Got a Great Deal today on CL for a couple of PB chairs

15 years ago

About three months ago I finally decided on what kind of chairs I wanted for our newly remodeled home office. They were the schoolhouse swivel chairs from Pottery Barn in mahogany, but at $377 per chair that was way more than I could justify spending.

I was able to buy one chair on CL for $80 so kept a look out for a second one. The one chair I did have was an older version by William Sonoma that said "Oak, Walnut finish" so when I finally found two chairs for sale for $100 in the newer "Maple, mahogany" I decided to snap them both up. While the finish is almost identical to the one I had, these wheels are much quieter so I've decided to sell the older chair. It still just boggles my mind that "Oak, Walnut" looks nearly identical to "Maple, Mahogany" I think it is all just "mystery wood."

I'm still tickled that I got such a good price as last week there was a set for sale for $340 for the pair and these usually list anywhere from $125-$190 used, though I doubt anyone would actually pay $190 for a used office chair. I'm thinking of trying to sell my extra chair for $100 (perhaps list at $125) so then I would break even.

The match is amazing with my cabinets:

Next decision is whether or not to purchase new cushions from Pottery Barn or use the one I have as a template to attempt to make my own. I'm not too excited about any of the PB patterns. Here are the cushions that PB sells for these chairs: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p342/index.cfm?pkey=cdesk-chairs

I am thinking of making some simple valances for the windows as well. Perhaps something in the Bosporous toile? Or would that look out of place in a home office?

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Comments (13)

yayagal
15 years ago
Wowsa!!! You really got a deal and the office looks sooo good. Love the chairs.
deltabreeze
15 years ago
These are great. We have the same PB chair in white (except we have the armless version). We got the matching PB cushion and think PB used a very poor grade of foam (the foam is completely mashed down). The sewing on the tabs that hold the cushion to the chair was done poorly, too.

The rest of the cushion's sewing (and the zipper) is fine, however, so fixing these problems won't be hard. Given that the cushions are on sale, it might be worth buying them from PB. Just know that you are likely to have to do some foam replacing and touch up sewing.

Other than that, we really like the chair.
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What a buy on the furniture! And that green vase with the daisies on it is really beautiful. By the way, I have your little green gnome's brother. LOL. He's sitting instead of laying down. The bunny is wonderful. He's in the Dedham style of bunny stuff. The red and green owls are really cute, southwestern looking. And the butter churn...be still my heart. What a wonderful buy on that. You had a great day and got terrific stuff. hugs, Karen
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Today, I got the girl's name and found out where she lives from my neighbor with the grandson who I let come over. She said the girl is pretty wild, and not a good influence on her grandson. She once tried to get him to do tricks on his bicycle in the street. He is supposed to stay away from her. (She's older, anyway.) My neighbor said I shouldn't go to her house to get on better terms with her, as she will do what she wants anyway, and may interpret it that I am letting her come over after all. She said to wait until I see her near here again. Speaking of knowing what cats eat. I found out that her grandson had put another cat in with the tomato hornworm, and it ate part of the hornworm! Do any of you know if cats will eat each other? I was wondering if it was one of my Swallowtail cats that he put in with his. I guess he cried and cried, and his day said they'd let it go, and maybe it would grow new parts. Mary, part of me can't see how people would have the nerve to pick your roses, but another part thinks many people are clods when it comes to the appreciation of gardening and respect for others' property, and is not surprised. I'll look up the urica. :o) Living on a corner exposes you to the public. I hope they never put sidewalks in our yard! My in-laws had a fence they had to move because it was in the easement. Our back yard fence is in the easement, though, I think. I just know our shed goes out to it, and we can't build a new one because structures have to line up with the houses on either side of the lot. If our house burns down, I don't think we'll be allowed to rebuild. I do hope I see the girl soon, as I do agree I should explain why I was so upset. I think what irks me the most, is that by her telling the friend she hoped I wasn't outside, that meant she was knowingly, deliberately doing something she knew I didn't want her to do. Thanks for all the feedback, Sue
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justgotabeme, What a steal...I've been looking on craigslist for a bow front dresser, or something similiar to what you have... I have checked our thrift stores and salvation army...with no avail! Most of their stuff looks like cheap pressboard that's been left in the rain to bubble..and they still want 50-100 bucks! They do have some new items that look like they were donated by a furniture company...maybe Ashley? But they want retail...around 400 bucks for it! Def out of my budget...plus I LOVE refinishing things! I'm still keeping my eyes open for something like you have. I did like the idea of a console table there, but I wanted something with storage to put my extra paper towels etc. in .... Our kitchen is quite weird in the layout...there's a huge blank wall when you come in through the garage...and the breaker box is on that wall, so SOMETHING had to cover that. Right now it's a huge silver framed mirror...:sigh: which means something needs to go under it..it feels lonely!
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Ten bucks for all three! If you love MCM finds, you would be racing over to buy this set, at this price. If you hate MCM stuff, you are cringing and wouldn't give a Nickle for it, I know. These are listing this as a *Marble Footstool*. Gee, I've always hated having a comfortable, padded, upholstered footstool for my feet. LOL. I wonder if I could repurpose it into a plantstand???? Anyway, it is only $10! And looks like real marble. ----------- Only $35 and they say no stains or rips! This is listed as a *Church Pew Style Bench. They think they can get $50 for it. They have two of them for sale and only picture one. Is the other one in even worse condition??? The ad says "These benches are perfect for churches." I wouldn't even use this smashed bench for out in the yard. Here is a link that might be useful: Broken Crappy Bench
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Valerie Noronha
Original Author
15 years ago
dealtabreeze: Glad you like your chair as well. The armless one would probably work better for my workspace since I have a keyboard pullout, but haven't seen any for sale on CL and it is nice to have the armrests. They are still pretty low profile which is what I needed since they back up to one another.

