I both love and hate buying pieces with a history.
The man from whom we purchased the set was selling it because it didn’t fit in his new house, but he had held onto it for a while because it was passed down from his grandmother’s brother who imported it from Mexico. It needed work, which is how we got it for a steal, but he seemed very concerned that it would go to a good home where it would be fixed up.
I love knowing the story behind the pieces I acquire, because it’s just so fun to feel a connection with the past as I’m working with each piece.
Why do I hate buying pieces with a history? Because now I feel bad for buying a family heirloom on the cheap and trying to flip it…
Although I did put quite a bit of work into the table today.
It had an enormous white burn mark on the table top, but I was able to use my tried and true method – Howard’s Restor-A-Finish* (in dark walnut) and 000 steel wool* – and the marks were almost completely erased! *denotes affiliate link
And now try to spot them in the after’s… Hint: you can’t!
(By the way, I really dislike that pukey green accent wall in general, but it doesn’t look half bad contrasted with the chair’s orange velvet upholstery. Also note the bare drywall ceilings still awaiting finishing.)
Look at those fabulous pedestals! The carved details on these are stunning!
I just can’t believe this set.
I am dying to reupholster the chairs in a neutral linen-like fabric (drop cloth canvas?) because I know it would make them out of this world and it would be possibly the most gorgeous dining set ever… but I’ve promised Bryan not to undertake any more projects. I’ll have to let someone else run wild with vision and imagination!
They are very ornate! Like you I can totally imagine the re-do and I think it would be amazing. Hopefully someday you'll get to see the end result!
I hope so too! I would just love to see this set reimagined 🙂
Holy-Moley! I love this set — never seen anything like it at all.
Scribbler, I actually thought of you when I saw this!
Wow! What a stunning dining set! They look so gorgeous and unique. What a great find!
Marie H.
http://www.progressionbydesign.com
Thank you! I'm pretty over the moon about this one 🙂
Hi Brynne,
I picked up a set very similar to this, slightly different in that the table is smaller, octogonal with a leaf, and red velour on the chairs. I think it's gorgeous, but my family hates it! I'm hoping to sell it, and wondering if you've successfully sold yours yet, and if you know if there is a specific market or typeset of buyers that appreciate this kind of furniture? You input would be super valuable!
Warmly,
Sheena
Hi Sheena,
I did sell the table and chairs! I listed them with almost the exact same keywords you see in this post – stressing vintage, ornately carved, etc – and they sold within two weeks. My best tip is to use words like "Gorgeous", "Fabulous" or "Stunning" in the posting title and then use really high quality photos to show off the awesome details! Your set sounds gorgeous! Best of luck to you 🙂
– Brynne
Also, just do a lot of research to see what similar things are going for. Since I sell locally on Craigslist, I just check out a lot of other postings to get a feel for local pricing!
Thanks so much for the input!
Warmly,
Sheena
I am selling an almost identical set! If you know anyone interested in mine please let me know. My email is loriflett@yahoo.com
This looks just like a set I just picked up from a lady. It has the work Mexico written on the underneath. She kept one chair and one chair is missing a leg so I basically have 6 chairs left with the table. I want to redo the table but thought about having it professionally done. Do you have any idea what this table is worth. I may sell it but have no idea how to price it.
Hi Rebecca,
Lucky find! I’m sorry, I don’t really have a good idea of what your set might be worth. It’s dependent on so many different factors like condition, location, etc. I’m guessing you found the post while doing research online, so you’re already on the right track! I’d look at Etsy, eBay, etc., for similar if not the exact same sets to see what they are going for, and then just know that your local market will have a big impact on that too, so you might have to play around a little with pricing and see what works for you!
Best of luck!
~ Brynne
Very interested in buying a set like this…let me know if you are ever willing to sell it or come across another one like it.
Hi John,
I actually don’t have this set any more, but I will be happy to get in touch if I spy another one sometime!
All the best,
~ Brynne
Hi there,
I see this post is from a few years ago, but I was wondering if any one had any idea what this style of table is called? I have a piece almost identical with “mexico” also written on the bottom of the chair. I reupholstered it and its just beautiful. I am trying to figure out what the table is worth. Does anyone have any insight? If so, please contact me at chelsealmyers3@gmail.com
Thank you 🙂
Most wonderful set! I just recently acquired a very very similar set! We are trying to find out the history of it. Thanks for posting this several years ago.
Hi I bought a similar set but mine has a copper top does any one know what the name of the set is or maker
Hi Janice,
Oooh, I bet your set is gorgeous with that copper top! It’s been a few years, but I really haven’t learned too much about this set outside of the fact that it seems to have been handmade in Mexico. I’m glad you came across this post though and congratulations on what sounds like a beautiful set!
~ Brynne
Thankyou trying to find a value I just love the copper top