Happy Sunday everyone! It’s the last Sunday in July, the Hendersons are back in Portland (and moving into the farmhouse in TWO WEEKS!), and the rest of us gals are trying to enjoy as much of summer as possible…without melting. Anything good happening with you? We hope so:) Let us know in the comments. It’s important to talk about the happy things too. Shall we get into some links first?
This week’s home tour is a wonderful, airy home FULL of interior windows (our favorite:)). This was definitely a tricky layout to figure out for them but the design team came up with a beautiful plan and fun yet soothing color palette. Fun fact. The lead designer got the idea of the color palette from an outfit her husband was wearing one day. Inspiration really can come from anywhere;) Go check it out here!
goodbye frustrating vintage beautyoscar and buttercup approved
From Emily: It’s a very long sad, humiliating story, but we had to put down our vintage sectional this week. The back cushions would fall off every time someone tried to, you know LEAN ON IT unless they were in the corner. I spent hours every other month trying to carpet tape it back together, which would work temporarily. During this trip, having so many guests every weekend, unable to sit on our GD sofa, I became so frustrated and embarrassed and finally decided to do something about it. Brian begged me not to overthink it. He said, “we just need to order something relatively affordable, long-lasting, EXTREMELY comfortable, still cool looking, with a good vibe that wasn’t a 10-month lead time.” I trust Article in comfort and proportions (I’ve had their Burrand for 8 years and LOVE IT) so I looked online, picked the BETA, and literally 2 weeks later she arrived and it’s SO VERY VERY GOOD. I’M SO HAPPY I COULD SCREAM. A huge sense of relief flooded me knowing that I would never have to apologize again for my dumb expensive vintage sectional that no one could sit on (it needs to be in a corner or against a wall and it would be fine, FYI, and yes I’m selling it). Our living room was usable again!!! It came the night before we left so I haven’t properly shot it yet for you, but trust me that it is SO comfortable. The cushions are soft, but not too bouncy, the fabric is so soft and reflects the light beautifully, it’s deep but not crazy deep. I couldn’t be happier. And a big shout out to Article’s delivery and customer service (they were so professional, friendly, set it all up, and took all the boxes away). This sectional is new so there weren’t any reviews yet so if you are in the market trust me this one is EXTREMELY comfortable and cool. Perfect for a media/TV room, too. Again, full gushing blog post coming at you (but maybe not til spring when I can get back down there).
left: eny on the left with her famous lamp | right: table lamp from her collab
First Dabito, then Tali Roth, and now Eny Lee Parker!? Mitzi is KILLING it with their lighting collaborations. If you don’t know Eny Lee Parker, I promise you know her work. Her collection is stunning and this lamp really might be our favorite:) Go check it all out!
From Ryann: I haven’t gone to the dark side yet aka I haven’t started getting eyelash extensions (due to $$$ although I really want to). BUT I, of course, yearn for long eyelashes. So whenever I have a semi-formal event to attend I always attempt to put on my own fake eyelashes. It almost always goes south because eyelash glue is SCARY, messy, and really hard to put on. However, my cousin just introduced me to this clear eyelash glue pen and it’s so easy to use and works really well. I used it before a night out and the lashes stayed on all night plus the glue wasn’t sticky or hard to take off the next day. It’s so good that I am no longer afraid of putting on my own fake eyelashes!
From Mallory: I have a thing for sundresses with dainty yellow flowers on them (yea, it’s specific) and J-Crew has two EXCELLENT ones right now. This dress would absolutely CRUSH on a vacation (and if I were going on one soon I would certainly buy it) but for a more everyday dress, I’m HIGHLY considering popping this one in my cart.
