Last week, I went on a treasure hunt.
I love shopping vintage and scour craigslist and local ads for various things I am looking for or always keep an eye out for almost daily. But sometimes you just don’t find ‘the one’.. and so last week, I decided to make a few quick stops and shop the local thrift stores on the quest to find those perfect pieces that I needed for a very special project I was working on.
Vintage goblets and a vintage table.
But not just any vintage goblets and vintage table.
The goblets needed to have the right look and color. And the table had an even bigger list of requirements.
Wood that was the right color- not too light and not too dark.
A table that had the right size- square or a small rectangle that was not too long
And one that had that all important character and patina – in abundance.
With just simple lines – but lots of charm.
I mean, that is a reasonable list right?
haha.
A couple of stops and 2 boxes of vintage glassware later- I was pretty excited.
But there was still that elusive small wood table to find- and the only ones I had found so far were not the right size, style or era for what I had in mind.
So on the way home, I decided to stop at the Re-Store and just see what they might have. I have found oodles of treasures at the Re-Store many times- vintage chairs, vintage lights and artwork- and much much more.
I started in the furniture section, glancing through layers of vintage & those more recent modern pieces that seem to be showing up more and more often. I did find and pick up a little old farmhouse style stool which I think you can’t have too many of – and a charming rustic wood crate.
But no table.
But while I waited for someone to come ring me up- I decided to just walk back through the furniture one.more.time. just in case I missed anything or could use anything if I looked at it just a little differently. About half way through, I was almost ready to turn around-
when there it was.
Tucked behind 3 rows of brown desks, two shiny old poly covered tables and 1 glass curio cabinet in- there was something ‘flat’ that looked like it just might have potential to be that special something that I was looking for.
It was a dark wood, old and looked a bit wonky- but I couldn’t see much more until I climbed through those layers of 1980’s vintage pieces. When I finally reached it- I literally started dancing. Because, right in the middle of the brown tweed plaid sofas and the rust velvet rockers- there was a tag that said:
ANTIQUE OAK FARM TABLE – $45
It was more than a bit wobbly. The leaves were all missing. And the top was well loved – complete with slices and old stains. And it kind of bowed a bit in the middle until you pushed the sides all the way together.
It has simple lines on the legs and apron- and the absolute perfect size for what I needed. I was BEYOND excited to find it and could not grab the tag fast enough to buy it.
It was marked $45 – so I was off to pay in about 2.3 seconds. But even better- it was Law Enforcement, Military and Fire Victim appreciation day – so it was an extra 10% off – and my husband is a veteran and works in law enforcement.
I might have picked up these too.
I am completely in love with this little table- and am leaving it just like it is. I may tighten those fronts up with a little bracket just to keep it from being damaged when I move it here and there. But the finish and size and style – literally exactly what I had in mind.
I mean, how did I miss it the first 87 times I wandered through? You can bet that next time I walk through a section at the Re-store in search of something and don’t find it right away- I will slow down and take a closer look 3 rows, lots of tweed plaid and rusty dusty velvet furniture layers in.
What do you think of this cutie?
And… that special project I needed it for?
Well, you might recognize that these are the chairs and the table that made the cover of my new book- Inspired Gatherings. 🙂 You can find that HERE
Happy Wednesday everyone.
Unknown says
LOVE !!! Congrats on finding the PERFECT table!
Claire says
I love your little treasure! I've recently downsized by selling two companies . Lovely, just lovely — now I can breathe! I no longer need a large office. For my household bookkeeping now I need a table for my laptop, pen and pencil holder, stapler, and a lamp. My paid bills are kept in pretty file folders held in a pretty box that could slide under the perfect table. Best of all, I now have time to search for my own special table.
penguinstamper says
When it rains, do you just leave the little table outside or do you store it inside and only move it outside when you need it?
Baby Boomer says
Love the chairs & frame!
Karen says
I love it! It's so much fun to go on these treasure hunts with you. The vignette in the yard with candle light is magical.
Karen
Unknown says
absolutely beautiful and I love that you didn't pay high prices for your treasures. Makes it accessible for all!
Bonnie Whitten says
Love the table!!
Congrats..
Lori says
I wish we had more vintage re-sale shops around here. Sounds like you have many in your area. If those stores have links showing what’s in stock I’d love to know. I’ve been talking my husband into a trip to shop and buy for our home. If this shows up in all caps I’m apologize as i don’t have that selected on my end..hmmm Lovely table and enjoy your blog very much!
MaryLisa says
I loved this story! Nothing beats a treasure hunt except the perfect Find!
Jody Baggerly says
treasure hunts are always sooooooooooooo much fun and when you get a little surprise when paying it’s like extra icing on donut kind of thing! beautiful table and setting. thank you for always inspiring me.
Susan says
Beautiful! 1 question, do you move it out of weather when it rains or did you preserve it?
Courtney says
I do tuck it inside for storage in the winter.
Georgeanne says
I know what you mean about hunting for treasure. I have worked for many years as a buyer for films and tv and have spent many hours perusing antique stores and flea markets in atlanta for the ‘perfect thing’ for a room. It is especially fun whEn you are spending someone else’s money for these treasures!
Courtney says
That sounds so fun!!
Diana says
I am a fan of anything carved so the table is a win!
Pamela Milligan says
Courtney, you found MY table!! Mine is just a little bigger, and has little porcelain wheels on the legs, but it’s mine! My table also bows just a bit in the center, and has been well loved! My husband bought it fir me when we moved into our first home in the early 80’s. The leaves were lost a few years ago in a downsize move, but it’s just the 2 of us at home now, so they are not missed. My birthday is coming up this month, and your new book is going to be my birthday gift to myself!! Blessings to you and yours.
Courtney says
Oh gosh- it sounds absolutely adorable- and yes- like it might be a twin for this one! And Happy Birthday to you!! I hope you enjoy the book Pamela!!
Susan says
I have a very similar table and chairs. The table came from my grandfather’s mattress manufacturing warehouse. ❤️
Bettie says
Darling and romantic! 🥰
Ivory says
Wow, what a finE. Everyt Looks fabulous. It’s nothing like finding EXACTLY what you are looking for, and at a steal! Nicely done. This was meant for you.
Monique-marie says
Oh you lucky duck!
I am so glad for you in finding just the right table. I recently moved back to Canada and the pickings here are a bit harder to find. But your stry inspired me to looking deeper and shopping slower to discover just the right objet d’amour.
Enjoy!
Monique-Marie
Aurora ward says
I love love love your house and decorating. I F i had to pick between your house and a masion, id pick your house. Cottage. Its just me!
Courtney says
So sweet of you- thank you.
franki Parde says
“Yep!!!!” franki
Holly says
It’s PERFECT!