‘Shangri-La’ La Land
7May 7, 2013 by Decorum DIYer
By now you know my obsession with all things faux bamboo, right?
Most of my Craigslist searches start or end with anything faux bamboo. I can’t help myself. There is something about mid-century faux bamboo style that drives me to the ‘furniture’ ads on Craigslist.
I’ve shared with you my major victories in the past with a previous post.
I’ve also shared with you the ones that have gotten away.
Well, I’m back to share with you my most recent acquisition. I’m in love.
I found this desk and matching chair on Craigslist for less than $100. You know I I adore desks, especially in a child’s room. Of course, the below was simply listed as: Desk and chair. I did a bit of sleuthing to find this set. Usually with a child in my lap, I peruse the furniture classified ads looking at every. single. entry. It makes it well worth it, when I am able to find things I adore inexpensively.
(cue the chorus of angelic voices)
It is from Dixie’s Shangri-La line of the mid to late 1970’s.
(I was born in 1975, so maybe that is why I love this particular type of furniture so much?)
The faux bamboo is just the start. Look at the brass details that are throughout.
Hmmm, do those drawer pulls look familiar?
They should.
Very similar drawer pulls were on the two chests of drawers that my husband tried to obtain for me, much to his disappointment. Remember?
Remember that chest on the left? There were two for $100, but they were sold before we could pick them up. (You really need to read the post above, if you haven’t already.)
Look at that hardware!
The hardware on the desk is similar, no? But, much better in my opinion!
I love that the details of this desk and matching chair are Asian, because of the faux bamboo and the legs’ fretwork, but also Celtic because of the ornate, brass hardware. I also detect a bit of a Greek key pattern with the band below the top drawer. So many lovely things to look at!
Of course, this purchase came at a price, not just the monetary kind. In exchange for bringing this beauty into my home (I’m thinking it will be great for my daughter when she is of school age), I have decided to let go of my prized bamboo bedroom set:
It is okay. I am at peace with this decision and I stand to make a profit, so that softens the blow. One desk and chair for my ‘one day’ daughter’s school-aged room takes up a lot less space in my unfinished basement than an entire bedroom set.
So, there you have it, my ‘Shangri-La’ La Land story.
Do you have these things happen to you?
Do you purchase something, only to find something else that you like better, or that you know is better for you (and possibly your bank account) in the end?
BONUS QUESTION:
Can you guess the seller’s name?
[I’ve left several clues in this post. ;)]
Decorum DIYer 
Was it Catherine, the seller who you didn’t get the 2 chests of drawers from?
That is an excellent guess, but alas, not correct. You are very close. It does start with a ‘C’.
I’ve always been bad at riddles, so I won’t even attempt to guess the seller’s name, but I will say that I LOVE these pieces you found and think it’s awesome how they even surpass “the ones that got away.” I’m also so impressed by your detective skills in checking EVERY SINGLE ENTRY for furniture on Craigslist. Now that’s some serious dedication. You really are the Craigslist Queen. They might as well rename it Christine’sList!
*Snort* Lauren, you are one silly girl, after my own heart, of course.
I love that desk!! I like looking at the furniture ads on CL, too, but have forced myself to stop because I kept finding things I loved with nowhere to put them. I have been casually perusing under ‘patio’ for the last month or so, though, I have to admit. I haven’t found what I’m looking for yet, but I’ll know it when I see it 😉
It never hurts to look. My basement is bursting at the seams with Craigslist goodies. Albeit, I do have plans for most. I have some project that need repair and paint (you know, for the loads of free time that I have). I also have ones that I can resell for a profit (fingers crossed) and others that will have a one-day home in my children’s rooms.
Good luck with your ‘patio’ search. I was just doing the same for a friend and found some beauties.
Hello. I have a full bedroom set from the same Shangri La Collection. Excellent condition.
You can see the pictures and my post here: http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/fuo/3814084572.html
Please let me know if you are interested. FYI – I work in transportation industry, so I can assist with arranging low-cost long-distance delivery.