From Caitlin: I FOUND A HAIRCARE BRAND AND I’VE TRIED A BUNCH OF STUFF AND I LOVE IT ALL AND YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT. My hairstylist Lizzie (she’s the best, highly recommended if you’re in LA!) mentioned this copper color treatment to me a few months ago at my last haircut – my hair can get a little blond in the sun, which isn’t necessarily my preference – and y’all, IT RULES. They have a ton of color options available – a purple treatment for platinum hair, a light caramel, a bunch of reds, and even a chestnut brown! – and if you’re trying to save money on salon color services (or if you’re just trying to make your hair look LESS like a dishrag and MORE like your friend just spent 3 hours covering up all your blond, in my case), this is an AWESOME option. Throw this on for 3 minutes and BAM. NEW GAL. (Also obsessed with their dry shampoo, which adds a ton of volume that actually stays all day, and these tiny shine drops, which make my hair look SO shiny without being greasy or piece-y.) I’ve never really been a big haircare person, but this is my new go-to brand. It’s really, really, really good stuff. 10000000/10!!!
From Jess: I have been cooking up a storm and needed some more storage containers. Look, I still love my glass ones but unfortunately, a good amount of them have chipped too much around the edges to safely use (FYI I probably need to store them better). So I decided I would go back to plastic. I have a couple of plastic ones that I’ve had for YEARS so I actually think they are less wasteful for someone who is kinda clumsy. Naturally, I want them to be pretty (but affordable) so when I saw the CLJxRubbermaid collab it was an easy design decision for me. I have a Rubbermaid container that I love so I trust the quality and I really LOVE the sky blue top color. They are going to look very cute in my fridge, not chip, and help me on my “liking to cook” journey.
Also: I’ve been on a romantic/rom-com kick lately and my two ABSOLUTE favorites have been Persuasion and Heartstopper (I know I’m late on this one). My friend (who is a massive Jane Austen fan) did NOT feel the same way about Persuasion. But I’ve never read the book so I was clenching my chest nearly the whole time and didn’t know the parts that had to be cut out. Heartstopper was also chest-clenching! It’s the sweetest and best series I’ve seen in a minute and one I wish I could watch it again for the first time. But there’s going to be a season two:) ENJOY!
Thanks for joining us again and have a wonderful rest of your weekend. See y’all tomorrow. xx
If you’ve been around since 2019 you might remember the post I wrote with Caitlin and Mallory about designing our dream dorm rooms. Needless to say, there were A LOT of things we would do differently if we could do it all over with the knowledge and style preference we have now. Ha. At the time, I couldn’t find any photos of my dorm room since they were in a box somewhere deep in my dad’s warehouse. Well after 20 years, we cleared out the warehouse and now have I think ALL of my and my family’s photos in my apartment (my hallway may never be bin free again). However, I did find some very incriminating photos that are going to snap you back so hard to 2006 that your head might actually spin-off. This was my exact slack to Caitlin after I found them: “Ok pleeeease be honest. Are these too embarrassing/personal to put on the internet?” To which she proclaimed, “Omg no!!!! These are cute!!!” Cute is debatable but fun to look at and relatable? Sure. So since I have a deep knowledge of the single room, two twin beds, no kitchen, shared floor bathroom, cinderblock box, classic dorm experience, I know what is and isn’t useful to buy. FYI an all-in-one eggs benedict maker is not useful. Lesson very much learned. I also think that isn’t imperative to buy things that you or your college student can use for at least a few years after they move out of the dorms. We gotta think long-term right? That’s why today I picked 10 of the top items that will make a dorm function well, look great, AND be filled with things to grow with. But first, let’s take a trip back to 2006 at San Francisco State University…
This is the widest shot that I have and there is just so much to unpack. First off, I’m on the left. Why I didn’t make my bed BEFORE taking this photo is one of my personal great mysteries. But aside from the unkept bed of an 18-year-old Jess, I clearly wanted things colorful… and peaceful hence the garland:) I honestly think this is the most colorful rooms I’ve ever had. I really wanted to distract from the sad gray walls, but in hindsight, it was a bit of a misstep since I moved out into an apartment the following year and reused very little. Not great, Bunge. But as you can see, I have red bins, binders, and lots of picture frames on my shelving unit. I definitely could have maximized that spaces better. I can’t get over my faux orchids, iHome, iPod, and that TV. I don’t think we ever watched anything on it. Thankfully it came from home so it wasn’t a new purchase. If you are wondering what that thing sitting on top of my and my roommate’s shelves…it was a Les Bunge original.
