1950s Chrome & Formica Dinette Set - $150

50's Style Dining Set - $150 (Adams Morgan)

Although these sets are still fairly easy to come by (there are several on Craig's List now), I never get tired of them, and this set is offered at a reasonable price. Nothing adds a more immediate retro 1950s feel to your kitchen/dining area than a chrome and formica dinette set. This set includes four chairs with what looks like original, or at least period appropriate, pink vinyl upholstery (with white piping?). Everything appears to be in good condition, but it definitely warrants a closer look. If you decide to check out this piece, look for pitting in the chrome (flaking - not the same as rust that can be polished away with steel wool), chips in the formica, tears in the vinyl, and missing bolts. Although little problems likely won't make or break the piece, finding them before you get the piece home will help you negotiate a fair price. $150 is definitely a reasonable starting place...


http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/fuo/1726247502.html

Pair of Knoll side tables - $150 (or $100 ea)

Pair of Knoll Tables - $100 (NoVA)

This listing is for a pair of simple yet beautiful Knoll side tables. The tables are very similar, but they are not quite matching. One has a black "t-angle" base (the legs are shaped like the letter t), while the other has a chrome base. Both tops appear to be walnut laminate / veneer. It is hard to tell from the pictures, but it seems that these are from two different eras - the chrome base being a more recent piece, whereas the one with the black t-angle base dates to the early 1950s. This table was designed by Florence Knoll (in 1948, I believe) and has been a standard in Knoll's catalog ever since (with varying materials).

They are functional and versatile tables that were often used in an office setting but are equally useful at home. With a price of $150 for the pair, before negotiation, this is a great deal, assuming they are in good condition (i.e. laminate fully intact).

Here are a few similar listings for price comparison - a recent eBay sale, and a listing on Architonic. Note that these are both for the older, t-angle version of the two tables.

Act fast - early bird gets the tables...

Unique Scandinavian Buffet - $125

Scandinavian Buffet - $125 (Hagerstown, MD)

No, this post is not about the food court at IKEA... It is, rather, about the very unique "Scandinavian" buffet / sideboard pictured above, which is being sold for just $125. I've never seen a piece quite like this one, so I can't say much about its history or value, but I think it has great style. According to the seller, the top is Italian marble and the sideboard is constructed of walnut. It has a row of drawers down the left half and a pair of wicker / cane / grasscloth doors on the right side which conceal more drawers and some open storage space. The seller also states that the sideboard is from the 1950s, though it is unclear where that information comes from (at first glance, it looks newer to me).

Overall, I love the contrasting use of materials and the distinctly European style in this piece, and the price is very reasonable. Generally speaking, sideboards are very functional pieces of furniture, whether used as media stands or china storage, and are also good for keeping your house looking clean (just close the doors and the mess disappears!). The only downside is that, according to the seller, there is a crack in the marble top - though it is not clear how large / significant that is. Even so, if it matters to you, marble is easy to replace. If you are in the market for a sideboard, this could be a great piece for you!

1950s Chrome & Formica Kitchen Table & Chairs

Retro 50's Diner Table and 4 Chairs - $100 (Alexandria)

This listing is for the quintessential 1950s kitchen table and chairs, trimmed in chrome with a Formica top. Although these are quite common, this is a nice looking set and has a silverware drawer built in to the table (a fairly common, but convenient feature). Overall there is nothing spectacular here, but nothing will give your kitchen more retro flair than a set like this. They are very easy to clean and will stay structurally sound forever.

Before buying make sure to check the chrome for pitting. Surface rust is very easy to remove but pitting (flaking) is essentially irreparable and will spread over time.

Overall a nice set, and not even the cheapest set from Ikea will cost $100 or less.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/fuo/1019943640.html

Four Vinyl Chairs 1950s

4 Retro Red and White Vinyl Chairs - $80 (Rockville)

This listing is for a set of four 1950s chrome and vinyl chairs.  These were a common accompaniment to matching formica tables at the time and came in a wide range of colors and patters.  This particular set has a unique patterned backrest (original) and a reupholstered red seat. Judging by the picture, the chrome is in good condition, but it is certainly worth inspecting - rust is easily removable, but pitting to the chrome is not.

Overall, a great price for four vintage chairs, especially if you have the formica table to match. This would look great in your vintage kitchen ...

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/fuo/995826943.html

Vintage fridge

Retro 1950s Refrigerator - $150 (Frederick)

This post is for a vintage refrigerator ca. 1950s with a very classic and modern style. The seller states that the fridge is in working condition and it looks to be in decent condition. This would make a great addition to your 50s, mid century bar or kitchen. Priced at $150 but there is always room for negotiation.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/for/984697472.html