This morning, while driving to work, we saw this beautiful Thonet chair put out for the garbageman. We were tempted to stop and take it to our friends over at Cane & Basket Supply for an overhaul, but we're trying to cut back on our street habit. It's hard, especially since LA's got such great street finds. Of course we're careful to spray anything we find for bugs and we always have it refinished and reupholstered. What about you? Survey after the jump...
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Yes, you're careful but I try not to think about the neighbors who may not be careful because they don't care or they just don't know any better.
What do you use to de-bug your street finds? My building recently had a bed bug scare, so I've been extra cautious lately.
I once pulled over, on the way to a black tie event, to put an old library chair in the back of my car. So, picture me in evening wear lugging this huge heavy thing off the curb.
It thrills me.
we call it Berkeley Shopping!
it's not junk, it's treasure!
Of course! That chair's not a real Thonet # 18 but still decent. And caning is simple if tedious.
BH, on garbage day, is very good, as is Pasadena.
Every May, my town has Spring Cleanup. there's a set week where everyone is invited to throw their stuff to the curb. It stays 7 days to allow others to turn your trash into treasure, then the city cleans it up for free. I take full advantage. I can't wait for this year's! 2 more weeks.
oh, i pick up eeeeeverything. i'm amazed at the things i've managed to strap to the roof of a Mercedes.
I have found great stuff on the street. My favorite is a big pine toy chest which I now use for off season sweater storage.
p/s I love the May Spring Cleanup day. Fantastic idea & opportunity.
oh, I love "bulky trash" day
aladywhoknows: In Madison, WI, we call it "Hippie Christmas" when all the college students move out in June and leave all their stuff on the curb. xD
That's funny... we have like 5 Thonet chairs where the caning has fallen through. My husband thought it was ours.
Yeah--what do you use to spray your finds?
I LOVE street finds and hand-me-downs. I payed exactly $250 for my entire house worth of furniture. I had a queen bed my parents graciously let me keep and the same with my partner. Apart from that we've payed $200 for both of our couches (same couch different colour) from brother and $50 for a gorgeous pink dresser from the local Salvation Army. The rest was donated by our parents, family, friends and even co-workers/bosses. We actually scored big time, we inherited from a family friend a dining set (extendable table with crank, 4 chairs and 2 carvers) she told us after we took them that they were made by her great great uncle in about 1900. Can't complain about that!!