apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I have two questions.

One, I bought a finished metal desk from CB2 in orange with plans to paint it white, does anyone have any suggestions as to type of paint, prep work, or finishing sealant that I should use? The desk is going to be inside and used as a desk/dining table.

Two, I'm looking for a pair of Eames for Herman Miller side shell chairs, does anyone know of a good source in Manhattan? I haven't had much luck with ebay or craigslist.

Thanks!

any tips on battery-recycling drop-offs in NYC?

I have two bedroom windows that I need to put shades on. I'm getting rid of cheap mini blinds. I'm contemplating doing something that I saw in one of the small cool contestants last year (I think; southern CA or FL, someplace with a lot of sunl; a studio with a sex and the city-type closet and a room divider at the end of the bed; the owner designed a lot of the furniture herself), where she had two blinds: one to filter out strong sun, and a second set of black out shades. Any ideas of where to start looking for these, keeping price in mind?

k-darling--

Wouldn't a few cans of Krylon spraypaint work?

Pixie, the Shade Store is having a 10% off sale on solar blinds. I know that's not a lot but the blinds are very good quality. You can check them out at Conran's or online. And the company they recommend to hang them is great! I've used them with several clients and each time they did a wonderful job. And trust me, you'll want a professional to hang them, especially since you'll have 2 different sets on one window.

anne-finally, I can post to this thread and thank you - I will check that out.