Green Decorating: Shop your local consignment stores
March 17, 2008 § 10 Comments
Okay, I admit it. I have the consignment bug. I find it incredibly exciting to hunt for and find an item that is not only reasonably priced but also has a history to it.
I recently purchased an oval mahogany solid-topped dining table that was, admittedly, a little beaten up on the surface, but the base was unbelievable. Personally, I find the scratches and gouges rather charming, much like the wrinkles on a wise old woman. But I may decide to apply a little loving elbow grease (or a simple table cloth). Regardless, I now have a gem. It took two burly men to haul this solid piece of craftsmanship up the deck stairs and into the dining room. And it’s not going anywhere.
The best part is that there’s a wonderful karma that comes from knowing that perhaps another loving family sat around this fabulous table before ours. It’s not a perfect specimen; it’s been around here for a couple of generations, at least. And I find that history a wonderful addition to our family. Not only that, but by purchasing something that is already here, we are not only saving thousands of dollars but we are decreasing that carbon footprint that everyone is talking about. Purchasing antiques and other gently used furniture and accessories is considered “green.”
Your Home & Color Coach 
Hi there,
I have a question that is completely off topic. But thought I’d give it a try anyway! I have a bright yellow (read:post-it note yellow) couch and two brown leather with oak trim chairs in a room with a dark coloured piano and light oak floors. There are huge windows in this room, and the room is long and skinny with 12 foot ceilings. I am going for a cozy but airy feel. What wall colour would you recommend? I was aiming for a brown/tan. What do you think?
Hi Heidi,
To cozy up your room, you might consider painting the ceiling either a nice buttery yellow or a dark brown to bring the ceiling down in relation to the size of the room. Painting one wall dark might only accentuate the narrowness of the room. I think you’d be happier with the room all one light airy color and the ceiling painted your accent color. Hopefully that will square up the room and make it feel more spacious.
Hope that helps.
-Barbara.
Your Home & Color Coach
What a beautiful table!
Hi realworldmartha,
Thanks. Can you believe it was only $275? I love it when I hit gold like this!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
That’s a beautiful table! I love consignment shops and even Salvation Army stores have some great stuff.
I just got a 1960’s mahogany dining room table with double pedestal legs from a consignment shop for only $60! It reminded me so much of my mother’s when I was growing up I had to have it. It has a few water spots so we may refinish it, but it’s so pretty and very sturdy.
Great website!
I don’t know if this is the right place to post but I’m trying to ask a new question about what color to paint my family room. Is there a place to sign up?
I have a cocoa colored couch and blue with cocoa chairs. I’m putting red accents into the room and have wrought iron accessories. We have a brick with black & tiny white spec fireplace. The family room drops down from the dining room which is getting an accent wall of red with white trim. So basically the room where my kitchen table is will have the accent wall and the same wall carries into my family room. There is a sliding glass door right after the dining room wall and then the family room wall starts. Okay that’s so much information but also the family room ceiling has 3 beams. We had started painting the family room a pearl color but soon realized that this would look awful against the cocoa colored couch and it wasn’t a dramatic enough color. I found a classic taupe from Behr (#290E-3) and I think it looks good but I have doubts. I also found a dark brown (Wooden Cabin #290F-7) that I thought might look good for the trim and beams. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi catnip35,
Wow, you REALLY lucked out with your table find. Congrats!! I just love the thrill of the hunt and when you find that perfect piece, you just know it! And it feels fantastic! Some people like things in mint condition. A few scratches and water marks look like badges of honor to me.
Thanks for your input.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
Hi Roberta,
I think you’re on the right track. Since you already have red as the accent color, you need to focus on a neutral that will allow the sofa and other furniture to coordinate and make the red wall stand out. I suggest purchasing a fan deck, either Behr or another brand, taking it home and locating the color of your sofa. It will be in the taupe/cocoa brown area. Then go either a couple shades lighter or darker for your wall color. As for the beams. Dark brown always works, especially with your color scheme.
The main thing to avoid is a wall color that has yellow in it. The cocoa will clash horribly. Just stick with the taupes and you should be all set.
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach
beautiful table, what a find, i also take alot of pleasure in finding pretty objects to blend with the new items that i purchase…happy hunting
Hi marla,
Thanks for visiting! And happy hunting to you!
-Barbara
Your Home & Color Coach