As we were figuring out how to use this family room, we knew we wanted multiple zones for multiple uses. And one zone would be perfect for a casual, but stylish game table and chairs. As luck would have it, in my travels, I found the perfect game table and chairs for the family room at a Chicago auction house.
Multiple Zones. Multiple Purposes.
The family room is pretty large at 12’ x 19’, expanding to 20 feet wide in the alcove area. Once the room was opened up, it provided enough room for a lounging area with sofa and two chairs, as well as a dining/game area.
The sofa and chair would definitely be new – I wanted a specific style, with related but different fabric, so ordering custom was the way to go. But when I looked into new game tables and chairs they were expensive. Not only expensive, they were not the style and quality I wanted.
Always Be on the Lookout
For me, an essential truth is that if I’m looking for something – I can’t find it. Even though I’m sure I’ve seen it somewhere before. For this reason, I always keep a running list in my head. This strategy does cause me to buy things that will be perfect someday, as was the case with the cottage (you can read about that here).
Don’t Overlook an Auction House
While I have my favorite antique stores in Chicago and Michigan and love the occasional estate sale, they can be hit-or-miss. For that reason, I have come to truly appreciate auction houses.
With an auction company, you’re almost guaranteed that the merchandise will be high quality, because they are doing due diligence on what they will accept. I will regularly check their websites and look at the “Upcoming Sales” section. From there you can view the on-line catalog, which shows all the “lots” (items offered for sale either individually or together).
In Chicago we have some really good auction houses. One that gets more fine antiques is Hindman’s (Formerly Leslie Hindman). I have browsed their on-line catalogs, but never purchased from them. The one I used the most is Susanin’s . Unfortunately, Susanin’s has transformed their business model into just “art advisory”. But I have gotten some nice things from them, including the table and 4 game chairs.
Don’t be intimidated by the Process.
I am not talking about Christie’s or Sotheby’s where you sit in a room and raise a paddle to bid. At the auction houses I’ve had experience with even if they hold the auction in person, you can place your bid on-line or “absentee”. You just register with the company, put in your highest bid and wait to see if you get the item. If there is not a lot of interest, chances are good you could get your item for an incredible steal.
They will typically have preview dates where you can go view the “lot”. This means you can walk around, see the condition of your item and also look at the other items that may not have grabbed your attention on the website. Again, beware, this can result in over purchasing. On this trip I found this pair of blue and white vases. They were such an unusual shape so I would be bidding on them also.
I purchased the painting above the living room fireplace at Toomey and Co. This was a live action, but when this lot came up a sales person called me and I participated by phone. I loved this painting because it looked exactly like sunset from our beach in Michigan. I was thrilled to get it for $800.
A True “Find”
When I went to view the table and 4 game chairs it was in great condition. The inlaid, parquet table was beautiful. The 4 chairs were covered in an awful fabric, but everything else about them was solid. The legs weren’t too beat up; all the casters were intact; the seat foundation (the structure below the upholstery) was firm. This was good news because it would be less work (and cost) to reupholster. I had seen rolling game chairs like these which were about $1,800 each. So, a starting bid of $500 – this could be a steal. I ended up getting it for $600. The auction house does add a fee – in this case it was 25%. All in, the final price for the table and chairs was $750.
Now, to figure out fabric
The furniture in the family room was going to be variations on navy blue – I wanted the fabric to have blue in it but be different. Also, the seats were going to get a lot of use, so that fabric needed to be durable.
After looking at different fabrics, we decided on Kravet cream and blue “faux bois”. Faux bois is French for “false wood” and is used for fabric and other things that have an artistic imitation of wood or wood grain. This is the same blue as we’re using throughout the family room, but different enough to not be “matchy”.
We loved this fabric, but it wasn’t very sturdy –and given that we would likely be eating pizza in these chairs most Friday’s, it would get dirty. So, we decided to do the interior of the chairs in a high quality cream vinyl that matches the background color of the fabric. Up close it looks like leather, and it actually feels like it too. The combination gives a very interesting texture to the chairs, and the main seating surface is more durable.
Finally, the Perfect Game Table and Chairs
After everything was reupholstered and in the space with the other furniture – it was perfect. The room felt cohesive and put-together, but not formulaic.
We spent about $800 on fabric, $1,500 to the upholsterer and $750 for the table and chairs. All-in we paid about $3,000 for the finished set which I think is a deal. If we had gone with new chairs alone it could have cost $7-10,000. I call that a steal!
WETSU! WETSU!
XO JT