It’s a blown-up picture of the San Francisco skyline. If I haven’t said it before, he owns a trade show installation & dismantle business and knows lots of trade show booth builders (one being my godfather). So my dad thought it would be cool to have my godfather build a metal frame that could sit on top of our shelves (no damage) and then velcro two large printed pieces making a large art installation we could enjoy while laying in bed. My roommate was afraid of her side falling on her so she put her side of the picture on top of the frame. Fair. It was a WILD idea but for one year was kinda fun (even if it was kinda wasteful). But my parents always made sure that my brother and I had rooms we felt happy and comfortable in. I’m pretty positive that’s why I’m so passionate about it:)
This is where I really start to cringe! Those photos and frames, the peace sign, the Thoreau quote, and the kids’ gummy vitamins because even to this day I have a hard time swallowing pills lol. Oh and please note the stack of blank CDs that I guess I needed to burn cool mixes on??? This could have been much more organized and less cluttered.
And while we aren’t talking about appliances today, a mini fridge and an electric kettle are MUSTS in my opinion. Clearly, I was super into drinking tea if you look at my desk again but hot water is useful for so many things. That was one of the few things I kept for a long time so if you spend a little more on that item it will likely get years of use. I like this one and this one personally:) And for a mini fridge, this one is a great standard but this one is very cute. I highly recommend getting one with a little freezer. What I would have given to have ice on hand. Plus if you choose one you like too, when they move out of the dorms and into an apartment, that mini fridge can come back and live in your house:)
Ok now let’s about the functional decor your soon-to-be college dorm room dweller will want.
Bed Risers
It depends on the type of bed that comes with the room and how high they want their bed raised, but a little extra height even if it’s just for under-bed bins is so nice. My roommate and I decided to keep our beds low but my best friend and her roommate wanted to store their fridges and dressers under their beds and put their desks by their window. Lots of options…
This is a give-in, right? And while I had plastic bins, I personally think fabric is the way to go. They don’t break and are prettier. Here are my picks:
When I asked the gals what they thought was a dorm essential, shoe storage was a BIG one. First, and as best you can, try to convince your college goer they don’t need all of their shoes. It’s so tempting but the best way to stay organized is to just have less stuff. If they miss some of their pairs they can grab them when they come home for the holidays. Here are our shoe storage picks:
A bedside caddy is genius if they have a raised bed or are on the top bunk (aka when the nightstand is inaccessible). No one wants to climb in and out of bed more than they have to.
This may seem like a silly one but they will need at least one power strip so why not pick a cute one? My only tip that they will be thanking you for is choosing one with USB ports. I don’t know about you but I lose those little boxes way too often. This solves that:)
While I wish a traditional laundry basket could work, they are bulky and annoying to travel to the laundry room with. A bag is the absolute way to go and I really like these ones:
While I would have needed a slender one like #5, I wish I would have had a rolling cart. It’s so functional. It can be used for food/prep stuff, school supplies, makeup and hair products, etc. Especially if they raise their bed high and have more floor space, this is a great dorm room addition. Also, they could easily take this to their first apartment!
A lamp is such an easy way to add personality to a dorm room! Plus they are pretty imperative for late-night homework/studying. I don’t miss that! I chose mostly clip lights since they are so versatile but regular table lamps are equally as great. I did add a LED Strip Lights because regardless of my feelings about them, gen z is obsessed. Maybe I would have been too back then. Who knows?!
Well my friends, we made it to the end. Hope you enjoyed my walk down millennial memory lane and found some great pieces for the college-bound person in your life (or even you!) There are definitely other things that make the dorm room experience a little easier so let’s talk about them in the comments.
