Thrift Store Crawling with Nancy

Do you remember the days of the pub crawl?  It was usually a St. Patrick’s day ritual when I was in college and we would walk from pub to pub.

If you were really fancy and had some extra cash to spend you rented a limo or the likes for the night.  We just called a cab.

I still participate in a fall crawl each year.  It’s not what you think though.

I have long since retired my pub crawling days and handed them in for an annual fall thrift store crawl.

Exciting?

Sure.  Just in a different way.

The annual crawl was this past weekend and I thought it might be fun for you to “crawl” along with me via some pics of pieces I would have snapped up if my garage and shed weren’t already busting at the seams.

As I write this I have an extra dining room table in my dining room.  Which begs the question…

“Just how many dining room tables must a girl have?”

Apparently other people don’t switch out tables in their home with the quickness and cunning of a cheetah.  Oh well.  Who wants to be like everyone else anyway?

I’m no stranger to thrift store treasures.  Remember the sofa I will have forever?  And the uber cheap foyer console?  How about those insane bamboo and shell art pieces ?  Or, the pair of tufted custom slipcovered chairs?

Here we go…

I had such a hard time walking away from this bamboo dresser priced at $75.  Oh my, it would be so gorgeous in an entryway or bedroom.  Do you see it?  If not, check these inspirational photos out.

Style Your Senses

Seriously…is this just not to die for?  That little thrift store dresser could look JUST LIKE this one.

Little Green Notebook

If bright colors aren’t you thing…this bamboo dresser in a shiny black is so chic I can hardly stand it.

One of my good friends texted me the picture of this sweet little cane back sofa before I even made it to the store.  I’m on the hunt for one of these but want a little more carving and detail so I’m being super selective.  For $60 this could be really a sweet addition to the end of a king size bed or paired with a long dining room table for more casual seating.  Here’s some inspiration for you…

Carolina Country Living

So sweet and so similar.  It’s like getting a peak at a possible “after” before even doing anything.  Hmmmm…maybe I should see if it is still there.

Here’s a sleek take on a vintage sofa.  Mixing the  black and the beige linen makes it seem more modern and gives it a cool vibe.

Again, this has such classic clean lines it could go virtually anywhere in a house.  I would spray that hardware a bright gold.

Laurie Jones Home

Although this isn’t an armoire, the navy blue and the hardware are just stunning.

Pottery Barn kids

You know if Pottery Barn is into it…it has something going for it.

Who couldn’t use a chair for $12?  Especially one with such great detail.  I looked at this chair and immediately thought of a chair by the front door.  Lets’ see what inspiration I can round up.

HGTV

The color combo takes it in such a different direction and makes it seem fun.  Turquoise and pink?  #yesplease

Georgian Gentitility

Sometimes something is beautiful just as it is.  Swap out the fabric and it can be a family heirloom.

So what do you think?  I know it isn’t a pub crawl…but this is fun too!  I love seeing the possibilities in pieces of furniture others have let go of.

I’m sure they could only see the ugly duckling.  I see the swan just waiting.

But you might say, Nancy, I am not a painter.  I could never paint a piece of furniture to look like that!

No worries.  Painted furniture is so popular right now I’m sure you could find someone who would love to paint a piece you found at the thrift store for a small fee.

I bet for much less than it would cost to go buy a new poorly made piece of furniture from a furniture retailer.  Just sayin’…

If you want to look in your area, here are a few places to start.  Click on the links to these two major paint lines to find a retailer near you.  If you find the paint, you will find painters.  I’m sure visiting a shop near you will give you names and numbers of local people that love to paint.

Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint Retailers

Annie Sloan Stockist Finder

Why not schedule your own fall thrift store crawl?  Line up a few friends to “thrift store hop” with you and have a nice lunch along the way.  You just might find a treasure you can’t live without.

Have a fantastic day!

Nancy