I'm glad you brought up art and frames. Vintage frames are the best and there's so many out there. You have to make that separation of art and frame and have it become a mindset. You have to at times look past the art in the vintage frame because if it's not for your taste you can and envision something in the frame that you like. The frame is such a difference maker. Just disassemble the art from the frame and measure the opening and figure out if you want a matted new piece or something that goes edge to edge. They are often standard frame sizes and if it's not a standard size then do some of your own art that fits. The frame is an accessory and an eclectic touch that can make an impact. This is the same thing to do if you find a piece of art with a frame that does not match your taste. It's an easy fix.
Also, please take your lamp to be rewired. Professionals exist to do this very thing, and it doesn't cost much. In the past we as a culture had a much better commitment to repairing instead of just throwing away and buying something new.
My home decor was predicted on my grandmother’s antiques. Hers were the first pieces I had in my very first apartment. She was a New Yorker born in 1910 who brought her furniture with her when she moved to California in the 60s. After she passed away in 2010, I inherited more things. Some of it, including a baby grand piano, belonged to her parents. I have her two drum tables which are the same size but different designs, a wooden coat tree like what might be found in the office of Philip Marlow, a lamp with a marble base, an antique desk with an attached pencil sharpener, glassware, silverware, and more. She was an elegant lady of style and taste who only drove in gloves and never swore. Because my style is eclectic, I call it “vintage salon”, I’ve been able to incorporate her things into my own personalized look.
I sold new upholstered furniture for 5 years. From 2017 - 2021. High-end. I left my job because I was tired of customers complaining. And I felt I was selling upholstered furniture I didn't believe was worth the price. I personally believe it's worth buying antique/vintage furniture and having it reupholstered. A good upholsterer will let you know if he/she needs to reinforce the framing, add new springs, etc. Worth the price. Regarding wood... I'm with Ethan... antique/vintage wood furniture is the way to go. Or I recently commissioned an Amish company to build a new dining room set for me. Solid oak. Shockingly cheaper than junk PB, RH, C&B, CB2. The craftsmanship is top-notch. So, go Amish. There are plenty of styles to choose from. Or if you're lucky enough to find a complete antique/vintage set (dining table with chairs) that suits your style, BUY IT! Regarding books, accessories and art, I'm with Ethan 101%. The best way to express your style is through the "frosting on the cake" or the special touches that make your house a home. There are millions of unique finds out there. I love the hunt. Thank you Ethan for your video. Please film Round Two for us! (-:
While I understand your first point about "used" upholstery fabric, current sofa construction is NOTABLY worse than in the past. From an article on Dwell: "sofas made in the past 15 years or so are absolute garbage, constructed of sawdust compressed and bonded with cheap glue, simple brackets in place of proper joinery, substandard spring design, flimsy foam, and a lot of staples." And it's not just Wayfair, but more expensive brands like Resto Hardware. Whereas old pieces are still around for a reason. If you need a sofa, it's best to learn the basics of sofa construction/quality to ask the proper questions if you choose to buy new, or to be able to evaluate older pieces.
I've heard SUCH bad things about RH furniture and can't believe they are able to charge around 10K for a sofa... Personally I'm keeping my eye out for something vintage and leather with solid wood construction
That's a valid point! I based my opinions and talking points on my own personal experiences and those of people close to me. It seems like we both agree that vintage furniture often has superior craftsmanship so we're definitely on the same page there.. Still, while the construction quality of many modern sofas may be lacking, my focus in this video was more on the external materials. Nonetheless, thank you for watching and offering your perspective ◡̈
I discussed this with my upholsterer who did a quick repair job on my 15 year old sofa. He said the cheaper the sofa, the quicker it will end up on landfill as it can’t be repaired & it would cost too much to do anyway. My advice for sofa buyers is to buy a 3 seat sofa in a classic shape in a mid/dark color with removable, washable seat & backrest covers in a quality construction with no button details. Avoid trendy shapes & colors. Sorry to say this costs money & they need hunting down. Decide what you’re going to use the sofa for & how often eg to put your feet up, watching TV, business entertaining, chill, sleepover guests & who will be using it eg you, friends, family (old & young), kids, pets, clients etc. Go into a store & try sofas out. When I was a kid, my mother & I went sofa hunting. We were very keen on a particular model. While we were deliberating, a very large man came into the store. I asked him to sit on the sofa. The sales associate’s jaw dropped when I asked him to sit & bounce up & down (a good test of the springs!). We bought the sofa as did 5 other people. It’s been passed to many different generations in my family and is still going strong today.
