Set of Eames Herman Miller Side Chairs

Four Vintage Herman Miller Fiberglass Chairs - $400 (Alexandria)

Here is a listing for a set of four Eames molded plastic/fiberglass side chairs made by Herman Miller. These classic mid century chairs were designed by Charles and Ray Eames and were first presented at the Museum of Modern Art in 1948. They were/are produced by Herman Miller in a variety of colors and with one of three base styles--four-legged (as shown), wire, and rocker--and were the first "plastic" chairs to be mass produced. The material is plastic resin reinforced with fiberglass, sometimes called "Zenaloy" after Zenith Plastics with whom Eames/Herman Miller collaborated.

These four chairs are a beautiful orange color and appear to be in good condition. The seller does note that there is some wear and tarnish to the bases, but that all parts are intact and there are no chips to the shells. They still bear the original stamps and stickers. These chairs have held up well over the years, and continue to be produced, meaning that there are a lot of them on the market at any given time. Nevertheless, they generally sell for over $100 a piece individually, with some discounts for sets. At $400, the price for this set is certainly reasonable and better than you would find in a store, but I wouldn't call it a great deal. As always, there may be some wiggle room in there.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/fuo/996419432.html

Finally, while fact checking for this post I came across some really neat resources on these chairs that may be of interest. For example, this Herman Miller catalog page from 1951, and the video below, made for Herman Miller to describe, in detail, the manufacturing process for these chairs. Enjoy!

Knoll Bertoia Side Chairs (4)

Knoll Bertoia Wire Chairs (set of 4) - $500 (Montgomery Village)

This listing is for a set of four wire chairs produced by Knoll and designed by Harry Bertoia. As you probably know, these "Bertoia Side Chairs" are among the most classic and instantly recognizable of the period, and were introduced in 1952. And it is for a good reason - they are beautiful.

There are a few things to note about these chairs and this particular listing:

1. There are a lot of reproductions of this chair out there, and I am not expert in distinguishing... do your homework and directly ask the seller how he knows these are authentic.

2. New reproductions sell for about $150 a chair (set of 4 would cost $600).

3. Vintage originals of this chair sell for around $250-300 a piece (eBay).

4. The chairs are still in production and sell for over $400 each (DWR)

5. The chairs in this posting have been painted black. That certainly does not help the value, but I don't know how much of an impact it may have.

Overall, $500 for these chairs, even if they are a reproduction (seller says they are real), is a good deal. On top of that, he states that the price is negotiable. A great find if you are in the market for a set like this.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/fuo/990465477.html

50s Atomic Light Fixture

50s / 60s Green Glass Ceiling Light Fixture - $50 (Springfield / DC)

A unique mid century green, opalescent light fixture from Germany, including original hardware and wiring.  This is a beacutiful ceiling fixture that has survived very well over the years with the exception of one small nick on the glass.  This would look wonderful above your boomerang formica kitchen table...  Reasonably priced (you can hardly find a new fixture for thsi price) and can be picked up in Springfield or delivered to DC.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/hsh/972684955.html

Funky space-age style chair

Bo Concept Modern Retro Lounge Chair - $199 (Logan Circle, DC)

I'll start by saying that this is not a vintage piece. However, it is a great space-age / atomic looking lounge chair that would look really cool in the right setting. Obviously it is not for every house, or everyone, but this lounge chair has a nice style and looks pretty comfortable. Swivels, reclines and has a built in footrest.

A bit expensive for a chair, but I think it is a pretty reasonable price, all things considered. 

Price may be negotiable, this has been listed for a while.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/fuo/963004306.html

Beautifully ugly - and FREE

CIRCA 1960 STYLE WALNUT COUCH (CENTREVILLE)

Probably the ugliest upholstery I have seen in my life.  However, this couch has a cool, lounge style and has a lot of potential - I love the legs and the wood detail on the arms, and if it is walnut as the owner says, it is likely still sturdy and easily refinished (if necessary).

Given that the couch is FREE, you could easily invest a few hundred bucks in getting it reupholstered in whatever color you choose.  Or just ditch the back cushions.

Get it while it's hot! If you don't - I might.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/fuo/956725085.html