Beat Seats in the House

True story.

Once upon a time in LaLa Land, Peter and Judith had just settled in for another Thursday evening of fun and entertainment at our local auction house. We chose to attend this particular evening as we knew there was a set of 2 wing back chairs on the list and we had it in our heads that 2 wing back chairs were just what the Chez PeJu needed to round out their comfortable seating. Anyway, it was a full house that night, with all the regulars in attendance, so I knew we could be in for some stiff competition on the chairs. It was warm and humid outside so it took no time at all for the temperature in the room to creep upwards slowly. I chose to maintain a strategic position by the open front doors, and Peter quickly moved towards the back door, another source of ventilation (and a known hotspot for all the 'big boys' in town).

Fan Fireplace Screen in Front of Faux Fireplace

I was soon distracted upon seeing a friendly face from Oak Bay - Irene - in the crowd.  I couldn't get her attention to say 'hi' so texted Peter to make sure he saw her as well. Sure enough, she spotted Peter and soon left her comfy spot on a couch to go over and chat with him.  I'm sure she was a little perplexed when he started bidding on a

Victorian Pierced Brass Fan Fireplace Screen! I know she'd been to our apartment but from the confused look on her face, she didn't remember we had a fireplace (albeit a fake one).  I think it looks lovely.  Especially at the price of $12.50!

Shortly after that, Irene crossed the crowed room to come and chat with me at the front door before returning to her seat.  While were talking, it appeared to me that Peter was bidding on yet another item!  I could only see the auctioneer at the front of the room, but I couldn't see what it was that he taking bids on. In speaking with Irene I had missed the short and often very interesting verbal description of the item. Bidding soon ended and whatever it was, was had for a measly $25! Another bargain.  This was getting interesting. And we hadn't even gotten close to the chairs that I thought we had come for.  Irene returned to her seat next to her granddaughter and they each bid on and won the bid for something. Again, I couldn't see the item and had missed the all-important verbal description. The fascinating people-watching I was doing was obviously getting in the way of a perfectly good auction!

The crowd started to thin as the evening wore on, and items were paid for, claimed by their new owners and carted out the door. Of course, this meant that comfortable seats started to open up in the middle, so Peter and I moved first to standing room only at the centre back (where I could at least see the items being auctioned) and shortly after that to two chairs right in the middle.  It was getting late and they still hadn't put up the wing back chairs. I would have to pay attention now.

Well, I guess it was meant to be because we ended up having the winning bid on the 2 chairs at $45/pair. Yup no competition at all. That was exciting enough, but I still didn't know what else Peter had bought. And, we had to get them home in Oscar.  Long story made short - we did it! All for under $100.

 

Best seats in the house!

Turns out these chairs are both LayZBoy recliners! While I thought that sewing up a quick slipcover or two would make the pink/blue floral pattern more in line with our eclectic decor (i.e. easier to take) and bought the neutral coloured drop cloths, I was going to be in for a 'more complicated' sewing project. Hard to do a slipcover when there are moving parts involved.  Luckily there are several 'how to' videos on the internet to guide me through it.  To date I have washed the fabric but not found the energy to start cutting anything yet.  I'll keep you posted on that one.

Recliner bonus.

The missing link.
Classy, eh?

Oh, and the missing piece that I knew Peter has won the bid for and didn't know what it was? It was the perfect companion piece for our two new chairs. A mahogany pedestal table with leather inset top. The drawer is fake, but the leather is real.  Makes me want to just sit and read a book.

So we now spend a lot of time in these chairs - reading, eating, drinking tea, or scotch, or, just talking. Even napping.  Life is good.

Do you have a fabulous find from the auction or local antique or thrift store?