I’m always looking for new friends to go shopping with. You would think that would be pretty easy, but I’m still trying to make friends in my new city with girls who like to do the same things I do….not shopping at the mall, but the antiques or thriftstores or junk places. I wish you all lived near me! One friend from church, my floral design friend, Angie, does like to antique and look at junk, so she and I went out this week to a fun antique mall that I had never been to before. Lots to look at, they really had some good looking things in there.
I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but have had in my mind for awhile that I’d like to find an antique chest of drawers to go in our master bedroom. I showed you the black yardsale piece that we’ve been using for 3 years now which is way too small and not very nice, but I knew I’d find something eventually and for a decent price. I spotted this French piece and it’s gorgeous, but at over $1000, way more than I wanted to spend or could afford to spend.
Right next to it was this beauty. A traditional mahogany chest on chest in great condition AND the price was decent AND it was 20% off AND they offer 60 day layaway. I think I can do that. It has an English look to it and looks to be Chippendale to me. It stands 52″ tall and is quite a large piece, with dove-tailed drawers. 
So, I went back the next day with Judy (see below) and put it on layaway. Two more payments and I’ll bring this baby home. I know you want to know the price and since I usually blurt those things out anyway, I’ll tell you…with the 20% discount, it came to $390. Now how’s that for a deal? I think it’s great myself. I’m mixing it with a late-1800’s French armoire that we already have in the room and I’ll be sure to do a post when it’s in place.
It’s a beauty and I think we are really going to enjoy it. If you have never shopped for antiques, I’d highly recommend that you try it. I used to think only rich people could afford antiques, but I found out that this little myth is simply not true. Anyone can afford antiques (even if they are 100 years old and true antiques) and you can afford many vintage pieces a lot easier than buying new pieces. And, personally I would much rather have an old piece than a new piece anyday. They just don’t make furniture like this anymore. Classic, traditional style never goes out of fashion. This chest is probably from the 40’s or 50’s. We’ll get back to this discussion in a minute. So, moving on around the store….
This is a huge French buffet.
Pretty blue and white dishes.
I thought these needlepoint chairs were really pretty.
And how about this aqua tole platter and aqua bowl….yummy colors! So that was one fun day from last week. The next day, my new friend Judy from Gracious Southern Living came up for the day and we had such a great time! We’ve been chatting online for almost a year now and again, it was like meeting up with an old friend. 
Judy likes to talk decorating as much as I do and we did not shut up for about 6 straight hours. Here we are at lunch at O’Carr’s with their famous chicken salad and fruit plate.
We went to Cahaba Heights for a little antiquing. Judy is a very fun person and I’m so glad I got to meet her finally. I know we will meet up again. She’s very warm, friendly, and Southern all wrapped up in one.
We had a great time strolling around…just looking at all the fun stuff out there. Judy picked up a pretty iron candelabra for outside and carted it home in her VW bug.
We both loved this green wicker in the shop, Treasures in Cahaba Heights.
More blue and white.
Loved this pretty bunny and bird vignette.
My sister and I did the same thing. We went antiquing and junkin’. She did bring her camera but we are trying to figure out who gets to blog about it =)… I hope I get a few of the pictures and get to share with all of you. If I only lived closer to you! Susie H
I have always looked for antiques to add to my home. I especially like turn of the century golden oak. I do like to buy new upholstered pieces and I have bought some kitchen chairs and barstools from Pottery Barn.
My husband was a career Air Force officer. We moved every three to four years. I can honestly say that the antiques moved so well, there was barely a scratch on them when they came off the moving truck. Not so lucky with the newer furniture.
I don’t have room for anymore large pieces of furniture but I still like to go antiqueing to buy “littles”.
I love your blog. You really have a talent for interior design. I’ve gotten lots of good ideas from your blog!
Love your new chest! Great finds, fun and friends!!! We definitely love and furnish with lots of old pieces…some great quality, some super-rehabs!!! The quality is always better, andthe details are unbeatable…and we do always love a challenge!!
blessings,
kari & kijsa
*waving to Sheila above*
Judy you are adorable AND Rhoda, you know I love you!
AND I love, love, love your new treasure – it is perfect, just perfect. You did great! Can’t wait to see it in your home.
Big ((((((((hugs)))))))))
Kim
I haven’t been by here in ages, Rho, but it looks like I stopped in at a good time. I love your new dresser! It looks like Hepplewhite to me. I love the wood grain and the carving on it. Lovely! How cool that you got to meet a fellow blogger, too! I’ll chime in and say, too, that I am also a second-hand shopper. I’m trying to remember the last thing I bought that was actually “new.” Hey, we can chalk it up to being environmentally conscious, too, right? Why buy new when there is plenty of old stuff to love?! 🙂
I have to agree with you! I much prefer a mix of pieces selected for the “personality”/charm they show than a houseful of new furniture with the store look to them. I have quite a few antiques and I would fight to ever give them up – my store-bought pieces, the highest bidder can have them. I also have pieces my husband has made and they’ll never go anywhere either.