And before I lose you, it’s NOT just like, “Facebook Marketplace” and “Etsy.” I mean, those are included here – it wouldn’t be a comprehensive list of where to buy vintage furniture online without them! – but today, I’m walking you through WAY more than that. Gang, we’re talking about the 23 best spots to source vintage without leaving your house. There are small business deep cuts. There are new little start-ups! There are stores I considered pulling from this list because I’m a little nervous that I’m creating competition for myself. The takeaway is this: THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. I’ve patronized pretty much every retailer here (I mean, other than the one with $80,000 flatware – you’ll know it when you see it) and I’m really hoping that you’ll discover your new favorite store, because I genuinely love each of these companies and I’m pretty blown away by all the inventory they’ve saved and shared. So…are you ready to do some treasure hunting? Eager to score a steal? (Because, like, I don’t know if it’s translating, but I’m REALLY excited for you.) I’m going to kick it off with one of my all-time favorites, so buckle up…
AES of LA
I’ve been shopping with AES of LA since 2019 – I grabbed my 1970s tubular lucite coffee table on their site for a freakin’ song – and it’s been my best-kept vintage resource (until now, I guess). AES specializes in auctions and estate sales in LA (who woulda thought?) and their inventory is incredible, high-quality, and always changing.
Shipping or delivery can be arranged with AES, but I’d also recommend searching for similar auction and estate sale operations in your own neighborhood. So many of these businesses have a lower public profile as their main clientele are pickers, store owners, and estate sale fanatics…but y’all, if you can find them, there are GREAT deals to be found. If you happen to find a comparable company in your own area who also shares their inventory online, please drop it in the comments – I’d love to check them out. 🙂
A brick-and-mortar vintage store that ACTUALLY shoots and posts EVERY SINGLE PRODUCT in their inventory? IT’S A LITERAL DREAM. On Amsterdam Modern’s site, you’ll find pages upon pages of well-curated vintage lighting, furniture, and decor (seriously – there’s 23 pages of just seating) in great condition. (And if it’s not in great condition, you can work directly with Amsterdam Modern on refinishing or reupholstering – those pieces that need a little extra love are all clearly marked and fairly priced, too.)
Remember those dreamy mid-century dining chairs from Sara’s house? Sourced from the one-and-only Amsterdam Modern, baby!!!
AptDeco
The bad news: AptDeco currently only serves the Northeast US and the San Francisco Bay-area. The good news: lots of you live in those locations, so this may be a great choice for you! (The other good news: maybe if we send them a ton of traffic, they’ll grow faster and expand to more areas!)
AptDeco’s model is a dream, though – all sellers and buyers are vetted AND their team offers free white glove delivery and assembly on each order. They measure each item upon pickup, alert the buyer to any differences between the listing and the actual product (so if there’s an unmentioned scratch or if the piece is even an inch bigger, you’ll be able to back out painlessly). It’s the vintage buying solution we need right now and I CAN’T WAIT TIL THEY’RE IN LA.
I mean…you already know it. I already know it. We all already know it. But, like, how could I write a post about the best online vintage sites and not include Chairish? As they’ve scaled, their offerings have grown, too – you can now find a ton of SUPER affordable decor (I rounded up my under-$50 picks a few months back) along with one-of-a-kind pieces from dealers and regular folks worldwide. Their search can’t be beaten, either – being able to sort by dimensions is INCREDIBLY helpful.
Their shipping costs have come down a TON, too – Chairish’s special rates almost always beat the private shipping quotes I receive – and a bunch of sellers have set up their accounts to instantly accept offers that are 20-30% off the listed price (that’s a pro tip, straight from me to you!). If you’re on the hunt for the perfect finishing piece, poke around Chairish for a second – you may just find it 🙂 (Case in point: the red balloon chair from Em’s living room, which later found a second life in this teen bedroom. SO GOOD.)
