Posted by
Elana Safronsky, Managing Editor
Friday, May 28, 2010 10:55 AM EDT
Antiquing season is here! Watch out rural fields, small town skating rinks and city parking lots because here comes the old stuff!
I for one cannot wait. I may have let on in previous posts about my intense obsession with old stuff -- a mean habit I nurse with the help of my enabler, Value Village -- but nothing gets my inner hoarder salivating as the summer antiquing season. Tomorrow is my Christmas: Christie Antiques Show in Dundas, Ontario. This show is Canada’s largest, with more than 300 dealers spanning almost 10 acres of outdoor space. I don't know why it's only on for one day, twice a year, but that just means that I have to bring my A game. (Side note: I'm pretty sure Sarah and Tommy will be there -- they always show!)
Anywho, to get riled up for the plunge tomorrow, I've rounded up five easy finds that are all over the magazines these days, which happen to be ubiquitous at antique markets, and are usually quite affordable. And really, we can never have too many...
Occasional Tables
MidMod rattan ottoman, $40, St. Jacobs market; Moroccan table, vintage store, Toronto, $65
No, you cannot have too many occasional tables. I almost died when I saw that rattan gem (left) sitting in the corner of a community centre in St. Jacobs, ON, because if you've not yet seen it in every decor magazine around the globe, then it's only a matter of time. Lucky for us all, the '60s minted a zillion of them, so be on the lookout -- they're a common find. The Moroccan table speaks for itself. These are also everywhere, but prices on them vastly vary so watch out for ripoffs -- anywhere between $50-$250 (depending on the vintage, carving of stand and quality of tray) is common.
Table Top Accessories
Vintage trays, $2-$5, Value Village; German '60 ceramic pitcher, $5, Value Village
I need more shelf space, yes, but it's a small price to pay for the joy of saving these precious finds from oblivion. Dansk, Denby, German ceramics, earthenware, and all and every tray: I welcome you with open arms. But seriously, not a majour investment, and bags of character -- who could say no?
Chairs
Bentwood cane cafe chair (1 of 4), C. 1965, free, found roadside in the country.
Who doesn't love these? The perfect accessory for a kitchen, dining, or any table for that matter, or really, just by its glorious self. (I'm sure that was bad grammar.) Cafe chairs and armoires are what antique fairs were made of, and I'm a sucker for a chair. Bentwood chairs also vastly vary in price, but you can usually pick up a set of the French-style (armless and wooden back) or MidMod-style (above) for anywhere between $250 - $1000 for 4 and/or 6 chairs (all depends on vintage, caning, condition, etc.)
Mirrors
‘50s Wood mirror, $35, garage sale; late 19th C. French gilt plaster mirror, $200, vintage store, Toronto.
Another weakness. I treat mirrors like wall art -- mix them into a gallery wall, or lean them up or on top of any surface. The French gilt mirror is THE shape of the season, and trust me when I say $200 -- even in the shape it's in -- is a steal. My husband had a very large version of that mirror in a previous life (relationship) which was worth thousands of dollars... In any case, if you see one of those, buy it! Even if you don't need it. You'll love it.
Farm Tables
My kitchen table, $90, vintage store, Toronto.
There are sooooooo many of these around, and they're so useful. They come in all shapes and sizes, in various stages of decay, and offer endless possibility. We bought this one because it was the perfect size for our kitchen and at $90, it was a no-brainer. It came with red legs which we painted white, and added that brushed pewter handle from Restoration Hardware. Because there are literally hundreds of these at any give antique market, they should never run you over $250, unless they're reeally nice.
Any good Antique Markets in your area? Ever been to Christie? Are you gonna go? Did you go?