MetaChat - I didn't realize I was a furniture snob

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14 March 2011

I didn't realize I was a furniture snob until I recently started perusing Craig's List looking for some good deals and—Yowza! →[More:]
Awful lot of butt ugly couches out there. If they're not overstuffed beige monstrosities, then chances are they're formless lumps of polyester dyed with all the colors of the pastel and/or muted mauve rainbow, and sporting patterns that would look right at home on a Cosby sweater. As much as people make fun of the styles of the 70s, I believe the 80s was truly the Decade of Bad Taste.

post by: Atom Eyes at: 15:33 | 17 comments

I think the ugliest are the black leather sofas that kind of look like Jabba the Hut.

posted by iconomy 14 March | 15:35

>>sporting patterns that would look right at home on a Cosby sweater

posted by sperose 14 March | 15:40

Damnit fake ass code!

I meant to say that my mother has done those sorts of patterns through 2 upholsterings but at least I was able to stop her from doing it to my inherited furniture, even though every time she comes over she's all 'oh, I could've picked such a better fabric' (And it would have been ugly as fuck).

posted by sperose 14 March | 15:42

I sometimes find it unbelievable what people are asking for truly crap furniture on Craigslist.

Also, there should be some kind of tutorial on photography. Glaringly lit, scarily shadowed, indistinct, depressing surroundings...you name a way to make something look unappealing, and someone on Craigslist has tried it.

posted by Miko 14 March | 15:59

My Mom used to get furniture re-upholstered in the toughest, most industrial-strength fabric possible. It would be so tough and scratchy, no one would use it, ensuring it would last forever. 6 kids, can't blame her. Later in life, all her furniture was pale and dainty, probably as compensation.

I have an overstuffed green velvet couch and matching chair in purple velvet. Sounds ghastly, but it is kinda cool and comfy, though out of place in my current house. Comfy trumps fashionable.

posted by theora55 14 March | 16:24

I get a kick out of all of the "rod iron" furniture. Really, search it on your local CL, it's crazy.

posted by iconomy 14 March | 17:00

Wow, you're right. Rod Iron!

'Cause it's like made out of rods, right?

posted by octothorpe 14 March | 17:26

Yeah, it totally makes sense. "Dinning" room furniture is almost as prevalent as rod iron furniture. Especially where you are, octo.

posted by iconomy 14 March | 17:43

We've actually been furnishing our house via Craig's List in the last year or so but it's all been 19th Century stuff (one reproduction). We've bought two beds, a glass book case, a wardrobe, a china cabinet and a buffet all from the Antiques section. It's all good solid hardwood stuff and usually much cheaper than antique shops and other than Ikea, much cheaper than new.

Probably going to call about this bookcase, it's too good a price to skip.

posted by octothorpe 14 March | 18:12

I really like that bookcase. So far this past year I've scored two leather Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs, a buffet, and a really nice porch set from CL. Not that fancy schmancy rod iron stuff, but nice anyway.

posted by iconomy 14 March | 18:37

two leather Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs

*turns green with envy*

posted by BoringPostcards 14 March | 19:09

And wouldn't you know, there's a lot of "rod iron" on ebay, too. *facepalm*

posted by BoringPostcards 14 March | 19:13

There is a very very specific kind of couch pattern I associate with those kids who's parents where never home and who had a sword collection. Its a kind of crushed velvet burnt orange and yellow floral fantasia.

posted by The Whelk 14 March | 19:18

Rod iron is funny.

If rod iron work is too ornamental I guess it's over-rod, because you used too many rods.

posted by fleacircus 14 March | 19:33

This whole subject is just wrought for me. . .

posted by danf 14 March | 20:47

Its a kind of crushed velvet burnt orange and yellow floral fantasia.

Like this?

posted by galadriel 15 March | 17:06

Rod Iron is my pornstar name.

posted by doctor_negative 15 March | 22:54

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