Craigslist
Before starting at EHD, I spent about a year flipping rugs and furniture on Craigslist to pay the bills (really leaned into the whole #funemployed thing, you know? You can catch up on the whole saga here, if you want!). While the inventory has dropped off a little bit – Facebook Marketplace is kiiiiiinda eating Craigslist’s lunch when it comes to secondhand home goods – there are still a few steals to be found! I bet it’s been a minute since you last checked the furniture listings…who knows what could be sitting there, waiting for ya?
eBay
eBay: the final frontier. It’s the internet’s original auction site (launched in September 1995, can you believe?!) and if you’ve never given it a good look, you may be missing out. They’ve majorly upgraded the experience over the last few years and sellers are now able to offer exclusive deals to those who have favorited their items – like, I recently got an email from a seller offering me 60% off the price listed on eBay. INCREDIBLE. Start saving your favorite items and let the discounts roll in, baby! (And while you’re at it, you can also grab deeply discounted new items – remember when Sara decorated her entire home for Halloween with eBay finds? It’s a treasure trove right under our noses, guys!!!)
I mean…Etsy is pretty much the gold standard of vintage shopping on the internet, IMO. The search functionality is amazing AND there’s still some level of serendipity – like, is there anything better than stumbling upon an ambiguously-titled table or chair that’s priced WAY below market value?
If you need a jumping-off point, Ryann shared a few (or, like, 46 – that’s a few, right?) of our all-time favorite Etsy sellers right here.
Everything But the House
Yesterday actually marked my fifth anniversary of shopping with Everything But The House – this Navahand rug was my first purchase of many and while it’s not a fit for my current apartment (it’s chillin’ in my closet as we speak), I don’t think I’ll ever be able to part with it. (It doesn’t hurt that the rug appraised for about 6x the purchase price, either. :))
While the shipping costs can get a little high, the HUGE savings on furniture and decor more than make up for it (and if you’re in the market for a new-to-you vintage rug or piece of art, there’s no better site). I still remember how excited I was to grab this lithograph for $18 – the same piece is selling on eBay right now for, uh, WAY MORE. New auctions are launched daily and the stylistically diverse inventory is REALLY GOOD, guys. EBTH is one of my favorite apps to cruise every night before bed – can’t recommend it enough.
Facebook Marketplace
These days, this is where I have the most luck. I’ve written at great length (understatement of the century, probably) about the best tips/tricks/search terms to really maximize your FB Marketplace shopping experience, so go give that a lil’ look if you REALLY wanna immerse yourself in the ~vintage fan club~.
Instagram
First: yeah, WE’RE ALL TIRED OF REELS. Second: OMG. The proliferation of Instagram reels has made my love of vintage-sourcing on Instagram an absolute NIGHTMARE. Third: to amp up your IG experience, go to Chairish, hit an arbitrary category (“furniture” is good), tighten up your search radius (I like 50-100 miles, but sometimes I go a little further than that), and see if any of the sellers whose inventory appeals to you happen to have an Instagram page. Check out who they’re following, too – I have a finsta (fake Instagram) that exclusively follows vintage dealers and it’s a really fun feed to scroll.
If that feels like too much work (because, uh, it kinda is), I’ve also collected a bunch of my favorite vintage IG accounts right here – maybe it’s time for an update to that post?
BIG SWOON. Remember that gorgeous vintage chaise from Em’s living room? It was sourced by the fine folks from Jayson Home and y’all – THEY HAVE GREAT FINDS. The curation here is so impressive and there’s something for every style – vintage shearling sofas, mahogany cupboards, rattan settees, African stools, Suzani textiles, framed art…it’s all in here. (As a side note, Jayson Home’s huge summer sale ends on 8/1 – highly recommend giving it a scroll before it’s over! There’s tons of eye candy, even if you’re not in the market for anything in particular.)
