Jun
28

Question of the Week: Where Do You Buy Your Furniture?



Maybe I think this because I work in the field, but it seems that more and more people -- non-industry folk, that is -- are redecorating their places. Maybe people have been a bit crazed about getting into the real estate market, and as such are either selling and/or have bought a place -- which, in both cases, requires special attention paid to decor...I don't know.  Everybody seems to be concerned with interior decorating, and are all seeking and trading advice on how to achieve a great look.

Where to shop is always a huge topic.  We're inundated with decor shows, magazines and blogs, but really, where the heck to we get all that stuff professionals are hauling in?  Decor shows have crews of people looking for days for that perfect piece, much (not all of course) of what magazines publish is some esoteric manufacturer accessible only to the trade and blogs...well, we're pretty bad about ogling things none of us can afford or even get our hands on, because it's from the UK (or some place).

So I thought maybe it's time we all shared where it is we all actually shop for our decor. Here's my list -- and yours?

1. Curbside on garbage day

2.  Value Village

3. Salvage Stores -- Habitat for Humanity's ReStores are my fave! And SMASH, as well.

4. Vintage stores; Queen West Antiques, Arcadia Antiques, Mrs. Huizenga's (that's where I got my sofa)

5. Boutique: Commute Home - expensive but gorgeous; Ella & Elliot

6. Commercial: Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, IKEA

Tell us about your favourite furniture/decor haunts! 

Related:

 

 

Comments:

I think you would LOVE 'GUFF' - guffonline.blogspot.com/

Although I haven't bought anything there yet, I check their website every couple of days to see what's new!  Thanks for your favourite places - I definitely want to hit up Mrs. Huizenga's!!

June 28, 2010 3:38 PM

 

I actually look up kijiji and craigslist first before I buy anything from a bigger furniture store like IKEA.

Ebay and etsy.com are also good place to look for decors.

June 28, 2010 3:47 PM

 

The first three on your list are the same as mine!  Kijiji is probably my number one place to get good furniture buys.  GUFF is a great site (if you live in Toronto).  I live in Winnipeg and I got so tired of looking for great, affordable, unique furniture that I opened my own furniture upcycling business!  I'm just getting started.

XO

Lenore

June 28, 2010 4:08 PM

 

@Lenore, send us some of your upcycling feats! We'd love to see them. Good luck!

June 28, 2010 4:25 PM

 

Wherever Elana tells me to. :)

June 28, 2010 4:35 PM

 

My furniture is a perfect mix of IKEA and vintage finds from yard sales, auctions, second hand/consignment stores, the curb (I'm not afraid of trash!) and websites like Used Ottawa and Kijiji.

I love refinishing and repainting pieces to inject new life into them. I often re-sell items on Kijiji as well.

Found Design has amazing mid-century mod stuff but it is a little out of my budget most of the time.

June 28, 2010 9:46 PM

 

It was just last Sunday, driving by the neighborhood I noticed a family moving had dumped 3 tall wrought iron tables with woven tops, in their curbside!  I stopped and quickly stowed them in my truck meaning to use them as planter stands! This is the first time I've picked up stuff from someone's curb and before you know it I was heading towards the goodwill store.  There I picked another planter stand for $2.99 and a solid wooden child's rocking chair for $5.  I plant to paint it and gift it to a friend!  I also got a lovely 3 tier cane side table for $4.99 to match a similar cane bucket chair in a corner of my family room!  What a haul!

June 29, 2010 11:28 AM

 

Fornasetti is my IKEA. Still sans a home of my own, but I'd sooner sit on the floor than deal with brick-a-brack furniture. Not all of us are talented scavengers either! And yes, I'd also shop anywhere Elana tells me to)

June 29, 2010 11:49 AM

 

since becoming a homeowner last summer, i've visited Urban Barn (urbanbarn.com/) far too much. why? the staff are amazing, they have reclaimed wood furniture which is beautiful, and it's very affordable considering the great quality product you receive. (hopefully they see this and send me free stuff!)

June 29, 2010 1:53 PM

 

Did anyone recognize the bathroom vanity in the Scarborough,Ontario  home shown as the third (last) profiled in the episode of World's Greenest Homes that aired July 12-16, 2010?

I have been searching for a small double vanity exactly like it with one long  trough with two sets of faucets and a removable shelf as divider.  

July 12, 2010 4:04 AM

 
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