First off: Hi! I’m happy to be back blogging, I needed that break more than I knew. I wasn’t expecting it, but thank you to all those who showed such kind support, I appreciate it. It really made me feel like this little blog is turning into a bit of a community, which makes me happy in a totally dorky and nerdy sort of way.
So back to the big news. A few days after I posted about the Franco Albini ottoman, and how it was my latest and greatest obsession (I had been stalking it on the internet, had set up a craigslist RSS feed, and had an ebay saved search…I mean, we were almost on restraining order terms) and then Meg emailed me. She had spotted the ottoman at a vintage Saint Paul consignment store. Whoa! First of all, these bad boys are expensive. As in “I’ll never be able to justify spending $400 on a footstool” expensive. I was seriously toying with the idea of purchasing a white spray-painted one that was half-caved in on the bottom for $110 on ebay. I mean, I wasn’t really going to buy it, but I thought that maybe there was a way I could save it and bring it back to life and get it on the cheap.
So when Meg emails me about this ottoman, needless to say I was pretty excited. The big question was, how much was the store going to be asking for it? Well get this: it was on sale, originally $67 with an additional 20% off. Um, yeah. I ran over there first thing Saturday morning, picked it up and left feeling like a thief.
I gave it the once over and it looked like a quality, well built piece. I’m pretty sure it’s the real deal! I’m not even sure if they make knock offs. You tell me though, any experts out there? Did I buy a knock-off?
Either way, I don’t mind. I would obviously prefer it to be real, but what I really want is that texture in my room. I love the way it looks and the way it reflects light and the way it makes cool shapes. You get the idea. I’ll stop making out with my new ottoman now.
In other news, I just finished touching up the last bits of paint in my bedroom. Minus collecting a few accessories that I’ll have to save for, it’s done! Be expecting a thorough and detailed post about it in the coming days. Can’t wait to share it with you.
Oh, the ottoman also came with wooden knobs on the feet. I hadn’t seen that in others’ pictures online so maybe that’s the knock off giveaway. Or maybe it’s the sign of a one-of-a-kind gem. I’m happy either way.
You are one lucky duck!
I pumped this worked out! When I saw it, I knew it had to be yours, and I’m glad you got it for a steal. I am not an expert, but I will say that the details really point to authentic. The feet may be added. People like to do that, but I don’t think it hurts the value, and it definitely doesn’t hurt the aesthetic. Enjoy your ottoman! Glad the blogging break did you good. Like someone else said on the previous post, take one if you need to, we aren’t going anywhere.
Thanks again! I am totally loving the ottoman, and I get a kick out of having eyes all over this city ;)
I will return the favor and look for some sweet serving pieces for you!
Knockoff or not, it looks like a nice addition to that room! And that’s all that really matters. Plus, can’t beat that price. Good job!
Well done on finding one so quickly. These come up on ebay in the UK fairly regularly but usually go for about £90 which was more than I was willing to pay. I sort of knew they were more expensive in the US but didn’t realise by how much. You were so lucky to find one at such a bargain price! I got mine for £40 Buy it now on ebay so I got a bargain too and I’m so pleased I got it. No one is allowed to sit on it though, if anyone touches it I shout at them!!!! I’ve never seen one with feet, maybe they were an add on to prevent the floor from being scratched? xx
I suppose that’s probably true. You are in the UK then? I’ve heard it’s hard to find Eames chairs there but pretty easy here. I guess both locations have their up sides :)
Yes, Eames chairs are rare over here so very expensive. In fact, most MCM furniture is rare so shopping for furniture is difficult and expensive. Your bedroom looks great BTW. And I love the giant hexagon blanket – must add that to my crochet to do list. x
Nice!! I love how those ottomans look and it works so well in your room. Mind if I ask which consignment shop it was? The shops I’ve been to around Mpls haven’t seemed all that interesting. Was this one worth stopping into from time to time, or do you think it just had a one-time-only special superfind?
Hey Anne, sorry for the delay in the reply. I got it at a shop called Bella Galleria, there is one on 50th and Xerxes too. It’s a vintage consignment store but most of the items are a little more victorian antiques although there are a few mid century pieces. I saw a lot of cool serving pieces/tea cups dishware etc.. I found some linen napkins that I almost snatched up the price could’t be beat.. I imagine the 50th and Xerxes location is probably a little more chichi. I could just be making assumptions too. Here’s a link. http://www.bellagalleria.net/
Oh wow! I thought I was the only one who was obsessed with these things! Congrats on finding a knock off so cheap! Pier1 had a knock off that was originally $100 and marked down to $30 about a year ago, but they sold out quickly and I missed out but it didn’t look nearly as good as yours.. I wouldn’t mind spending up to $80 bucks at the most for one, but over that I think is a bit too much…….and the search continues.
Hi. I found your blog last night while researching Franco Albini poufs. I bought one for $1 at a yard sale last summer and knew little about these beautiful things. Anyway, your post helped me and I wanted to give you credit and use one of your photos in a post. Would that be possible? Thanks.
Hey Martha,
$1 sounds like quite the deal.. These ottomans were made to make light look good, I love mine so much. Yes, you can use my photo, but I’d appreciate a link back to my blog. Thanks so much. Hope to see you around the blog in the future :)
How do we know if we have the real deal? Are there markings? I have one and wondering how to find out.
They are cool pieces for sure! Mine came from my moms house and certainly looks real. It has a couple spots where it is cracked.
I would appreciate any feedback.
Brenda