Vancouver Thrift Store Goodies

In Thrift Core's post on SixBalloons last week, we showed off some of the thrift stores in Vancouver that I go to every now and then.  I just wanted to elaborate on some of the awesome items that I saw in the thrift stores.

I thought that this foot stool was so vibrant and cool. Very mid-century modern style legs, but for $10, I could see why it was still sitting there.

This thrift store has a basement chock full of furniture, most of it in fairly poor condition. However, this little selection of headboards made me think of possibilities. Using my imagination, I could see that white wood one looking very crisp and nice somewhere. I'm almost tempted to go back and get the dimensions.

I can't believe how much glassware makes it into your typical thrift store. Glasses are everywhere, all the time...

Also in the basement furniture area was this vintage chair tucked away. It looked a bit ugly in person, but when I look back at the photo now I can appreciate the style of the chair, especially the wood armrest and leg details.

These vintage felt pennants were piled up together in a basket. When I came a few weeks ago, they had several landmarks for tourist attractions closer to Vancouver, but by the time I visited recently, the Lake Louise, Banff, and Toronto ones were left. These were being sold for $2 a piece, and many still had their original tags. I am curious about the previous owner, who must have loved this collection dearly.

There is so much potential in many of the items I see while out thrifting. I can't necessarily take them all home, so even when I come up empty-handed, it's often still a worthwhile trip!

Linking up to ATG's Thrift Share Monday!

Mid Century Modern Chair - Craigslist Miss

Here's another lament about a great find on Craigslist that I missed out on! After scoring this great Royal Blue Velvet Chair in November, I started hunting around for other great accent pieces. I came upon this beautiful teal upholstered vintage chair with teak armrests and legs.

I love those tufted buttons on the back, and the great condition and colour of the chair. Swoon worthy! Listed at $70, I think this would have been a great buy. Apparently others that beat me to it thought so too! The seller was gracious enough to send me a high-res photo so I could share it with all of you.
As an aside, normally I cringe at the term "Mid Century Modern". You see, as a frequent Craigslist searcher looking for vintage goodies, I find that many sellers use that term without restraint since they know it has a lot of appeal. I hope I am not using it in the wrong context here, or I might be guilty of misusing the term myself!

Royal Blue Victorian Velvet Chair

Thanks to those who commented on my previous post where I debated whether or not to pick up this royal blue Victorian beauty from my local Value Village.


After thinking about the chair all night and figuring out great locations to place it in my house, I came to my senses and rushed back to the store the next day. Lo and behold, the chair had been moved but was still for sale! I quickly sat down to test drive it again and refresh my memory.


The chair is definitely in great shape. The velvet is unmarred and the tufted buttons are all intact. Even the velvet on the back of the chair is clean and bright. I just can't believe that there is no pilling or rips anywhere! I also love the wood frame on this chair; it does have some scratches but that just adds to its character, right? :)


While I was poking around looking over the chair, a number of other shoppers stopped me and remarked on how great a deal the $25 chair was. I was getting thumbs-up's (and a couple of jealous looks) from the clerks and customers on my way out of the store!


I'm really happy with my purchase as it is a great accent chair that is functional and comfortable. A friend who stopped by the house yesterday called it "photogenic". It's definitely something nice to take pictures of!

Vintage Velvet Chair Advice Needed!

I made a quick stop at the Value Village after work today and spotted a couple of gems in the furniture section.


These beauties stood out amongst the huge stuffed animals and worn-out looking floral couches. What surprised me the most is that they are in such beautiful condition! They were clean from top to bottom, including the backside and underside of the chairs.

I've long dreamed about finding a really nice velvet wingback chair in a great colour with nice, clean fabric and a comfortable seat. These guys are making my head spin though - they're a little different from what I've been pining for, but the wood detailing, fabric, and colour are making me think twice. I left them there but I am still thinking about them. They are $25 a piece.


I took the Comfort Test and had a seat in each one. The blue one is a little lower to the ground and has a slightly squeaky seat, whereas the red guy is higher, has comfortable solid oak arms, and no squeaks. To me, the blue one is a bit more fantastical whereas the red one seems like it could blend into any scene...

What do you think, should I hit the gas and grab one or two of these?

UPDATE: I came to my senses and went back for the royal blue chair! Read all about it at this post.