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Back By Popular Demand: Our First Trolling Craiglist 2.0 City Picks

Blast from the past, anyone? TROLLING CRAIGSLIST IS BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND. And by popular demand, we actually mean DEMAND. Any chance you guys had to ask us to bring this baby back, you took. Truthfully, I have no idea what even took us so long, but pish posh, no bother, here we are again. Digging through pages and pages of horrendous office furniture castoffs, chunky wood bed frames carved with baby angels, and the occasional gem. Emily Bowser, one of our stylists, is also insanely handy and loves a good furniture rehab/reenvisioning, so she volunteered to be our go-to Craigslist troller. Our plan is to do this once a month, on a Friday, and change cities each time. We’re starting with LA because well, it’s our backyard and had to scratch that itch for ourselves personally, but we promise to go somewhere more “challenging” next time (any suggestions welcome, though we have some ideas from the comments in this post).

I’m going to hand it off to Emily B. (who we just call Bowser to avoid confusion) now, who found some pretty great things, even if they need a little TLC. Take it away, Bowser:

2x2 Grid 42

  1. Antique Oak Table with 4 chairs, $400: This is beautiful and functional (comes with 2 leaves!). Sure, it could stand for a sanding and the seats need reupholstering, but it’s a DIY I could handle on a Saturday morning and wouldn’t cost much.
  2. Modern Floating Credenza, $250: It’s simple and I like it. Paint if you like, maybe just the doors? Although I hear that brown is having a moment. I’m into the minimalism and love that it’s off the floor and has lots of storage. Wait. Do I need this?
  3. Vintage Trunks (Side Table/Coffee Table), $40: These trunks are an awesome scale and SO cheap! Sure, you could use them like the listing mentions as a side table or coffee table, but they’d also just be a pretty cool “installation” in a room as “art.”
  4. Amazing Vintage Drafting Drawing Table with Flat Files, $1,800: This isn’t cheap, but it’s very cool. Use as a desk, sure, but what about as a kitchen island? Maybe with a vintage sink put in the left side with exposed pipes? I DON’T KNOW, JUST A THOUGHT.

2x2 Grid 21

  1. Set of 2, Michel Arnoult Brazilian Sling Chair, $450: I feel like I would be so cool if I owned these and when people asked, I’d casually say, “Oh yeah, I found them on Craigslist or whatever.” They’re pricey, but not really for what you’re getting. Plus these seem sturdy…pieces you’ll likely have a very long time. $225 per chair is far better than you’d ever be able to score at full retail.
  2. Mid-century Wider Wood Coffee Table, $60: Good shape, good price! Hard to see in this pic, but there’s some pretty detail in the wood. Would be great for a narrow living room.
  3. Queen Size, Black Iron, 4-Post Bed Frame, $339: Dreaming of ways to achieve the look of the Portland master bedroom? Look no further! You could probably talk them down a little…I’d shoot for $300 here.
  4. 1800s Oak Drafting Chair, $175: Probably needed if you’re going to get that awesome drafting table (but if you’re not ready to drop $1,800 on that, this would be so cute styled against a wall with an offset piece of art, maybe a stack of books.

2x2 Grid 31

  1. Tiger Oak Coffee Table, $350: I wish I didn’t love my coffee table because this one checks all the boxes for me: Over 100 years old, solid wood, and sort of weird. The price is also SO right, so right I wouldn’t even argue about it.
  2. Fog & Morup Hammerborg MCM Spun Aluminum Light Pendant Lamp, $100: I love a hanging light to bring the eye up! I like how this one is simple while still having vintage charm (and other similar pieces from this designer can run 3, 4 or 5x the price). HURRY AND GET IT BEFORE I DO.
  3. Rattan Chair, Set of Two, $275: All these need is a simple reupholstering of the two cushions and these guys are ready for your boho beach patio (or living room).
  4. Arthur Umanoff Walnut Side Table Mid-Century Danish Modern, $250: $250 is more than I want to spend on a side table but, I mean, it’s Arthur Umanoff, it’s walnut, and more than that, it’s interesting (and reminds us of the table we used in the Portland foyer).

