I'm going to be starting a new weekly blog every Friday called "Fabulous Friday." For these posts I will be focusing on things I personally find FABULOUS! Whether that be fashion, travel, food, home projects, etc....the topic will vary, but everything will be fabulous (obviously). Hope you enjoy these fabulous posts :-)
Hope you enjoyed this first Fabulous Friday post and I hope you are more confident on making purchases off of Craigslist! Have you ever made Craigslist purchases? Please share your personal experiences below!
Have a fabulous Friday!
Lynn
Craiglist Fabulous Finds
I know that Craiglist can be intimidating, not only with all the posts, but the stories about "Craiglist killers"- it can be very overwhelming!
However, here are a few tips on how to make Craiglist NOT so overwhelming:
1. Search with a mission. Know the exact pieces you are looking for. And, more importantly, know the dimensions of the exact space you are looking to fill. For example, if you are interested in getting a console table, first measure the depth, height, and width in which works best in your space. Next, figure out what style you would like. My motto is, you can change the color of furniture, but you cannot change the style as much.
When you go to Craigslist, go to the "for sale" section and in the "search" box at the top of the page, type in a keyword. So, if you're searching for a console table, type in "console table." Then just scroll through the results. (Personally, I like the posts that have pictures, so I filter posts to only include the ones with photots.) If you find one you like, the first thing to do is email the owner and ask the dimensions, if they are not listed. This is important because you want to make sure the piece is a fit. Once you hear back from the owner, schedule a time to look at the piece and go from there! Honestly, the search process is the hardest part about Craigslist, especially for me, because I tend to be a little impatient (shocking!).
When you go to Craigslist, go to the "for sale" section and in the "search" box at the top of the page, type in a keyword. So, if you're searching for a console table, type in "console table." Then just scroll through the results. (Personally, I like the posts that have pictures, so I filter posts to only include the ones with photots.) If you find one you like, the first thing to do is email the owner and ask the dimensions, if they are not listed. This is important because you want to make sure the piece is a fit. Once you hear back from the owner, schedule a time to look at the piece and go from there! Honestly, the search process is the hardest part about Craigslist, especially for me, because I tend to be a little impatient (shocking!).
2. Figure out if you are willing to restore. It is important to determine whether you want a "move-in ready" piece or if you are willing to paint, sand, restore, etc. Sometimes it is worth it to spend a little extra money and get a piece that is relatively brand-new and the previous owners just needed to get rid of it for whatever reason- usually it's because it doesn't fit in a new space or they have upgraded, not because the piece is necessarily damaged. Some of the items are Craiglist, however, are pieces that need a little, of a lot of, TLC (tender loving care), but you can get GREAT deals on these items, if you are willing to spend a little extra time on them! The balance here is time vs. money (story of my life!).
3. Don't be afraid to say "no." Even if you think the piece is perfect via photos and through your conversations with the seller, and you've scheduled a meeting with the seller, do not be afraid to turn the piece down when you see it in person. You are the buyer and are not obligated to buy, even after you see the piece. If it's not what you're looking for, say "thank you but no thank you"...simple as that!
Here are a couple of my personal Craiglist purchases!
This first piece I bought off Craigslist in May 2014 from a very nice woman who just was simply redesigning her foyer area and didn't need this console table anymore. It is solid wood with two drawers, an open shelf below with "X" sides- a very common and classic look. This is an example of a piece that is not neccesarily the exact color I'm looking for, but is the right style. My plan is to maybe "distress" this piece once I figure out the design for the rest of my living room- with the help of my interior design friend, Ellen Kastelberg- who works at Janet Brown Interiors. (Can't wait to have before and after pictures of my living room to show y'all, yay!)
This console table was $60.00- a STEAL considering the console tables at Target (which usually are made of particle board, ewww) are $100.00+!
This first piece I bought off Craigslist in May 2014 from a very nice woman who just was simply redesigning her foyer area and didn't need this console table anymore. It is solid wood with two drawers, an open shelf below with "X" sides- a very common and classic look. This is an example of a piece that is not neccesarily the exact color I'm looking for, but is the right style. My plan is to maybe "distress" this piece once I figure out the design for the rest of my living room- with the help of my interior design friend, Ellen Kastelberg- who works at Janet Brown Interiors. (Can't wait to have before and after pictures of my living room to show y'all, yay!)
This console table was $60.00- a STEAL considering the console tables at Target (which usually are made of particle board, ewww) are $100.00+!
Accessories (front top to bottom and left to right):
1. Picture frame- Pottery Barn; 2. Bowl- Don't remember, but we painted blue; 3. Candle holders- Pottery Barn; 4. Candles-Unsure, we've had them forever!; 5. Clock- Gift, unsure!; 6. Black and White Photo Album- Target 7. Burlap Tote- The Shops at 5807
This grey piece is AMAZING! I purchased this piece last week and I am already MADLY in love with it! This buffet/console table is from Crate and Barrel and was hand-painted grey with the awesome detailing on the doors and was only...(drumroll, please!)...$149!!! (My first search ALWAYS on Craigslist is "crate and barrel").
It works perfectly on our wall in between the kitchen, breakfast nook and living room as our bar! This space was giving me difficulty because I needed something that wasn't too wide because it is a high traffic area. It was also difficult because we have our medium stained oak floors and then our kitchen cabinets are cherry, so I knew I wanted a colored piece and not a wood colored piece. So, my options were, buy brand new painted or buy something cheaper that is wood colored and paint it. I ended up getting the best of both worlds- CHEAP AND PAINTED!!!
Accessories (from left to right):
1. Decanter-/Carafe- Crate and Barrel; 2. Silver platter- Tweed; 3. His and Her Glasses- Kate Spade; 4. Pitcher- MoMA; 5. Virginia Dish Towel- Tweed; 6. Cocktail Napkins- Leftover from our wedding!
Hope you enjoyed this first Fabulous Friday post and I hope you are more confident on making purchases off of Craigslist! Have you ever made Craigslist purchases? Please share your personal experiences below!
Have a fabulous Friday!
Lynn
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