I love it when a little patience pays off! I had been looking for a bookshelf last year, and couldn't find just the right vintage one, so I finally decided to break down and go to IKEA. I liked the huge 72" square Expedit and was ready to shell out the $200 plus tax for it, but white was not in stock, so I left empty handed, planning to return when it was in stock.
In the meantime, I happened across this little number at an estate sale, and for $20, I figured it would make do until I got the one I wanted. I thought I could even paint it white and be done with my search, but I never got around to it.
Here is how it stood in my living room until this weekend. It was a little small for my needs and started looking cluttered quickly.
On Saturday morning, I stopped at a sale near my house, not expecting much, and there was my Expedit, waiting for me, in like new condition! It was priced at only $55, and since it was the second day of the sale, it was half off. I paid $27.50 for it, which is less than half the cost of what our dinner cost that night at a sushi restaurant.
I couldn't believe it was priced so low and had not been snapped up, but I'm convinced it was due to how enormous this thing was and how small the stairway was in the home. However, it was extremely simple to dissassemble and we got it home easily. Ok, my husband got it home easily.
Here is how it looks now:
I also found another item that has been on my watch list, a rolling shopping cart to take to the antiques market. This was only $4.
I made a liner for it with some upholstery fabric and a vintage sheet - i just need to add some pockets for holding sunscreen and an umbrella:
Please excuse the messy workroom closet in the background.
I can't wait to see all of you bloggers out there have been finding and or making this week! Thanks for stopping by!
Joining the Nifty Thrifty on a Living Space and
Thriftasaurus Linkup on Sir Thrift A Lot and
That bookcase is a great find. I have the smaller version in birch and I love it. I wish it was white now, but I have not come across one at a estate sale yet!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Triple M! The Expedit is definitely one of IKEA's better quality items. The birch is pretty, too!
ReplyDeleteOh, I would love to find one of those bookshelves! I've almost broken down several times and bought one at IKEA. It looks great with your decor and books.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I definitely lucked out!
DeleteI've been needing an expedit for a while, too, but I haven't broken down and made the trek to IKEA yet. What a lucky find, and you styled it so well!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather!
DeleteDon't you love it when your patience is rewarded? I needed a cabinet to hold my Pyrex collection and on several occasions almost bought one that was almost what I wanted but not quite. Then at an estate sale last summer, I found the perfect one. It was exactly the size I needed for the space and had glass doors to show off my collection. I love your white shelf and the way you have it set up. Great find for you!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week,
Erica
Delayed reward is always better! Thanks!
DeleteI am so glad that you found exactly what you were looking for. I bet you also find a great re purpose for your old unit.
ReplyDeleteI loked for one of those carts (at a good price) for quite a while before I found mine. It was nice to take to the zoo for a picnic and for neighborhood yard sales too.
You are my hero.
ReplyDeleteMy whole basement is going to be Expedit soon enough. For those who want a smaller, but similar box-style bookcase, Target's versions go on sale quite often, and are 2x4 boxes or 3x3 boxes in a variety of colors.
Even though I see them a lot, I love those darn shelves. So useful.
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats on the rolling basket :)
great finds...lucky you :)
ReplyDeleteSuper awesome! I just followed after finding you on the Tuesday Tea Party and I know I'm gonna love reading your blog and getting Vintage-Decorating-Envy!
ReplyDeleteUgh, I wish I could find an Expedit locally. The nearest IKEA store is a three hour round trip for us!
ReplyDeleteWhat a find!!! I like how you styled your shelves...looks wonderful! Thanks for popping by my blog! I look forward to following along with you!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! Can't believe the deal you got on those shelves! So glad Ikea was out of the one you originally wanted. I love it when I get a bargain like that!
ReplyDeleteGreat rolling cart-fantastic liner:)
Hello from the Aloha Blog Hop! Love the way you filled that bookshelf :D
ReplyDeleteSuch and awesome find! Totally happy for you and jealous too! You did a great job decorating it!
ReplyDeleteWow, great find! I love what you have done with it! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and your encouraging words!
ReplyDeleteI have never been to an Ikea, but that shelf unit is what I have been searching for a craft room makeover. You practically stole that thing, girl!
ReplyDeleteI know, right?!
DeleteLove these shelves we have them alover, wow yours was a real bargain. Thanks for joining us at welcome to the weekend hop. Following back on GFC and twitter :)
ReplyDeleteGreat bookcase makeover. One of ours became so over packed we grabbed one from Ikea with more shelves (not quite as big as yours). It's made it's rounds around the house, but we did the same thing, the Ikea inserts are at the bottom.
ReplyDeletewow the new shelving looks great with all your stuff on. and what a bargainous price!
ReplyDeletelove that old shopping trolley too!
This is insane! I love a good thrift/tag/estate sale score and your IKEA shelves are awesome. Cannot believe the price. I would have been smiling like a big goof. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog & following. Following you back. :)
ReplyDeleteAngela
Deal of the century! I love how you styled your new shelves. I'm thinking I want an expedit for my son's room (he collects everything!). Wish I could find a bargain on one like you did!
ReplyDeletelove the decor on those shelving units!
ReplyDeleteAmy
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