Everyone has that thing on their thrifting radar. Lived-in leather shoes have been on mine lately. Instead of adding more articles of clothing to my wardrobe I found that when I slowly expand my shoe options, I naturally wind up wearing more outfits I love but avoided reaching for because they felt incomplete. A pair of sleek black cowboy-esque boots, chocolate brown square toe mules with a block heel, and a black timeless above-the-ankle boot have filled the gaps in my closet. You can never go wrong with interchangeable basics that carry you through multiple seasons. I’ve been sliding into the mules a lot lately. Soon I can ditch the socks and go bare-heeled.
Then there’s the item on your wishlist that you subconsciously look for but never expect to find. It’s at the center of your radar like an illusive bullseye. Under normal circumstances the perfect piece would take many man hours scouring on Facebook Marketplace or originate at a rare estate sale. Months or years can go by before it crosses your path. The process can’t be rushed.
Furniture is a rare purchase for me. We lugged our wobbly table and collapsible nightstand across the country. Both are preciously wabi sabi but not exactly special to look at. We’re lucky to have started off with the essentials. Our cabin came with a basic wood bed frame, dresser and a futon couch (an infamous style choice that I go more in depth about here: https://wordpress.com/post/thewobblytableblog.com/1838). The deck included a picnic table and lounge chairs handcrafted by our landlord.
The bones of our home have plenty of character. Between the wood-paneling and beams, yellow and brown 70’s floral tile kitchen, stone mantle behind a wood burning fireplace and the bold avocado-color tub in our bathroom, it didn’t take much to make the place cozy.
We haven’t replaced or amassed furniture because 1) we didn’t really need to and 2) the limited space. The center of our living room was an exception.
Near the dressing room at my regular thrift spot, a beautiful mid century modern coffee table was tucked in a corner. My radar alarm sounded off. In another life it could’ve been one-half of a pair of end-tables. Some hats and a scarf were strewn on top obstructing it’s shiny wood finish. Like a paleontologist digging for bones, I happened to be the lucky one to notice the uniquely carved legs and the potential underneath the clutter. A quick google search informed me of similar Lane Alta Vista pieces that retail for upwards $1k. At $25, I knew I had to act fast before I could get Jordan’s approval. I didn’t mind that I’d be carrying it up four flights of stairs by myself. The sore back would be worth it.
Jordan returned from a work trip pleasantly surprised with the living room upgrade. Despite its crazy affordability, it still felt like a big adult purchase. We never owned a coffee table in our previous places together. For years we used our window sill behind the couch to perch books, mugs and other odds and ends. Permanent coffee stain rings have become a part of the wooden ledge like our fingerprints on the cabin.
I love the asymmetrical lines and extra book storage. A delicate gold trim runs along the surface which give it a slightly sophisticated feel like a subtle nod to old Hollywood Glamour. I visualize the table sitting on the set of Mad Men accompanied with a dirty martini and crystal ashtray as jazz plays in the background. It can’t be far off from how it spent its hay day.
Finally, a statement piece that holds its own in the cabin.
The Wobbly Table Blog 