Painted Furniture Portfolio + Answer to a Reader Question. - Pretty Real

Painted Furniture Portfolio + Answer to a Reader Question.

3:21 PM

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).


found this cutie on my way to work one morning.  I might have been a few minutes late that day.  

I still can't believe I found this on the side of the road! I had it reupholstered and replaced the cushion.
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).

I wanted a pink high chair for Genevieve's birthday party and 1 year photos.  I paid $25 for this one.  A few coats of pink spray paint and voila!

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.

I miss this dresser! But a friend bought it from me so I know it found a loving home. ;)

This is one of my favorite finds EVER. And not just because it was featured on Apartment Therapy!

I paid $2 for this cute rocking chair.

4. Yard Sales.  I'd love to frequent these more than I do...I've been very lazy on Saturday mornings lately.  But this is a great way to score cheap real wood furniture.  A couple of pieces I've found at yard sales:
-nadia's dresser and mirror

Painted Dresser.

$25 for the dresser AND mirror (found at two different yard sales).

 Another $2 find!

my little pumpkin in her chair.

A few TIPS
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!

What are you working on around the house?  
Happy Friday!

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