Last night we drove to Lockhart, Texas and back all because of a little ad on Craigslist. It started when I got bored at work and read this article about a mom and daughter design team. The two were talking about decorating the daughter’s first apartment and how so many pieces were found at thrift stores and then fixed up. I asked myself, ‘Why don’t I ever find anything on Craigslist?’ (Yes, I’m weird like that.) And I decided that the answer was that I don’t frequent thrift stores and Craigslist enough. So, I turned on some happy music and started flipping through the tens of pages of furniture that was posted today. And that’s when I saw this fainting couch for only $30. At first I dismissed it thinking, “Oh, we don’t really need that,” but I sent the picture to Peter anyway. Then I decided to email her, just in case but my email turned into telling her that we wanted it. Then I realized that she left a phone number and probably wanted us to call, so I called Peter and asked him to call her–I was at work after-all. Time ticked by and I hadn’t heard anything from him. I started searching for other fainting couches and the prices were popping up at $600, $1000, $3000. After a slight panic attack, I realized that I was already attached. Peter had no luck calling, but the moment we stepped off the elevator to get into the car, I made contact! After driving awhile into a somewhat dreadful neighborhood we found it. The girl was so sweet and even helped us load it into the car. To be clear we drove for about an hour like this, except imagine the rope slightly more secured.
But when we got it home, we decided it was definitely worth the $30. (Yes, sorry we’re normal people and our house is a bit of a mess.) Let me shut up for a second so that you can get the full effect.
Of course the dogs checked it out for us to make sure that it was OK.
The last picture gives you an idea of just how ugly the fabric really is. It has some slight wear. Plus, let’s be honest, it was never an attractive fabric to begin with. Luckily, I was able to look at the ad and see past the ugly fabric and see potential in the great legs and beautiful tufts. I honestly don’t think I would have done that a year ago when I wasn’t so home blog obsessed. The best quote of the night was when Peter and I were driving home trying to maneuver that car around (very safely, of course Mom!!) and he said to me, “It’s never a dull moment with you, is it?”
$30 later a brand new project is born. I’ve never upholstered anything before, but I have some ideas. This may be a tough project to start with but I have a few books on upholstering things upstairs and I feel like we did so well with the price that even if I mess up a couple of times, it’ll be alright. Maybe I should recover the little cushion on our dining room chairs just to build some confidence. What do you guys think? Is this the totally amazing find that I think it is or should we have passed it up? And for those of you who actually have upholstered something before, do you have any advice? I’m all ears right now.
Fantastic find!!! WOW! I am so excited to see what you do with this piece – I have never upholstered anything, either, so I am thrilled to see how you do it! Good luck!!
Thanks Heather!! I’m SO excited about it. A sofa is such a huge part of a room’s decor and there are so many wonderful possibilities. Hopefully it turns out well!
I had a Craigslist adventure last night too
. The best part about finding cheapo furniture is that it’s okay to do what you want with it! I’m sure that you’ll get the job done with a little hard work.
That is the best part. I don’t know if I could bring myself to paint something that I spent hundreds of dollars on but less than $50, sure hand over the paint brush. I can’t wait to see what you found!
You are brave, girl! I don’t know the first thing about reupholstering, especially tufted things. I have faith though, and can’t wait!
Thanks Amanda! I’ll let yall know if my attempt is absolutely horrible. Worst case scenario, I’ll fail and then save up the money to have it done professionally. *fingers crossed that it doesn’t come to that*
It’s a too good to pass up craigslist find! I bet you can easily turn it into a Betty-Draper-esque fainting couch. Love it!
Thanks Dolores! That’s what I’m hoping for except maybe in a more boy-friendly fabric. I’ve read a lot of contradicting things about upholstery. Hopefully I can keep my confidence and dive into it next week.
So glad you could see past the fabric on that! The lines are great! I’ll wager that button-tufting will be a bit of a challenge in the upholstery, but you definitely sound like you are up for it!
I know that ACC has an awesome, hands-on upholstery class. It might be worth checking out before you grab your tack-puller.
Thanks Lisa! That is great advice. I’ll look into those classes. I also found one through Spruce, a local upholstery store. Hopefully between the books and at least one of the classes, I’ll have something to go off of. Thanks for stopping by!