Have you ever wondered how some people seem to have all the luck finding awesome vintage furniture and accessories on Craigslist? I’ve had so many people tell me that I am extremely lucky to have found an item on Craigslist for a decent price so easily! Well, it isn’t always easy, and with the rise in popularity of shows set in the 1950s and 1960s like Mad Men, it isn’t getting any easier or less expensive. That’s why I am sharing my four tried-and-true tips to help you find the vintage furniture of your dreams on Craigslist.
1. Intentionally use typos and misspellings in your search.
I’m sure most of you type any number of the following search terms when you are hunting for the good stuff on Craigslist: Mid Century, Retro, Eames, 1950s, 1960s, Broyhill Brasilia, etc. but have you tried searching for variations in spelling? Craigslist doesn’t have spell check and let’s face it, many people either can’t spell, or are in such a hurry to get their posting up, that they make minor mistakes. This can work in your favor! Looking for a Broyhill Brasilia piece? Try searching for various ways that is could be misspelled like broy hill, broyhil, or broyhille. I found my $50 Broyhill Sculptra dresser by searching for “broy hill.” Also, be sure to try variations of common terms: for example, not just “mid century” but also “midcentury” and “mid-century.”
2. Search with vague descriptions.
This has worked wonders for me as well! I scored my Burke tulip style end table for $25 from an elderly couple who were downsizing. They listed their table as “small, white round table.” Funny thing was, they knew exactly what they had, but they didn’t want to sell it to someone who would just turn it around and make more money on it. They wanted to affordably sell it to someone who would use it in their own house, enjoy it and appreciate it as much as they had (and I do!).
3. Search early and often.
Another method that I use to score the awesome stuff on Craigslist is to seach early and often. I’ve had most of my success finding the good stuff between the hours of 7 and 9 a.m. Many sellers honor the first-come, first-served mentality. If you are the first one to contact them and set up an appointment, you’ll be the one to score their furniture. Just make sure you get there as soon as possible, so they don’t change their mind and sell to someone who contacted them second, but can get there first. (If you are on the hunt for something, always be ready to get there fast with cash!) If I am on the hunt for something specific, say my Broyhill Brasilia bedroom set, I will search Craigslist every day at least three times a day. By keeping up on the posts as they come in, it will only take a minute or two to check and see what’s new.
4. Ask for individual item prices on overpriced sets.
When I found my Broyhill Brasilia bedroom set, it was listed for $600 for the headboard/footboard, long dresser with mirror, one nightstand, highboy dresser and the mattress. I asked the seller if she would break up the set, and she said yes. After I heard what she wanted for each individual part of the set, I realized that she valued the mattress higher than the furniture (as it was nearly new and high quality). I ended up getting the set of furniture for $275!
With these helpful tips, some persistence and a little bit of luck, you too can find treasures on Craigslist.
Mary says
I found a Milo Baughman table on CL for $150 because A) the people thought it was Stanley because they had a china cab in the same room that was made by Stanley and B) they thought the table was something no one would even want so they didn’t even bother listing it. I saw it in the corner of the Stanley hutch post and when I went to look at the hutch asked how much for the table and 6 chairs and the guy thought he was playing hardball and said $150! I would have felt bad but I knew he just wanted to get rid of all of it since his mother had gone into assisted living and the family didn’t want to deal. And he was really happy someone took it. It was my favorite CL story to date.
I also found a Tommi Parzinger table for $100 once which is among my prized possessions. LOVE CL. 🙂
Karen says
This isn’t furniture but when I was looking for a car, I searched cities where I had friends and got my Vibe in Tampa where it was about $1000 less than it would have cost me in Chicago. Plus I got a little vaca.
When my mother passed away in Ft. Meyer, I searched for a sturdy inexpensive car. The seller met me at the airport, we finished the paperwork in a few minutes, I dropped him off at his house and I was good to go. I stopped in Virginia to drop items for my brother and in Indiana to leave items my sister wanted. When I got back to Chicago, I sold the car for enough over what I paid to cover the airfare.
It’s a little extreme, but it adds a little fun if you can manage it.
Jack says
Thanks nice to hear some suggestions on looking for stuff. Any suggestions on purchasing long distance? Thanks!
Daniel says
Another one I have seen people incorrectly list: ‘dinning table’. Great tips all around!
Kevin says
I like using dailylister.com for a CL search and it seems to work better than tempest for local items. I found a great Danish teak bookcase in Coco Beach using dailylister. These two bookcases were listed under teak and the picture showed them all taken apart sitting in a garage. I recognized the braces and jumped on them. The seller was great and held them for me until I got there. I love CL!
ChristyinTN says
I am ADDICTED to craigslist and have had nothing but great luck, and I’ve met some really cool people. I found a Broyhill Brasilia dining set-table 6 chairs, buffet and china cabinet..drum roll…….$300. Happy dance! I’ve done several happy dances, as well as almost peeling out of someone’s driveway from excitement and sometimes guilt..haha! One key search I have started using lately is 1960’s, 1960s, 60’s…even if they don’t know what they have usually they know its from that decade. I would love to see some pictures of people’s craigslist scores! It’s so much fun!!
Laura Thompson says
If searching Hey Wake, be sure to try “Haywood” too! Found good stuff with that.
Christine says
Also try basic resale stores. We got a nearly perfect60″ steelcase desk for $200 at a warehouse that sells only office furniture. He sells cheap because he doesnt want to haggle with designers and such and wants to stay “off their radar”.
Christine says
Love these ideas! I like to scouring craigslist and just the other day i scores a triple wishbone dining table with leaves for $150 and a small hey wake buffet for $50! Both need to be brought back from the dead but that is how i like them. Goodwill is great too…found a hey wake side table for $5!