2x2 Grid 11

  1. Mid-century King Headboard, $200: I don’t have a king bed, but man, if I did, I would be ALL over this. It’s solid wood but missing pieces to make it a platform bed. French cleat it to the wall, buy a cheap frame and call it a day.
  2. Mid-century Brass Five Globe Table Lamp, $295: Put a dimmer on this thing, in an eclectic space, I’m in.
  3. Custom-made Swivel Chair and Ottoman, $160: Call me crazy but I’m INTO this chair. It’s not for everyone or every space and I am NOT into the Barney purple but for real, cover this thing in white shearling nd try to tell me it doesn’t belong in the Goop x CB2 collection! Plus is swivels, has an ottoman and is only $160. You can probably talk them down to like…$125 and if you’re handy with a sewing machine, could probably handle the reupholstering yourself (and if you can, let us know…we have some projects for you).
  4. Great Wooden End Table, $100: I think this may be a situation where the bad photography is hiding the fact that this is a cool piece. It’s solid (“very, very heavy” apparently) and looks like it has cool patina with an interesting shape. I may or may not have already sent out an email inquiring about it for myself…

And there you go. Our very first 2019 version of Trolling Craigslist. Yes, we started with an easy pick, LA (but according to our analytics, a ton of you are local). DO NOT WORRY. As I said, we will be sure to spread the love, in “cool” cities and “non-cool” cities. We’re likely headed to the midwest next, but throw out some locations or types of pieces you’d be into us researching, and we’re on it! Have a great weekend (and let us know if you buy anything…oh, and if you do, when you get it home and have it all set up how you like, please do post a photo on Instagram with the #ehdweekendmakeover hashtag…we wanna see!).

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246 Comments
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Jenni
6 years ago

Please add Omaha, NE to your lineup!!! Please!

Brandyn
6 years ago
Reply to  Jenni

I feel like our CL has gone way downhill and anything decent has been moved to FB marketplace. But I’ve probably just gotten lazier.

Alicia
6 years ago
Reply to  Brandyn

Yeah, our craigslist is rough. But, I’d be curious to see what they can find here either way!

Alex
6 years ago
Reply to  Jenni

I second omaha!

Brooke Moffitt
6 years ago
Reply to  Alex

I agree or Des Moines.

Lexie
6 years ago
Reply to  Jenni

I third Omaha!

April Jane
6 years ago

THIS. YES. Ah! So excited to have this back and to be an Emily Henderson wannabe out here in Tennessee.

Look at me spitting rhymes. Anyways…. Craigslist. Like I said before, YES.

Catie H
6 years ago
Reply to  April Jane

Check out “Curating Craigslist” on Facebook/Instagram/the internet. My friend does this on a regular basis for Nashville’s Craigslist.

April Jane
6 years ago
Reply to  Catie H

Love it! I most definitely will, thanks for the tip!

diane stokes jones
6 years ago
Reply to  Catie H

I subscribe to CC and LOVE IT.

EHD
6 years ago
Reply to  April Jane

HA yay! I am happy to be bringing it back too

Shauna
6 years ago

Detroit!

Dez
6 years ago

BOSTON pleeeaaaaase I’ve never read one of these but it was actually so much fun!

Angie
6 years ago
Reply to  Dez

Yes, Boston!!!

Deb
6 years ago

Loved this! And would love to see Alexandria,VA/ Northern VA added to your list too!

Beth
6 years ago

Washington, DC, please!

Rachel
6 years ago
Reply to  Beth

Second this! DC metro area/Alexandria/Arlington/Bethesda

Jane Smith
6 years ago
Reply to  Beth

+ 1 DC Please

Sahaja Carpenter
6 years ago
Reply to  Jane Smith

Yes please!

Julie
6 years ago
Reply to  Beth

Yes, please! Especially Northern Virginia.

Alicia
6 years ago
Reply to  Julie

Yes! Another plea for the Maryland part of DC metro 🙂

Megan
6 years ago
Reply to  Beth

+1 for DC area! We have amazing inventory and many interested customers 🙂

Claire
6 years ago

Boston! (please)

Angie
6 years ago
Reply to  Claire

Second this!

Natalie
6 years ago

Such a fun, and slightly voyeuristic, read! I’d be interested in an Austin Craigslist please. Mirrors, artwork, entry tables, and outdoor furniture picks would be appreciated.

Joanna
6 years ago

Yay!!!! Im so glad this feature is back! I’m putting in my vote for Colorado Springs / Denver 🙂 I would love to see some art or rugs, and hopefully at lower price points.

Stacy
6 years ago
Reply to  Joanna

Another for Denver! Especially a vanity mirror and floor mirror

Sarah
6 years ago
Reply to  Joanna

Denver here and very interested in art/smalls.

Katie
6 years ago
Reply to  Sarah

One more Denver request pretty please!!!

Holly Allen
6 years ago
Reply to  Joanna

D E N V E R , P L E A S E !

Amanda
6 years ago

I hope the midwest means Minneapolis! I missed this series and love this post, thanks for bringing it back. I’m doing more of my digging on Facebook Marketplace these days, but still love a Craigslist find!

EHD
6 years ago
Reply to  Amanda

This is news to me! I am not much of a Facebook Marketplace shopper myself but maybe I should be..