G’morning Rhoda!
I have been buying antiques since Sweet Hubby and I we were married over 30 years ago. We couldn’t afford new! They don’t have to be Antiques Roadshow noteable. None of our pieces are of much value, certainly not Chippendale, but have withstood raising 3 kids! I still use the oak kitchen drawleaf table that we took home 25 years ago and immediately chopped off the legs to make a coffee table (the refinisher we had just purchased it from never knew, he woulda flipped). It is sturdy enough to stand on for 6’6″ hubby to change a light bulb in the ceiling or as a stage for a munchkin to sing a solo and big enough for tea parties for 6 little girless if needed. Can’t say that of most of the furniture produced today. I have bought dressers at the Salvation Army or Good Will for as little as $30 and just painted them to match my little girl’s room or? Found a little greenish-aqua colored side table at the swap meet for $7 years ago and still use it, never repainted it. Who’da thunk it would eventually be in style? HA!
Antique stores and flea markets were regular Sunday afternoon entertainment when our kids were younger. We thought it was a perfect venue to teach the kids the value of the past and also how to look and not touch. Many had free popcorn or vintage candy for sale so the kids thought it was great! (thanks for the memories!)
Wish you were closer, I’d join you for a shopping excursion!
Blessings, Shay
What a fun post! Gorgeous antique finds there. I have a chest like the one you showed that I’ve used since I was a little girl. I used to have to tug really hard to get the drawers open with my skinny little arms. All these years later we still use it and love it (and now I’m big enough to open the heavy drawers!). -Julia 🙂
Those are some beautiful pieces. I would love to have one of those chest’s too! And, don’t kill me, I would love to paint and distress it! So pretty!
The only things I like to buy new:
mattresses
sofas
and recliners…so the big soft goods items.
But that said I do have an antique sofa too and two antique chairs but they will be completely reupholstered.
and it is a quality issue…you are so right you just can’t find that craftmanship any more.
Okay – I am going to tell you a secret. When I was growing up, one house in our neighborhood was completely decorated with antiques and I loved it. My Mother leaned toward a simplistic modern style in the 60-70’s and it had it’s charm…but totally lacked the elegance of those intricate antique pieces in our neighbors house! Shhhh – My Mother was an Interior Designer too!
I have had so much fun reading all your comments about your love affair with antiques too! I know there are a lot of us out there who love the mix of old and new. I too, only buy new upholstery for the most part since some of those old sofas aren’t very comfortable, but oh those older wood pieces just have the prettiest patina to them that cannot be duplicated in a new piece. No way, no how!
Sheila, Kim told me about meeting you, so thank you for leaving me a note! Very nice to meet you. I don’t think we’ll be back in FL anytime soon though.
Let’s keep up that antiquing!
Rhoda
I’m with ya, 100%!!! I like the P.B. “look” and enjoy model homes that are all perfectly coordinated–but couldn’t stand an entire house of it. It looks NICE, but lacks personality. I enjoy a much more collected look, which takes MUCH MORE time and creativity–and relfects the owner better!! My home is far from perfect, but I’m taking my time and buying things I LOVE…slowly. And my home is very “me,” which makes ME happy!!
I love all your pictures. That chest is beautiful. I’ve gotten a few great pieces passed down from family but don’t have as many as i would like to have. i often get items at a yard sales and end up painting them. i would rather have the older stuff but i think i have a mix of old and new and it works for me.
Hey Rhoda!
I love your new chest!! For $390 I think that is a STEAL! They don’t make furniture like they used to. I love to mix old and new. My husband and I hope to build one day so I am always keeping my eyes peeled looking at furniture and different looks. I also am thinking about painting a table of mine black with the “distressed” look. Thanks for your tips!!
Oh, is the Cahaba Heights in Birmingham? I wouldn’t mind checking that place out when I come in July. Just let me know where it is. Thanks for all your great advice!
Suzanne
[email protected]
That is a very stunning chest….Mary
Hi Rhoda,
Love the chest of drawers.
I wished we lived closer. I would love to shop and chat with you.
Great photos!!
Glad you two had such fun.
Rosemary
That chest is a steal at that price- good for you! We love old furniture also. Over the years, have collected a few pieces but now I’m kind of in the “down size mode” so if i buy, something has to go – but what!? Love your blog.
Hi Rhoda,
What a great chest you found! Love it. I also love the French hutch and the outside iron garden things.
I prefer old instead of new. Antiques fill our little house and I’m always ready to go antiquing and flea market shopping ~ no better way to spend the day!
Hugs,
Donna
How are you?! I have missed your blog. Came by to say hello and loved your post. Come by and say hello and check out a blog I have found. Fantastic man!
Hugs,
Robyn