3/31/09

The purse strings may be a bit shorter these days, but that doesn’t mean you need to dial back your design desires. Shopping for used and salvaged furniture and accessories at antique malls or flea markets is a great way to get unique wares that make for individualistic interiors.  And, since times are so tight, sellers are lowering their prices and giving customers better deals as well as offering unique and interesting pieces that would otherwise be unavailable.  A visit to the Agoura Antique Mart outside of Los Angeles yielded the following treasures.

The taxidermy look is in and it might just be here to stay, especially with the abundance of stag’s heads and antler plaques (both real and faux) available at the antique mart.  Stag’s heads were valued from $265 – $295, considerably lower from the average $400 price online or in upscale retailers.

These owl bookends were heavy in weight but not in price, marked at under $40 for the pair.

A footstool like this would cost well over $150 at a fancy interiors store, what with it’s cowhide cushion and nail-head trim. Agoura Antique Mart price? Only $48.00!

Who says antiques can’t be modern looking? This piece is an old spotlight bulb mounted on brass with a marble base. And at $185, it’s the ideal price for a hip piece of art to enhance any tabletop.

• Tip: When shopping at an antique mall, ask if the seller is in house. They will often negotiate a lower price if you play your cards right.