Agree with much of this,, but you can replace the wiring of a lamp yourself for very little money. Hardware stores sell kits with all the parts you need. It’s pretty easy.
I agree with all your takes with one caveat. Textiles for dining table can be great finds if free of stains. Also sofa pillows. I have found gems in second hand stores. And I always wash them. Just came across your channel and I enjoyed it greatly. Overall, from a long time thrift hunter, you’re spot on!!❤
Would love a part 2 Ethan! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences re: buying new vs used. This is very helpful. Hubby and I are new to vintage/antique shopping and we’re enjoying it.
not one to comment usually but just wanted to say i love your content! it's really helpful and provides a ton of inspo while just being chill/not clickbait-y. keep it up!
You can get your lamp rewired at a lamp shop, or there are kits for sale (internet and lamp shops) for rewiring them yourself. It's not dirt cheap, but certainly better than throwing away a unique lamp with bad electricals and it's a fairly easy DIY project. This is good to do any time you buy an older lamp thrifting, some of the original cords should be replaced for safety even if they look okay. Just factor a good rewire into the cost of the thrifted item and see if you still think it's a good deal (it usually is)
Something to consider when buying a rug: If you educate yourself about Persian rugs you can find beautiful examples in establishments that sell them. An antique Persian carpet (50 years or more) will actually increase in value. I love to buy art at thrift stores and estate sales. I have a large painting of a panda and an older woman dressed in a ball gown sitting beside it like they are old friends. I wasn't sure but I happened to have my mother with me and she said, "If it speaks to you, buy it." I'm on the fence about old portraits of people I don't know, though I think it would be fun to create a fun story about one of my ancestors.
A well spoken beautiful male model telling you how to save money on furnishingss and Decor, what could be bad? You go! I've done everything you speak to for years! Im in the decor field. You're poised to have your own TV show. Its obvious. Cheers!
Thank you! I’ve spent months potentially years in the loop of trying to figure this out. Stuck in a loop of guilt from consumerism but never quite finding what I need or looking for second hand.
100% agree - wooden furniture is so much better made in the past! They are so much better as an "antique" and much less money than the useless new stuff.
I agree with almost all of this! I prefer leather for the durability in general but it can be so expensive that it's honestly unattainable if it's not secondhand. And pottery/books can be crazy expensive new as well. The only things I'm okay with are vintage lighting (because my husband is an engineer who can rewire it all) and buying new art from artists that I love. It's an investment to buy new handmade art (don't get me wrong, I love a thrifted piece too) but as an artist myself I find that filling my home with art that inspires me is key to feeling creative. Right now for me that means buying prints from artists who are still alive or buying vintage art and thrifting frames! Getting things professionally framed is such a sticker shock that I was not prepared for... luckily it's not super hard to thrift a professional frame and swap the art.
Agree on the art! I feel like a lot of interiors channels talk about buying art secondhand and that is definitely a step up from buying HomeGoods or Target mass produced imagery, but there is something so cool about buying art from an artist you've met, knowing you're supporting them. It's not celebrity artists just for super rich people, there are lots of small gallery openings when you're in a big city and pieces are often less than you'd think. There's also student art sales and the option of going for prints if you can't afford an original. Maybe it's just because I have multiple artist and illustrator friends, but it's just so special to know you're directly supporting an artist's livelihood.
Oh, professional framing is crazzzzyyyy expensive. I remember a long time ago (when I knew nothing about design or decor) I found a couple art prints from a website I loved for I think around $50-$60 each. I went to get them framed and the framing alone was around $300 per art print. I ended up doing it anyway cause their dimensions basically made me need to get custom framing but I couldn't believe how pricey it was... beautiful results though!
I'm always cautious of what I purchase from thrift stores, I've been lucky to find a few art pieces like a water coloring and a lithograph. Please share where you purchased your bookshelf beside you?
I so agree about used electronics and appliances. I lucked out with one vintage lamp that was a designer steal and I've had it for over twenty years. But any other tech or appliance I have bought second hand was a gamble. I recently purchased an Ikea lamp and it looks vintage so I'm cool with that. For coffee table books don't overlook your local library. No, you can't keep the books but you can switch out your curation frequently at no cost. People tend to forget libraries have art books. I'm a librarian, trust me on this. And be really careful with bed linens. I ordered a linen set from Quince and the sheets have literally ripped and have huge holes. They did not hold up and I've barely had them a year. If anyone knows of another source for good sheets, I want cotton percale this time in a rich dark blue or dark green, let me know. I still find the only great ones I ever owned were Macy's Hotel Collection so I may go back to those if I can't source anything else.
