Sorry - the EA link didn't work. If you feel so inclined, you can see the buffet I was originally thinking about buying by searching for "Maison Buffet."

Thanks!

I have an end table that looks similar in style and color. I always thought the wood had a Pecan looking finish, or maybe Cherry wood.

Well, the color may be similar, but the Maison buffet seems to be a more solid piece, not having the legs, etc. The CL piece doesn't strike me as cherry, but I don't know much about these things! Perhaps, as newhome says, pecan.

I also think the one on CL seems to be lacking in detail on the center - the handles look like they are just floating on the drawers, instead of perhaps having the same detailed carving on each drawer that you have on the top two drawers.

I am thinking pecan on the CL buffet. And it's not a bad piece. The EA buffet is nice too, but I'm sure it's a ton more money. Have you been to see the CL piece in person? If you like it, you will probably get more bang for your buck, but if you are a little ambivalent, why don't you keep searching CL to get something more perfect for you.

Here is the EA maison...
{{!gwi}}

Red

I like the one on Craigslist better. I think it's a great deal, too. I've heard, but don't know firsthand that EA furniture has declined in quality over the years. I almost never buy new furniture, preferring secondhand quality (and prices) to new stuff that is made poorly. I also don't gravitate toward matching pieces in a room.

I would at least check out the CL piece. If you find something better that you like at a later date, you could either use it elsewhere in your home or sell it for at least what you paid for it.

Hope you show pics of your finished room!

Here is a link that might be useful: My Home

Thanks so much for all the replies. Red - I haven't seen it IRL yet and the more I look at it, I'm thinking I'll probably pass on it.

Actually, this is the one I really want. I like it better than the EA one. It's Pierre Deux and it bit more than I want to spend, but it's TDF.

I really like the craig's list buffet-- but as Les said, the handles seem to be floating and it lacks the details of the other pieces you are selecting. My thought is that it will always be your second choice.

If it were a tad closer to me (I am in PA), I'd buy it and paint a design or floral on the front. I think it is screaming for something more on its face.

I like the Craigs piece. I think it's a veneer but that is not the end of the world. For that time period that is what you would find. I'd almost say it reminds me of birds eye maple.

I'd buy it. Then I'd test taking the finish off. I'd be careful. Then I'd do a stain that I rub on. I'd go darker.

Or I would consider painting it if I placed it in a more whimsical place. Like using for a bathroom vanity. I bought one like this and had my plumber cut a hole in the top for the sink. It worked out great and it's so pretty. I did a base paint of green. Then did the distressed with a cream. Loved it.

Thanks, funkyart and ilovepink. I actually thought about the possibility of adding wooden onlays, such as the kind found at the link below, but I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to make it look professionally done. And refinishing the wood... I have no experience with that either. Now, if I decided to simply paint the piece, no problem - that I can do - but I really prefer a wood finish in this particular piece.

Thanks again for the replies!

Here is a link that might be useful: Decorators Supply

Well, I think I would probably find a way to splurge for the Pierre Deux or keep looking for something closer to that style. Gluing stuff onto that CL buffet is not going to make it transform into the Pierre Deux, and the EA buffet doesn't even compare.

I've seen a lot this furniture style lately on my local CL. Of course now that I don't NEED a piece like this, there is plenty around!

Rosewind.. well I DO like it as is. It has that odd not quite right but beautiful appearance .. kind of like Meryl Streep. I mean, I think she is absolutely beautiful-- but her face is not normal.. some facial elements are too far apart and some too small.. but it WORKS! I feel the same about this piece :)

It is not like the PD piece you long for-- but if you will be happy with it, you can use the money saved on the PD piece for something else that makes you happy!

I did a CL search in your area using Sideboard as my search term. Found a few pretty ones. Does this one do anything for you?

Here is a link that might be useful: Va. sideboard

Red, I saw that one. It's a nice sideboard, particularly the carving at the top! Alas, it's not quite what I'm looking for. I'm hoping to find a small buffet in cherry that is very french. There is a really nice one that's been listed for a while but it's huge. I actually have something like 15 different CL feeds coming into my-yahoo.com for various items I'm looking for, including "sideboard," "buffet," and "french" for this particular search, and I check them daily. I'm not in a big hurry to snag a buffet though. If I find one, great; if not, oh well. It's fun to see what people have to offer though!