it can be embarrassing.  You have to be fearless. Like me.  I seriously don't care what people think if I see potential in a cool piece of furniture for FREE! Unfortunately the husband is not like me so I've passed up some good pieces because he refused to didn't pull over.  (Although maybe it's good that he's less tolerant because my garage would be even more of a mess than it already is).  Here are the pieces I've found on the side of the road:
-magazine rack.
-nadia's modern rocker.
-cool vintage office chair kind of like this one (I never got around to painting it though and ended up selling it on Craigslist.  Easiest $15 I ever made).

2. Craigslist.  You have to be patient, willing to negotiate, and willing to drive.  Here are a couple of pieces I've found on Craigslist.
-genevieve's "new" dresser (to be revealed soon)!
-"vintage" wooden high chair (below).


3. Thrift/Antique stores.  This might be my favorite "source."  It's more convenient than randomly stopping on the side of the road, they'll hold furniture for you until you can pick it up (usually 24 to 48 hours), and while it's more expensive than "free," it's still pretty cheap. Here are a few pieces I've found at Thrift stores (I could list so many more!).
-Genevieve's 1st Dresser.
-genevieve's rocking chair.
-nadia's changing table.
-Quarterfoil bar- I can't wait to share this project with you.  I just have to start it first.



1. Bring a tape measure with you whenever possible.  And have your home/space measurements with you if you're looking for a specific piece (I keep a "note," in my phone).
2. Take your time to check out condition and if the item is real wood.  If it's in rough shape and you're aware of that, fine, but it's a bummer when you get home and realize the piece isn't what you thought it was or is more damaged than you realized--this has happened to me a few times!
3. Don't be scared to negotiate.  The worst that can happen is they say no.  The best- with 20 seconds of your time you just saved ten or twenty bucks!

Well I have to say, looking at all the furniture I've painted over the last few years (and I didn't include every piece) is so fun. It often feels like I never get around to projects but now I have proof! ha!