We’re huge fans of Kaiyo over here – it’s where Ryann sourced that incredible gingham wingback chair in her living room. They started out in New York, but they’ve recently expanded to LA and y’all – I’M EXCITED ABOUT IT, from a buying AND selling perspective. As a seller, you submit photos to Kaiyo and if your pieces are accepted, they’ll come and pick things up for you. (Anyone who has ever posted a furniture listing with a caveat like, “you must carry this out, please bring help to lift it” and then had a buyer show up like, “I don’t have any help, I thought you and I could lift this 300 lb credenza together,” – REJOICE. NO MORE TOMFOOLERY. Kaiyo will just handle it. Plus – and this is my favorite part – you can pick to get an instant cash offer after your pieces have been picked up OR you can wait and get paid out after your piece sells (like consignment for the 21st century).
And from a buyer’s perspective, every piece is inspected and cleaned, and delivered with white glove service. Huge, huge, huge fan of this business model. We’re pretty spoiled with these amazing businesses out on the coasts – hope that they can make their way inland soon!
LiveAuctioneers
WELCOME TO THE RABBIT HOLE. I have a crippling LiveAuctioneers addiction and I’m not sorry!!! Their tagline is “let’s go treasure-hunting” and WOW, THAT COPY IS SPOT ON. I suggest doing a good amount of preparation before jumping into any auctions – like, you have to register for each one, plan your max bid, calculate the amount you’re willing to spend on buyer’s premiums (that’s the auction house’s cut), put out feelers for shipping costs, etc. – but the work is worth the reward. Over time, you’ll discover your favorite auctioneers and auction houses (Billings‘ quarterly auctions are my personal favorite!) and it’s just REALLY FUN. (Should we do a bigger post on auctions? Asking for myself, because like…I kinda wanna write more about this whole process.)
Loveseat
This is LA’s best-kept secret and I can name at least one VERY expensive vintage store who used to source A LOT OF INVENTORY from Loveseat. Like, A LOT OF INVENTORY. (I won’t name names, but like…if you want to take a guess, maybe you’ll be right?) Loveseat started out in LA, expanded to San Diego, and their auctions are now available down in San Antonio and Austin, too.
Loveseat’s grown to offer primarily dead stock or returned items (so like, if you’re in the mood for a new $80 sofa or $40 refrigerator, this is absolutely the site for you – you’re welcome for the tip) but they do still occasionally have some awesome vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces up on consignment. Check-in once a week and see what’s listed. There are some really impressive deals to be had, you know?
OfferUp
I gotta be honest: I am reluctantly posting about OfferUp. The app is kind of a nightmare, the ads are weird, the spam listings can get out of control, and the user experience is kind of…bad? But man, there are some steals buried on there – I’m talking $19 campaign nightstands, $10 wrought iron chairs, $100 dining sets, and more. Proceed at your own risk. (I usually have fun searching for about, uh, 10 minutes, before rage quitting after seeing local furniture stores spamming sofas everywhere. Sometimes I find something great; other times, I force close the app and consider chucking my phone across the room. Am I doing a great job of selling OfferUp? Are you excited to try it???)
One King’s Lane
So, uh, One King’s Lane vintage selection isn’t cheap. It’s stocked full of products from vendors who know what they have and who have priced those objects accordingly…so if you’re on the hunt for a deal, this may not be the best site for you.
It’s like Em’s classic advice: you can’t have cheap, fast, AND good. You’ll be able to grab beautiful, ready-to-ship pieces here – but you will need a bit of flexibility in your budget (that’s my nice, euphemistic way of being like “yo, stuff here costs like, $7,000“). If you are one of the folks who’s been blessed with a flexible budget, though, GO WILD. It’s really fun to buy a piece from a knowledgeable seller who can teach you something about where your furniture resided previously, you know?
Pamono
Pamono, pre-August 2021: Europe’s version of Chairish. Pamono, post-August 2021: acquired by Chairish. You may have noticed a proliferation of European dealers on Chairish over the past few months, and this is why. That said, the OG Pamono site is a real treat – it’s SO educational (the content on the front page is beautiful AND informative!), the layout is easy to use, customs fees are included in the prices, and shipping fees are clearly stated upfront (it averages out to about $900 bucks to get furniture from Europe to LA, which is actually a pretty impressive deal – my uShip account could never compete!!!).
