Craigslist Treasure Hunt
Craigslist and I have a love/hate relationship. I love to stalk it when I’m looking for something specific, but when I’m not—well it’s just a big tease. All these TREASURES that I don’t need! I can’t have 8 sofas. There are only so many end tables a gal can use. And I’m pushing the limit with that one already. I’ve kind of toyed with buying stuff and stockpiling it to re-do and re-sell on Craigslist, but then I’d probably just end up with a basement full of furniture—which I already have.
So. Because I can’t stay away, I thought I’d just share the goodness with you fine folks and maybe find some stray furniture pieces a loving home.
Like this sofa, which I actually attempted to get Taylor to let me buy.
You could reupholster it and end up with Emily Henderson’s sweet Hollywood Country Club look.
And while we’re on the subject of sofas, how about a classic camelback?
You can usually find these things and traditional wing chairs on Craigslist, but this one immediately made me think of the cover of the new HGTV magazine.
Just paint the legs (if you want) and get some cool pillows from here and you’re in business.
As I mentioned, wing chairs are pretty prolific on the list of Craig. These channel back ones are going for $240/pair. You could probably talk her down to $200.
Throw in $1000 in fabric and upholstery costs, and you can have these $2700 chairs from One Kings Lane and save yourself 1500 bucks in the process.
Maybe you need some color in the kitchen? These red chairs are a steal and a half at $50 for all four.
And you could pair it with a minty blue wall and some fantastic windows and thick crown molding and come up with a pretty breakfast nook like this one.
And for the bedroom, you could snag this Heywood Wakefield dresser for $250 (which seems to be a bit below ebay pricing for this mid-century furniture brand). Needs some love, though.
And you could refinish it a’la John and Sherry’s nursery dresser. Painting the top may decrease the value, howevs, if you care about that sort of thing.
Ok, Atlantans. Go forth and snap up these great pieces. My basement thanks you.
Are you a Craigslist shopper? What’s your favorite find?

Yes! When I got divorced, almost everything in my new home came from a garage sale, Goodwill, or craigslist. One day my son looked around our living room and said: “Everything we own is used. Even our dogs are used!” Yep–found them on craigslist, too. Searching for things I don’t need is one of my favorite procrastination activities.
Rita–that is hilarious! I love your son’s line about the dogs.
I like to think of it as the circle of life—putting something to good use that would otherwise be discarded. And they don’t make stuff like they used to!
I love craigslist! Not only are most of our furniture/appliances from finds on there but my husband and I decided to start a refinishing business (dressers, secretaries, desks and such) somewhat because of the great finds in the Minneapolis area and a lot due to our talents combined. I search nearly every day and could get into real trouble if I went after everything I find! But we are in the process of getting our first house so I have an excuse, right? It’s not going to fill itself. When people come over to our apartment, I give them a tour and don’t fail to mention the thrifty buys…they might want to smack me but I don’t care.
What a great business! My skills need to improve vastly, but one day I’d love to do something like that!
It makes me so happy that I am not alone in trolling craigslist for ….um, well, anything that catches my fancy. I apparently have a list of more than 20 or so key words that craigslist knows….h? henredon or hollywood regency. p – plants. d – drexel heritage or dumpster.
I need nothing. I want much.
Good call on the keywords.
Ahh, craigslist how I love you! Funny, I have been looking for a tufted couch, but more vintage orange velvet. I’ve seen them a couple of times, but I’m like you, sometimes you just have too much. I still scan daily though. I just wish Atl CL would up their midcentury game. Speaking of AT is now posting “Southern Region” craigslist finds.
Yes–I was pleased to see the new addition to AT!
Molly, have you tried
http://craiggers.com/#!/
It’s a user-friendly search engine for Craigslist and is awesome. Meant to mention it to you. Check it out.
Taylor, you have been holding out on me! I was just thinking how you needed to be able to preview the pictures on CL. Thank you!
You should totally make this a regular blog post! The biggest challenge I have with thrifty/estate sale/Craig’s List shopping is seeing an item’s potential.
Thanks, Carol Ann. I will definitely do this one again! It’s like shopping with other people’s money.
Yes, definitely, the faded fiisnh actually can develop a better sound over time. The fiisnh lets the wood breathe, unlike the fiisnh on the fancier SGs which traps the wood under the paint.To me, these seem like they would be great projects. Great sound, and they are just bare.