I've had a really good experience with Piglet in Bed and I've heard a lot of people love Brooklinen. Piglet is expensive and definitely more of an investment than I would've liked but their linen is SO nice (they have cotton options as well but I can't speak for those). I've had my sheets/duvet cover for a little over three years and they are only more soft than when I got them. My cat literally zooms around/gets stuck/hangs off of them and she physically wasn't able to put any holes in them. The color is completely retained and I was even able to get a wine stain out of the light striped fabric without messing up the pattern. If you're only thinking about cotton because of a bad linen experience, I'd give Piglet a try!!
I honestly had no clue libraries carried coffee table books! I'll have to go check them out. The ones I show in this video from Kotn are incredible but I also plan on doing an entire video all about my favorite bedding, bed care products, tips + such!
Thank you for the introduction to Kotn. I have skin allergies and hence need cotton bedding and clothing that has durability, but finding ethical sources can be difficult. Thanks again!
The chief benefit with leather is it can be professionally cleaned and conditioned to look as new, and as you point out it develops a beautiful patina as it ages. I did ponder getting rid of my Italian leather sofa, but it’s cognac colour is beginning to age nicely so I’ve changed my mind and saved myself around $2000.
Also if you have money to shell out and live in a rural area, look to see if there are any Amish communities near you. Many make wooden furniture like they used to. My parents have a tv stand and bed frame made by an Amish furniture maker. It’s grade A stuff
I’ll buy decorative items new if it’s from an artist! I love getting handmade ceramic pots or wall art at local marketplaces. Even though I have 3 used lamps, I actually agree with buying new lighting. It took me YEARS of searching to find the specific lamps I wanted. And I never see great lamps on fbmp either. Meanwhile, I see dozens of sick dressers or rugs I’d love to get on fbmp. I just don’t see great variety or deals on lamps in the used world, unless you get really really lucky after years of hunting (like I did).
But do they make (upholstered) furniture like they used to? I’ve had the same sofa since 1998. It’s a very big, chunky inverted camelback with rolled arms. I got it new from a mom-and-pop store in L.A. that used to be where the Cumulus is now. It came with a chair and ottoman, all for $500. Anyway, it’s sturdy has hell. Oh, and did I mention it’s a sofa bed? The shopkeeper let me choose the upholstery, which was velvet. To this day it never wore or tore, it only faded. I’m going to re-do the whole set in leather.
Most things aren’t built to last these days because they want people to replace their furniture eventually and solid wood is expensive when new. That said, I agree with almost everything you said but I am not sure about the leather. My dad had a leather recliner in the past and we had to get rid of it because it flaked off. Granted it was “new” so my mention of furniture would apply here. Still I would be cautious as well with that. But I live with my parents and have only really started looking at thrift and antique stores recently so I don’t really know much.
I am a first time viewer of your channel. I loved it and you made everything very interesting. I would look forward to a part two!!! I love to thrift, antique, estate sale shop! I hope to pose some questions for you, but for now I simply wanted to say Hi. I am from Birmingham, Alabama and live in a two bedroom condo located on a mountain overlooking downtown Birmingham! Looking forward to more interesting ideas!!! Thanks Ethan!!!
For tech you definitely should NOT buy new, the minerals they use to build tech are coming at the expense of thousands of Congolese lives where there is a genocide happening in the name of endless electronic consumption.
if you have a friend who knows computers/electronics he can change plug in 10 minutes. Its one of the easiest jobs so dont ever be scared broken lamps.
i buy electronics 50/50 but never from thrift store but from real people on Marketplace lets say so I always text with them to make an idea what kind of person they are and than obviously try it in person before buying
Goodwill is horribly expensive. You might as well go buy brand new, as far as clothes go. Great seeing you. Hope puppy is doing good. Have a great summer 🌞.
I had a very old 4 arm chandelier re-wired and it cost $30. I also have re-wired many lamps from the thrift myself and I am a terrible instruction reader. If I can do it, anybody can do it. Buy the used/vintage/antique lamps!
