I come from an expert family of dumpster divers.
My grandfather found two flat-screen televisions in the middle of the road in his Florida neighbourhood. He put them in his vehicle and drove them home, where he arranged them in different rooms so that my grandmother and he could watch their soap operas in peace.
My grandpa went to the house the next day and knocked at the door, asking for the remotes.
This trait of seeing potential in the abandoned or cast-off objects that are strewn about in dusty thrift stores, alleys, and on stoops is something my family has always done. After graduating college, moving into a new apartment meant starting a new chapter as an adult. I wanted an apartment that was official and adult. I spent my summer looking for affordable furniture and deciding how my apartment should look. I did this using a mixture of trusted online shops and NYC stores.
Mother Of Junk ($),567 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn, NY11211
Brooklyn’s Junk has the best prices on treasures. Since I’m from upstate New York, I can find most of their items at half-price. But within the five boroughs, is that possible? This is a treasure trove.
If you don’t want to hunt, skip it. I found my treasures by trial and error: rifling through painting after painting, stepping over glass on the 2nd floor, and visiting the store weekly for at least a month. Unfortunately, those of us who are inclined to wheeling and dealing will not appreciate it when you bargain or bundle. I’ve tried.
These three framed prints look great above my dining table and couch.
Habitat For Humanity ($),
6201 Northern Blvd., Queens, NY, 11377
While better located upstate, Habitat for Humanity has a great store in Queens that sells used furniture. All items sold here are used to fund their charitable work. Volunteers build affordable houses for families who need them.
I bought a large mantle at Habitat and painted it white later. I also bought a lamp, a record player, and a midcentury dresser.
Dobbins St. Co-Op ($$$)
Brooklyn, NY 11211 – 310 Graham Ave
Dobbin’s Street Vintage Co-Op has everything you could want. The prices are not cheap but fair for the unique vintage furniture sold. I go there often to dream about interior design and look at the table.
Remix market ($$)
33-56 11th St, Queens, NY 11106
Remix, a small home goods store in Astoria, is always active on Instagram. It’s a great way to keep up with the latest trends. Has found success in bundling items here, such as a recent dresser purchase that included a lamp and a painting for less than $100. Remix gets five stars also for its friendly employees, who will help you load furniture in an Uber.
ONLINE
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook’s online marketplace is why I still haven’t deleted it. Sometimes, before going to bed, I will see what other people are selling online. I have found everything from mushroom lamps to sofas and mirrors. The best vintage furniture can be found in New Jersey. You can find a good deal on a coffee table or an armchair if willing to make a quick offer. Most people in this area want to move and will be eager for their furniture to be gone.
This cute little chair that fits perfectly in our dining area was given to us for free!
Craigslist
Craigslist is scary, but you can find incredible finds like vintage record players, speaker systems, dining room tables, and more. Here we bought a perfect green chair for only $100. It was barely used.
OfferUp
Check out Offerup if you are not on Facebook. I expect the prices to be about half of what they would be at Remix.
Etsy
Etsy is the place to go: If the shops listed above don’t have what you are looking for, Etsy probably will. It could be the perfect grandmother-style afghan you want or an exhibition print from the past. Etsy has many small vintage shops, some of which are very reasonably priced. If you still find something too expensive, contact the seller with your budget and let them know. It doesn’t harm to ask!
StoopingNYC
Last but not least, my favourite Instagram account. StoopingNYC offers free items from the street daily, including couches and dressers in perfect condition that don’t (probably) have bedbugs. I wouldn’t take upholstered furniture off the road, but it’s your call. My grandpa, on the other hand, would do so.
You may miss out on some exceptional pieces if you follow this account.
I found a frame and mirror on the street. I painted it butter yellow.
While painting, I also painted the pot holder holding my candles and the outer glass in a white and yellow check.
Enjoy your treasure hunt, and bring a friend to help you find anything. Wear a mask and be innovative.
What is the best thing you have found on the street or for cheap?
