Monday, July 9, 2012

Steal of the MidCentury: Bertoia Chairs





This Saturday we headed to Cricket's folks' house to celebrate my father-in-law's birthday. On the way, we passed what appeared to be a garage sale and something caught my eye. What looked to be vintage white Bertoia chairs caught my eye from the road, and sparked my curiosity because I'd eyed them for our new patio table...until I realized they retail for $300.

Even these on Fab.com today are offered for $279 in RUSTED condition.





So after celebrating at the in-law's, we drove back by the house to check out the sale. We trodded up the driveway and learned that the owner was cleaning out her basement. She had an assortment of stools, chairs, and such.

These beauties were marked $15, which I assumed was per chair. NOPE --for the set of three. WHAT?!?!?

So we snagged those puppies up in an instant. Packing them into the car, I kept expecting us to be arrested for snagging such a steal of a deal. No sirens. No lights. We made it home safe & sound with our new old chairs.

I wish I had the fourth, but the owner wasn't sure where it'd been misplaced. Of course I left my number in case it turns up...please Lord let it be discovered to round out my alfresco dining ensemble.

According to Fab, this classic Vintage Modern chair was designed by 50's designer Harry Bertoia as part of the Bertoia collection of wire sculpted furniture for the Knoll furniture company. In Bertoia's own words, "If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes right through them." They've probably been in her basement for 50 years, and are in excellent shape. These guys are in perfect condition, chair pads included.




Wednesday, July 4, 2012

For sale: white slipcovered studio sofa from West Elm

We are making some changes to our master bedroom and need to get rid of some furniture.



We bought this petite sofa from West Elm just after we bought the house in 2010, mostly because our master bedroom looked so terribly empty before we added any furniture. And, this sucker was quite a steal. The couch alone retailed for over $500 and the slipcover was originally about $200. I think we paid about $350 for the set, before taxes and all.

(view of the side:)



We've enjoyed it...mostly as a place for folding laundry or letting the piles of laundry sit before we actually put the clothes away. It's better than the bed, right? And when not covered in folded/unfolded piles of laundered clothes, Cricket sits on the sofa to play his favorite soccer PlayStation video game.

(view of the back:)


It's a great size for a master bedroom, apartment, dorm room, playroom, etc. and, with an easily removable slipcover, it's easy to keep looking clean!

It's currently posted on Craigslist for $250, plus we'll deliver locally for a modest fee based on distance, stairs, etc.

The slipcover is white cotton. The upholstery is a muslin (beige) color. There aren't any removable cushions...it's a solid upholstered piece.

(views beneath slipcover:)






Dimensions:
depth: 35"
height: 28" (back), 24" (arms), 15" (seat)
width: 76"