So, hubby and I began pricing new ( to us) dining room furniture, in anticipation of replacing the $35 vintage chrome table and chairs I bought at a thrift store almost 20 years ago. Our chairs have dry rot, and the table is fine, just a little wobbly. We wanted something that would stand up to our kids, be easy to clean, and kind of fun.
I've always had my heart set on a booth. So , I priced one from dinerbooths.com, a company in WV that has made them since the 1950s. A table with two 44 inch booths started at about $800, what we wanted was closer to $1200. And, I thought it might be a little too 1950s for my taste.
Anyway, last night, I was looking at craigslist, and I happened to run across the exact same booth I just priced out, used, at a moving sale for $250. For all of it. $250. I sent my mom down to look at it (It was very near her house) and she called to say it looked brand new and was in mint condition, and I would totally love it.
So, I did something bad. I busted the budget again. I took $250 cash out of the bank and I bought it. We pick it up this weekend. Hubby is fine with it. But it is another wrench in my budget plan. $330 for the farm share, $190 for fat club plus $110 for the gym membership to do fat club. It's been a budge-busting week.
I think the booth was definitely a great deal. But, I guess I'm nervous because I hadn't planned to spend anything on the dining room until next year. Am I being foolish? I mean, most of the tables I had looked at cost $200 or more-- just for the table.
I was also thinking that if the booth feels too 1950s, I can always make slipcovers for them to mix up the look.
More money out: I hope it was the right decision
October 6th, 2010 at 04:18 pm
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October 7th, 2010 at 12:14 am 1286410474
I can only hope to find the "perfect" dining set for $250, when I am ready to replace my current $20 set. (Though, I might since I tend to go used/Craigslist, too).
You just got to wonder how often someone sells a dining piece like that - especially in such good condition. Enjoy!
October 7th, 2010 at 12:41 am 1286412110
October 7th, 2010 at 02:04 am 1286417069
Our dining room table and chairs was purchased on half-price day at an estate sale. A big table and four chairs for $65. I love it. Congrats on the smart shopping!
October 7th, 2010 at 03:05 am 1286420720
What probably makes you feel guilty (because it makes me feel guilty) is that you just wanted to PRICE instead of BUY, expecting that you'll get a little time to get your cash levels to where you want. Never works for me either. I've learned not to bother with the price stage unless I'm comfortable with buying whatever I find. Poor planning, I know, but avoidance works for me.
October 7th, 2010 at 03:06 am 1286420818