If you’re someone who loves trends, I can’t recommend Pamono highly enough – it’s a nice little vintage microcosm where you can get a real feel for what’s coming up next. There are so many listings on Chairish that these little Euro-centric pieces can get lost, so it’s really nice that they have their own place to shine. (And if you’re trying to nail your designer vocab, there’s truly no better place to learn. Big fan!)
HELLO, FRIEND. Rejuvenation relaunched their Antiques and Vintage category earlier this year and I couldn’t be more excited – could you imagine the impact it’d have if more major retailers dedicated time and manpower to preservation? Like, Rejuvenation’s restoration studio (a team!!! For vintage!!!) restores over 3,000 antique and vintage pieces a year – it’s a pretty gargantuan undertaking and IT’S SO COOL.
There’s something for everyone here – rugs, lighting, furniture, and more – and if you’ve been staying up-to-date with Em’s Instagram stories, you may have noticed that she’s been digging around the Rejuvenation warehouse. She’s sourced a few SUPER special pieces from the antiques and vintage section and I can’t wait for y’all to see how she styles them in the Farmhouse…we’re all in for a treat. 🙂
Ruby Lane
Ruby Lane is kind of like Chairish with a twist – while you can’t make an offer on a piece directly on their site, but you can send a note to the vendor directly to negotiate a deal. As an added bonus, several retailers also offer free shipping (they’ll note this in the item description) and layaway plans (the amount of time on these varies, but it’s a nice option!).
Items on Ruby Lane are generally pretty fairly priced (so you’re probably not going to have one of those “holy crap, I just found a $4,000 table for $60 bucks!” moments) and the UI can feel a little dated, but it’s still a great resource to explore. (And again, if you’re one of those folks with a flexible budget…well, Ruby Lane’s your oyster, pal. Enjoy!)
SIGH. This is another one of my secret sources and I’m 50% excited to share it and 50% sad that I’m increasing competition for myself. C’EST LA VIE. I’ve long loved Scout Design Studio for their new furniture and decor pieces (like, that absolutely wiiiild Greek bust in my bathroom was a Scout purchase!) but their vintage section is something else.
We’ve got burl case goods (that are more affordable than their modern counterparts!), brightly-lacquered credenzas and sideboards, classic marble commodes, consoles, art, and SO MUCH MORE. Everything can be customized, too – I highly recommend shooting them a follow on Instagram to see their finds as they arrive. Scout does a great job of toeing the line between affordable and out of reach, too – nothing here is cheap, but pieces do feel really fairly priced. I’m saving up for a few things as we speak!!
I mean…it’s Sotheby’s, guys. $17,000 tapestries, $8,000 candlesticks, $150,000 rugs, $87,000 water pitchers…you get it, right? Pour yourself a nice (or, uh, average) glass of wine (I’ll have the $11 Sauv Blanc from the Walgreens next to my house, thank you #Nobilo4ever), snuggle up on the couch with an iPad, and enjoy a fun little escapist scroll.
Urban Americana
THE BEST ANTIQUE MALL ON THE INTERNET. (Unless you know a better one, in which case – I’m all ears, baby!!! Lay it on me!!) We’ve actually visited Urban Americana as a team – it was one of our last outings before Em headed up to Oregon – and it’s one of my favorite spots in the LA area.
Urban Americana does a REALLY impressive job of documenting all the inventory in its facility. It’s a pretty gargantuan undertaking (especially when you have that many little shops, filled with constantly shifting pieces!) and I just can’t think of another mall that puts this much care and effort into supporting its vendors. Also, they have delivery available within a 100-mile radius AND they are lightning fast at pulling up shipping quotes! Well-priced pieces sold by really nice and thoughtful people? Done. I AM A HUGE FAN. 1 MILLION STARS FROM ME.
