Tidbits by Tina

Would you know if it's the “real McCoy”

Wouldn’t you like to be the one who found a painting at a consignment shop, only to find out it was worth over a million bucks? This babe is lucky if she can find a genuine Louis Vuitton handbag that isn’t a Canal Street knockoff. But enough about me, let’s talk about real bargain hunting.

Vintage pottery can usually be found at antique stores, but the possibility of a piece showing up at a consignment shop is thrilling. Not knowing the value of something that’s been laying around Grandma Miller’s house could turn out to be a piece of McCoy, Roseville or Hull – pottery from the late 1800s through the mid 1900s.

McCoy’s colorful collectibles include vintage cookie jars, planters, vases and pitchers from the early 1900s. Check for markings which include the word McCoy, often in combination with USA. There have been plenty of knockoff’s so don’t get too excited until you’ve authenticated your find.

Roseville pottery dates back to the late 1800s where several lines of art pottery were designed with a variety of patterns, many inspired by nature. All Roseville pieces are collectibles but signed pieces by the artist are worth more. Many pieces are clearly marked with the company name on the bottom, some pieces were not marked at all. Here’s a hint: pinecones, wisteria and sunflowers were some of the motifs they were known for.

The best Hull pieces were made from the 1930s through the 1950s. Hull pottery had mostly floral themes, but were also known for pastel matte planters and flower vases. If you find a cookie jar with Little Red Riding Hood, it may be worth over a thousand dollars! Hull pieces are clearly marked Hull or Hull USA on the bottom.

You never know what you’ll find in a garage sale. A piece of dusty pottery that some kid took from his parents house for his first apartment, might have found its way to a yard or estate sale. Keep an eye out for a few other names in vintage pottery like Weller, Rookwood, Van Briggle and Fulper. Know what to look for. Of course, pottery is worth much more if it’s in mint condition. Look for hairline fractures, fine cracks and yes, suspicious markings. This Diva will not be fooled! If you’re serious about collecting pottery, go to your local library and check out some books on identifying and buying pottery.

This babe's goal is to find a fabulous treasure and get her fifteen minutes of fame on the Antique Road Show, weeping when they tell me my great aunt’s fruit bowl is worth oodles of money!

But enough about me…hope you find the real McCoy!

Originally from Diva Bargain Shopper / Author Flora Doone

Here are some useful Tidbits from Tina...

Know your wood types

Wood furniture falls into three categories: solid wood, veneers, and particle board or composite wood. Solid wood furniture is typically more expensive than other types and looks great, but can be susceptible to scratches and water rings. Veneers have an inexpensive wood base covered by several thin layers of better-quality wood. Because of the cheaper core, veneers aren’t as expensive as solid wood pieces. Particle board and composite wood pieces are made from a combination of wood pulp, plastics, and resin, basically the scraps of the furniture world. These are the cheapest type of wood furniture and can look decent, but won’t hold up for decades.

Check drawers and cabinets

Open the drawers and cabinets. Make sure the drawer pulls all the way out, latches properly, and then shuts evenly. Make sure doors open, remain in an open position (instead of snapping closed while you’re trying to get something out of the cabinet), and shut again. Check the handles and knobs. They should fit tightly and not jiggle or turn.

Avoid nails and glue

Look for wood joined at ends and corners, not glued or nailed in. Known in the manufacturing world as wood joinery, these pieces are sturdier and can take more weight.

Furniture tips: fabric

Consider your lifestyle

Let your lifestyle determine what colors and fabrics you choose. For example, I have a large, hyper dog constantly climbing on the furniture. If I brought home a white suede couch, it would be torn apart and stained in minutes. If you have kids or pets, stick with dark colors and stain-resistant tough fabrics like linen or tweed.

Be realistic about colors

I once bought an orange corduroy armchair at a furniture outlet store. At the time, my house was decorated in orange, blue, and white, and I thought I’d love those colors forever. As it turned out, “forever” was about a year. I got so sick of the bright orange I sold the chair for a fraction of what I paid. Learn from my mistake: Stick to neutral colors for your bigger and more expensive pieces. Save bold colors for décor pieces.

Inspect the legs

The legs should be heavy, wood, and jointed to the frame of the sofa or chair, not nailed. Plastic, rubber, or metal legs don’t look as nice, can tear up your floors, and won’t hold up as well. Same goes for nailed-in wood legs. If you’re spending more than $1,000 on a sofa, look for one with a fifth leg in the middle. They provide extra support – you won’t find them on many cheaper sofas.

Check the springs

If you like firm sofas, look for one with traditional coiled springs. If you want a softer feel, go with zigzag coils. Before you buy, take off the cushions and press down on the base of the sofa. The coils should push down and spring back into place immediately.

Test the cushions

Look for firm cushions with a removable cover matching on both sides. Firm cushions hold up better over time. Fully covered cushions cost a bit more than ones with the pattern on one side and a plain white or tan backing, but they’ll last longer and wear evenly if you can flip them over every few months. Find removable covers that are easily washable.

How to buy furniture for less

Buy at the right time

Furniture prices fluctuate throughout the year. In the video above, Stacy Johnson said you’ll get good deals around Memorial Day and Veterans Day, both popular times for furniture sales. But if you want the best deal, wait until the Fourth of July or even Christmas when furniture stores push to get rid of the last of their inventory and offer the biggest discounts.

Don’t rule out used furniture

You can find great deals with secondhand furniture as long as you inspect it carefully. You’ll obviously look for rips, stains, tears, water marks, and scratches, but lift up cushions and look for stains on the inside of couches and chairs. Sit on it for as long as time allows to check for sturdiness and comfort.

Source: MoneyTalksNews

Don't Be Afraid to Break the Rules

Rules sometimes are made to be broken and when it comes to your furniture and decorating style, many professional decorators and interior designers agree that thinking outside the box can be a refreshing change.

Everything Doesn't Have to Match

Many interior decorators insist that the key to a beautiful room and setting is to simply place items you love in them. Pairing traditional settings for example with modern works of art can create a perfect match. Don't be afraid to pair vintage with contemporary or any contrasting styles and colors.

Mixing Woods Can Be A Great Way to Add Contrast and Interest

Adding variations in wood color can be beautiful especially when matching contrasting tones to other elements in your room. In the photo to the left, the walnut in the nesting table complements the brown tones in the wood floors and the ivory desk juxtaposes with the cream sofa for a smooth and polished look.

Step Aside from Symmetry

Take artwork off grid because symmetry can be stifling and boring. In the living room below, the large painting was placed to the far left of the sofa to serve as a focal point from the hallway that leads straight to the room. Place artwork or other large items off center from the room but in visual line from a common approach area to the room.