Olivia Harrison
6 years ago
Reply to  EHD

You should listen to Sherry @YoungHouseLove ‘s thoughts on Facebook Marketplace. She loves it!

Amy Makowiecki
6 years ago

Maine, please!

Leisa
6 years ago

I second that! Austin please!

Andrea
6 years ago
Reply to  Leisa

Yes – Austin!! I was a Craigslist pro in Northern Colorado, and instantly HATED the Austin Craigslist – way too many dealers with junk furniture on it!

Ashley K
6 years ago

Springfield, MO pleaaaase!! (True story, we have amazing flea markets.)

6 years ago
Reply to  Ashley K

^^ Upvote SGF, MO!

Emily
6 years ago
Reply to  Brittany

One more vote for Springfield, MO! It’s the Queen City – you have to come here!

Lynn
6 years ago

Pittsburgh!

Anna
6 years ago
Reply to  Lynn

Pittsburgh x2 for me, too! It’s 2 hrs away from me, but the closest “big” city…Columbus, OH would also be welcome 🙂 Rural areas are soooo tough!!

Erin
6 years ago
Reply to  Lynn

Another vote for Pittsburgh!!

Sarah
6 years ago
Reply to  Lynn

Adding a vote for Pittsburgh here too!

Maddie
6 years ago

Cincinnati, OH or Lexington, KY please! 🙂

Kimberly
6 years ago
Reply to  Maddie

This!

CCK
6 years ago
Reply to  Maddie

And Louisville! They’re all within an hour or so of each other.

Madeline
6 years ago
Reply to  Maddie

Yes!!!

Susie Q.
6 years ago
Reply to  Maddie

This is my neck of the woods as well. Lexington is thrift heaven. Trader’s World, anyone?

jssatx
6 years ago
Reply to  Maddie

I feel like Lexington and Louisville would have some real hidden gems. Maybe not the ever popular mid century but beautiful old wood pieces …

ARIEL BLEICH
6 years ago

Would love to see and Austin one as well!

Alana
6 years ago

Columbus, Ohio please!

Anna
6 years ago
Reply to  Alana

+1 for Cbus!!

Ava
6 years ago

I’ll say it louder for the people in the back, ATLANTA PLEASE!

Patti
6 years ago
Reply to  Ava

Yes, Atlanta!!!!

Rae
6 years ago
Reply to  Ava

Yes! Pretty, pretty please do Atlanta!

Irene
6 years ago
Reply to  Ava

While you’re there, please check Athens, GA.

Priscilla
6 years ago

I am happy to have this back. it gives one hope that there are yet “finds” to be found.

Lynn
6 years ago

I love how you so casually say, “French cleat it to the wall.” So now I know about French cleats and what they can do for me. It’s the little things. THANK YOU!

Dee
6 years ago
Reply to  Lynn

Seconded!!! I’ve known about this as a fastener since one came with a mirror I bought, but I had no idea what they were called so I didn’t know what to search for when I wanted to use them for other projects. French cleat! THANK YOU!

Jacqui
6 years ago

Boston Boston Boston Boston! If you please. And thank you.

Ellie B
6 years ago
Reply to  Jacqui

Yes! Boston CL would be great! And maybe visit the local mega flea market/antique fair this summer in Brimfield, MA at some point too? It would be fun!

Elly Bates
6 years ago

Little Rock!

Sacha
6 years ago
Reply to  Elly Bates

Yay! Yes Little Rock or Fayetteville

LJ
6 years ago

Cincinnati!!!

Marie
6 years ago

Cincinnati, Ohio ?

Mel
6 years ago

Phoenix please!!!

Ishra Solieman
6 years ago
Reply to  Mel

I second Phoenix!!

Heidi
6 years ago
Reply to  Mel

Phoenix!

Betsy
6 years ago
Reply to  Mel

Yes, Phoenix!!!

CT
6 years ago
Reply to  Mel

Phoenix vote here too!

Lacey
6 years ago

We moved to Middle of Nowhere, Michigan and I am missing my family AND DECENT CRAIGSLIST!!!

EHD
6 years ago
Reply to  Lacey

What city?

Kim
6 years ago
Reply to  EHD

CHICAGO! It has been -27 here this week and we could so use some love in the form of hot west coast design!

Heather
6 years ago

Asheville,NC or Charlotte!

Maggie
6 years ago
Reply to  Heather

I second somewhere in NC! With our furniture industry history (and High Point Market), some pretty cool stuff can be found. My vote would be for Greensboro/High Point, but Charlotte, Asheville, or Raleigh would be cool too!

Irene
6 years ago
Reply to  Maggie

I’d like to see what’s in Greensboro/High Point, too.

Meghan
6 years ago
Reply to  Heather

Yes, Greensboro/High Point!!!

Jill
6 years ago

St Louis!!