I know what you mean about the foam since the one I have now is completely mashed down. The only ones on sale are the pinecone and zebra print ones which I didn't care for. I was wondering how difficult it would be to just make one using the existing one as a guide since it sounds like either way I'd have to purchase foam for them. Or I guess I could just get one more of the natural twill ones to go with the one I already have and just replace the foam. Assuming it would still match since I think the one I have now is several years old.
cooperbailey
15 years ago
I really like the chairs! They look great in the office. They are similar to some vintage office chairs we had at one point. It would be soo easy to make a cushion for your chairs. Take it apart and use it as a pattern.
mcps
15 years ago
I love the chairs! (and the rest of the office). You got a great deal. I've always been partial to that style of chair.
Valerie Noronha
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks, cooperbailey and mcps, I'm really liking the chairs more than I thought I would. I realize now the other chair I have has some issues with the base swivel. It also rocks a bit. These are so smooth and quiet.

I'm leaning towards taking apart the cushion and making two covers of my own.
neesie
15 years ago
I was wondering what you meant by a PB chair! Funny thing, I have an antique oak desk and always wanted that chair. I kept a vigil on craigslist and got two antique desk chairs (looks exactly like your chairs) for $75! Not each, but $75 for both in great condition! They both swivel and rock and were well worth the wait.
Valerie Noronha
Original Author
15 years ago
neesie: PB = Pottery Barn. I've seen lots of chairs like this as well, only most of the antique ones are in oak which is why I held out for the Pottery Barn ones since I wanted the mahogany finish. Usually I prefer the genuine antique versions, but this is one case I went for the reproduction version. Glad to hear that the casters and swivel mechanisms are still working for you. It's amazing since we've had many of the newer swivel/tilt office chairs break down. We'll see how these hold up.
ronbre
15 years ago
nice chairs, the photo at top the top piece does resemble OAK wood, so that is a mystery..the grain is obviously similar to oak..but they are beautiful
Valerie Noronha
Original Author
15 years ago
ronbre: You know that is exactly what I thought as well. It looks just like the other chair with the Oak and walnut stain. I checked the chair bottoms again just now and it actually does say Oak, Walnut just like the earlier one I had. Go figure. Since I got on CL, I really don't know if PB changed the chairs at some point from Oak to Maple or both sellers forgot what type they bought and checked the PB website. They no longer make an Oak, Walnut chair and it does look closest to the Maple, Mahogany. In a way it's a fortunate coincidence since I never would've bought the second chair if I knew they were the same (stickers were in a different spot)--but the swivel mechanisms are so much smoother on these new chairs.
jaybird
15 years ago
The cushions are very easy to make...email me and I will help you. The toile should be a beautiful fabric to use! Your office is great!
Valerie Noronha
Original Author
15 years ago
jaybird: I just sent you an email. I thinking the toile for the window valances and some type of stripe for the cushions. I will need to purchase the fabric first though.
zoey_neohio
15 years ago
valinsv, I am admiring your blinds. Your windows look great! Could you tell me what blinds you used? Thanks!

Got a Great Deal today on CL for a couple of PB chairs

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yayagal

deltabreeze

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Got a Great Deal today on CL for a couple of PB chairs

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