It's hard to find really good antique shops in the heart of San Francisco. Many tend to be ultra high end antique shops that service the 1% of the population. The prices are astronomical. If you want to find really good antique shops that house several dealers, you usually need to go down the peninsula or across the bay. Then I discovered Stuff. This is a post long overdue as I had discovered them over a year ago.
Stuff is a large warehouse of antique dealers selling all types of antique products: furniture, lighting, appliances, decor, jewelry, clothing, etc. I made my first purchase of a 1930s chandelier last February. Since then, I just browse the inventory until something catches my eye.
One of my favorite artistic expressions is Art Deco. I try to collect as many pieces as I can; within reason of course. However, many Deco items are priced extremely high. Once, in awhile, I do get lucky. I bought an Art Deco dresser for $45 at an estate sale. At Stuff, there is an Art Deco display where nothing seems to be reasonably priced. The cheapest item I found was $175 for a tiny compact. This particular dealer isn't the only selling Deco, though. There are many others spread throughout. You just need to take the time to search all the inventory.
Around the time I bought my chandelier, I saw these two Art Deco chairs that I thought would look cute in my dining area. It was priced along with a table that I didn't need. I asked one of the workers if the dealer was insistent on selling with the table. He was. Some dealers are just too stubborn. I figured I'd just wait him out, and if it's meant to be, the chairs will still be there. Fast forward another 6 months and the table is gone but the chairs still there. This time they were priced at $90. I was still hesitant. Again, if it's meant to be, they'll be there. Another six months go by. Yesterday, I finally went back to Stuff. As I was walking up the second floor, I thought, if they're there, I'll take them no matter the price.
Lo and Behold! The chairs were still there. This time they were priced at $65. I told one of the workers, "I'll take them." Then he dropped a bombshell. "You came at a good time. This seller is leaving this booth. Everything is 75% off!" Good knight! I wish he had more things available to my liking, but I walked away with those two Art Deco chairs for a whopping $17! I just love antiques on the cheap!
Next week, I'm planning on returning for this other Deco piece. It's pricey, but I wanted to wait until my next paycheck before I splurge. If it's meant to be, it'll be there. Stay tuned...
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