Finding items on Craigslist for far below retail can be exciting and an affordable way to furnish a home. I hate paying retail for something that I know I can get at a discount and also I like the idea of reusing something that would otherwise be considered “trash.”
I had a nook in my family room where I wanted to put a desk but the desks that I found online were just too big, so I thought I’d head over to Ana White’s site to find some plans to make my own desk. Of course I found what I was looking for but with the holidays, I put off the project. At the same time, I did my regular check on Craigslist to find out what was out there and came across the PERFECT desk for $75 (much cheaper than even building a desk). So, I grabbed my husband and we checked it out. It was just the right size but had a few scratches on the chair that came with it, so the seller knocked the price down to $50 which was great!
Here is the nook before the desk (and before the installation of the baseboards):
And here it is with the desk:
The desk opens up which we don’t use that often since we use a laptop which just sits on top of the desk. But here’s a shot with the desk opened up:
I added a 3×5 area rug that I picked up from Target to help with scuffing the new floors. I think it goes well enough with our “Y” rug but I’m still on the hunt for something that goes better.
I’m happy with my find since I got a desk AND a chair for $50 and didn’t have to break out all my tools and spend a couple hours making a desk. The size and look are perfect as well as the price. Score!
For ideas on how to find the best deals on Craigslist, YHL has a great post. I’d also add that everyone has their quirks on what they won’t buy (used mattresses!) and will buy on Craigslist and I personally don’t buy upholstered furniture on Craigslist since I have kids and dogs and I know how gross upholstered furniture can get. Besides, I am a major germ freak which definitely plays into that! That being said, I know lots of people who do buy used couches and chairs from Craigslist and that are super-happy about their find. It just depends on you! Happy Craigslisting!
