Lately I’ve noticed a trend among designers: “every room should have something old in it.” It’s similar to the other rule I keep hearing—“every room should have something black in it”—but besides dark hardware and a closet full of black shirts, most of our rooms aren’t exactly saturated in black. What I have fully embraced, though, is the idea of adding a vintage piece to anchor a room. That mindset led me straight into a Craigslist hunt for a sideboard, dresser or buffet to use as a TV stand and a welcoming entryway cabinet.
My Craigslist routine is simple: search “dresser,” “sideboard” and “buffet” every week or so until something great pops up. One morning a beautiful painted sideboard appeared and I fell in love. I emailed the seller that same day: “I love your sideboard— is it still available?” My approach is intentional. Tip number one: don’t overwhelm sellers with questions before you know an item is still for sale. A short, polite message saying you’re interested is often the best opener.
After a few hours the seller replied, friendly but clear: several people were interested and she planned to sell it to the first full-price buyer who came to pick it up. That’s common on Craigslist where many mediocre pieces are listed for more than they’re worth, while solid wood furniture in good condition often moves quickly. Tip number two: if you want to stand out and seal the deal, offer to pay cash and pick the item up immediately. When demand is high the seller will usually favor the buyer who can act right away.
We were willing to pay a little more than her asking price because similar solid wood sideboards—especially ones with the chunky, curved legs and substantial size of this piece—were selling for much higher on sites and in local listings. Tip number three: when an item seems underpriced, be prepared to match or slightly exceed full asking price to avoid losing it to a reseller or another buyer.
I sent a heartfelt follow-up: “Please pick me! I’ll pay $155 and can pick it up tonight with cash.” Tip number four: commit to immediate pickup when possible, so the seller doesn’t wait for higher offers while you gather the money or transportation. Within half an hour the seller accepted and told us to come that night.
We borrowed a Honda Pilot from John’s dad (it fits big pieces) and left our daughter with the grandparents—Tip number five: when you’re hauling heavy furniture down stairs, it helps to not have extra worries like childcare in the mix. Moving a heavy, solid wood buffet down three flights of stairs is easier with fewer distractions.
When we brought the sideboard into our entryway it felt like love at first sight. Tip number six: always test painted antiques for lead paint. I used a lead test kit and the finish tested negative, which was a relief. I plan to seal the surface to prevent further chipping, but I actually love the worn, distressed look—it adds character and feels like a piece that could belong in a curated home store.
Seeing the sideboard in place confirmed it was worth the price and the effort of hauling it down the stairs. Its green-blue finish plays nicely with the tones in our dining room curtains, and the extra storage is a huge bonus. I’m excited to style the top with lamps, books, and artwork.
All told, spending $155 felt reasonable—especially compared to other finds. It joins other vintage pieces in our home: a refinished dresser we paid $20 for years ago (now frequently resells for much more) and an old wood dresser we received as a hand-me-down. When you factor in those pieces, the average cost per vintage furniture item in our house has been very low.
We love modern, clean lines, but adding an older piece to each room brings warmth, history and a layered look. Old furniture offers character that new, mass-produced items often lack, and scoring a well-made vintage sideboard on Craigslist is a great way to combine style and value. If you’re hunting for used furniture, a few straightforward tips—act fast, offer cash, and check finishes for safety—can make the difference between watching a dream piece drive away and bringing it home.