Bethviola
6 years ago
Reply to  Jill

St louis!!!

Kara
6 years ago
Reply to  Jill

+1 for St. Louis!!

Aislinn
6 years ago

West Chester, PA please!

Lynn
6 years ago
Reply to  Aislinn

oooh, that would be a good one.

Sarah
6 years ago
Reply to  Aislinn

I’m gonna piggyback on that and say Philly Main Line!

Lucy
6 years ago

Twin Cities, perhaps? ????? The Minneapolis Craigslist scene is my daily digest

Alycia
6 years ago
Reply to  Lucy

Seconded!

Vicki S Williams
6 years ago

Great picks! Wow! Phoenix please!

stephaniez
6 years ago

Atlanta please!

Lynne
6 years ago

Please do Portland, OR next!

Shawna
6 years ago

OKC!

Jennette
6 years ago

Portland! If I was in L A, I would definitely be getting those safari chairs and that side table!

Becca
6 years ago

So happy it’s back! I’m sure PDX is in the lineup, but if it’s not get it in there! ❤️

Stephanie
6 years ago

“Cool” cities and “non-cool” cities? Who defines that?

Cris S.
6 years ago
Reply to  Stephanie

I think that came from previous comments of posters and the way people responded on the survey.

Editor
6 years ago
Reply to  Cris S.

Yes! People were saying they don’t live somewhere “cool” like LA or NY with low-hanging fruit.

Rae
6 years ago

So fun! I love all four finds from the third grouping. In case anyone is going for the purple chair and ottoman — I am handy with a sewing machine and have reupholstered a bit. I don’t think that is a quick and easy job. So many curved seams, each pattern piece would be fussy, hard to keep from bunching & pulling… But, if you love it, go for it!

Emily
6 years ago

I vote Minneapolis next! 🙂

Emily
6 years ago

Seattle!

Dani
6 years ago
Reply to  Emily

I second Seattle!!!

Kk
6 years ago

Sacramento!

Evalyn
6 years ago
Reply to  Kk

Yes! Or if you want to go “non-cool”, how about Stockton?

Teri
6 years ago
Reply to  Evalyn

Another “non cool” here and in a small one as well, Kennewick, Wa. This could really be a challenge for you to find ANYTHING on our CL worth buying…

Marie
6 years ago

Love this! Westchester, NY next, please!

Lisa
6 years ago

Oh my gosh Seattle if you possibly, possibly could! So that an underpaid medical resident could finally get a coffee table! And a side table! And a hall mirror!

Kk
6 years ago

I am SO excited. Detroit! Chicago! Cleveland! Milwaukee! Indianapolis! Madison! Green Bay! Kalamazoo! Grand Rapids! Traverse City! Columbus! Akron! Fort Wayne! Des Moines!

Kat
6 years ago

Yes!!!! It’s back!!! Thank you! One thing I liked about OG Emily Craigslist posts was she would tell you – this would cost X in a store…or this is priced too high. I’d love more of that commentary.

Editor
6 years ago
Reply to  Kat

noted!

Carrie
6 years ago

Albuquerque NM!!

Julie
6 years ago

Boston, Boston, BOSTON! (Boston proper).

Paula
6 years ago

Phoenix!

Leslie
6 years ago

Houston! 4th largest city in the country HAS to have a great selection.

Laura
6 years ago
Reply to  Leslie

Yes yes! Houston please!!

6 years ago
Reply to  Laura

Thirding Houston!

Vee
6 years ago
Reply to  Leslie

Yes please.

Vero
6 years ago
Reply to  Leslie

Yes!!

Grace
6 years ago

Salt Lake City please! Just moved here from Austin so I’m in need of some good, inexpensive furniture. You likely won’t find anything on Craigslist because the Mormons don’t trust it – “KSL classifieds” is where to go. HELP!

Cris S.
6 years ago
Reply to  Grace

My sister complains of the same thing – So many people there pass things on to their families and round and round. If you are willing to look off-line then go to the DIs (Deseret Industries) and there are a couple of mid to large size antique stores in SLC. The names are escaping me but I’ve visited family there and there were two where I really wanted to bring stuff back home to Chicago (one was really large and the guy in charge obviously had a chair hoarding problem and the other was a good size antique/thrift store). I haven’t been up to Park City and I bet their antique stores aren’t cheap but they should have a good DI or Goodwill.

Emma
6 years ago
Reply to  Grace

Yes! Salt Lake, please. Our Craiglist does play second fiddle to KSL, but when it’s good, it’s really good. I got a walnut midcentury dresser with brass details for $200 recently.

Michelle
6 years ago
Reply to  Grace

Adding my vote for SLC! Just moved here and would love to see what your team could find. Show me the way!