1stDibs
Last but not least: our sweet, reliable, high-end friend. You’ve seen Em’s latest 1stDibs find – that sweet, patinated Swedish blue cabinet – and there’s WAY more where that came from. I’ve recently become obsessed with their Auction section as there are some awesome deals to be found (who knew?!) but my real favorite page is their iconic designs section, which is a veritable treasure trove of famous products – I treat it like the random article section on Wikipedia, where I arbitrarily click on a product name and then get to learn all about its history (and its pricing). It’s fun! It’s free! I like it!
THAT’S ALL SHE WROTE. (“Thank God,” – you, probably, after making your way through this whole novel. We’re way over 3,000 words, which is, uh, a LOT.) Anyone have any thoughts? Feelings? Good Etsy shops to recommend? A favorite estate sale business, perhaps? A vintage-selling Instagram account you love to follow? I’M ALL EARS, CUTIES. Happy Friday – see ya down there, yeah?? xx
Finding the right decor for a room does not only rely on aesthetics. You should also consider its functionality and suitability for your personality, preference, and the events you will hold in the room.
For instance, if you’re shopping for a dining room rug, you should consider your current room’s decor and what type of meals you have at home. For special occasions, you should also dress up your dining room, and changing your rug is one way to do so.
Whether you’re decorating for a new dining room or styling up for an occasion, here are some styles you should consider.
Traditional Rugs for Formal Dinners
Nothing says “fancy dinner” quite like the traditional dining room. You should consider getting a formal rug if you want to replicate that old-fashioned dinner with your family.
A traditional dining room rug has a border and a center motif around the edges. The border commonly has floral or geometric designs and colors. Meanwhile, the center motif is normally ball-shaped, although it can feature other shapes and motifs that are also iconic of the Victorian era.
As formal dinners usually call for mahogany or walnut tables and chairs, you may opt for darker-colored dining rugs.
Mid-Century Rugs for Long, Fun Parties
If you like to host lots of parties and events, then you probably have plenty of guests over during your time. For a mid-century room, you should have a rug with a playful motif, possibly some geometric shapes, and mandala designs.
Mid-century rugs feature a sleeker design than traditional dining room rugs. They are usually rectangular or oval-shaped and have smaller motifs instead of large center designs.
Are you looking for decor that’s a little bit more relaxed? You can also go for a rustic dining room rug that looks like it came from a cabin or country home. A rug like this will help create an atmosphere for your guests to relax and enjoy their meals.
A rustic dining room rug is made with a coarse material that is perfect for the outdoors. It has a woven texture, cozy design, and earth-toned colors, which helps the rug blend in with the surrounding areas.
Bohemian Rugs for Intimate Dinners
A Bohemian rug has a round motif with intricate patterns and colors. It is woven from jute, sisal, or other materials that look like it’s from an era long forgotten, but we assure you it is still as comfortable as it is timeless.
You can also go with a Persian rug style with intricate designs, colors, and textures. These are woven from pre-industrial fibers and are often hand-knotted by artisans. Some even have a tribal flair with motifs that resemble ancient designs.
Coastal Rugs for Casual and Comfortable Conversations
When it comes to coastal-inspired rooms, you may sometimes need a soft rug that invites you to sink into your seat. A coastal rug is light and airy, perfect for coastal or beach houses.
You can also opt for a nautical rug that feels like it’s from a ship’s floor. It has a subdued design with pale colors, making it look and feel calm and inviting.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right rug for your dining room can change the room's feel. Different rugs can also make other rooms look more special or inviting. However, you must consider the type of food you serve, the ambiance you want for your guests, and the feel you want for your home.
If you’re looking for unique dining room rugs to add beauty to your home, check out Atlas Weavers today. We are the leading supplier of authenticMoroccan rugsmade with intricate, high-quality craftsmanship. Explore our collection and buy today!