Please rewire your lamp! It’s so easy. Just watch a couple TH-cam videos and it will take five minutes, and it will make you so happy once it’s fixed. 😁
Is he mocking us in his intro? I will never look this good in my best days while he’s sick. That is the first video I ever saw from him and I already "friendly" hate him 😅
I'm not sure if this comment is directed at me, but I believe there's plenty of overflow in landfills for everyone to make use of thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales. Encouraging people who can afford to buy everything new to do so doesn't seem practical or environmentally sensible to me.
Love love love your icks tiktok series but gotta personally disagree with every buy new point lol. Sustainability and ethical sourcing is at the top of my list, and nothing beats 2nd hand for that, especially big ticket items that take enormous amounts of resources like electronics, large furniture, rugs, etc. I've gotten 2nd had all the things you said to not: bedding, upholstered furniture, electronics, lighting etc, but to be fair I've been in the thrifting game a while and have gotten really good at evaluating the condition of things from pictures or in stores as well as leveled up my repair and renovation skills. The deals you can find if you're willing to invest the time and effort to clean a piece is well worth it for anyone. For example, I bought linen sheets to replace my cotton ones. The one I got 2nd hand was the same price of one I got new but the quality is soooooo much better, it's thicker, softer, with a higher thread count, whereas the new linen sheet I got was so thin it was transparent. If you thrift or buy vintage clothes, there's no difference to 2nd hand bedding. If you stay in a hotel or somewhere else, you are sleeping on "2nd hand" sheets. You can wash fabric if you're doing laundry already. And as far as electronics go, remember to test the product and evaluate it carefully, but you can find some amazing deals on appliances that people grew tired of. My hot water heater, Vitamix, food processors, sound bar all work great. I buy refurbished cell phones to avoid contributing to the slavery and labor exploitation in areas where they mine the minerals. With all the trash being sent to landfill and the horrendous worker and land exploitation, I always always always encourage to people to shop 2nd hand first, and then consider other options if they can't find what they're looking for.
I follow all of you "Do" rules, but I regularly break all of your "Never" rules. I buy electrical stuff and appliances from dealers who offer a warranty. I've only ever used the warranty feature once in more than 15 years, and the dealer was totally cooperative about replacing the item. (Unlike problems I've had with too many new items.) I don't buy used bed sheets, mostly because I cannot determine what size they are and the thrift shops usually don't sell complete sets. I do purchase used throws, comforters, decorative pillows and towels. I frequently find new or almost new linens for really cheap, and I always look them over closely for stains, pulls and tears. When buying upholstered furniture, be sure to check it carefully and use common sense as to stability and hygiene. If a piece is dirty, a steam cleaner will work wonders without much effort. Ditto for used rugs. Use common sense with lamps and inspect the cord and plug. If necessary, rewire. Rewiring lamps is an EASY DIY project. Go to the hardware store and ask someone in the electrical dept. or watch YT. By having all those rules about what not to buy used, you're missing out on lots of great stuff at great prices. It makes sense to buy as much used stuff as possible because of the huge savings and the interesting items you wouldn't find otherwise.
I totally agree with almost everything you said. We love getting a great deal at a thrift store or vintage store So happy I found your channel. Just went to your instagram as well Would Love another video like this one
i'm not taking advice from someone who puts perfume bottles around the house as decor or stacks objects on top of books on every single room of the house. you digest magazines and other's opinions but never move above to create your own tastes. I could just go to anyone else for advice if you're not offering anything new.
PAY FOR LIVING ARTIST WORK!!! Stop taking this gross design focused take on art where the focus is designing a space vs investing in the powerful cultural device that is art!
Aren’t you a cutey patooty! New subscriber and am enjoying your content but I have to be honest. Please lose the background jazz music. It’s distracting from what you’re sharing with us. Not throwing shade. Just trying to be helpful.
I'm glad you brought up art and frames. Vintage frames are the best and there's so many out there. You have to make that separation of art and frame and have it become a mindset. You have to at times look past the art in the vintage frame because if it's not for your taste you can and envision something in the frame that you like. The frame is such a difference maker. Just disassemble the art from the frame and measure the opening and figure out if you want a matted new piece or something that goes edge to edge. They are often standard frame sizes and if it's not a standard size then do some of your own art that fits. The frame is an accessory and an eclectic touch that can make an impact. This is the same thing to do if you find a piece of art with a frame that does not match your taste. It's an easy fix.
Also, please take your lamp to be rewired. Professionals exist to do this very thing, and it doesn't cost much. In the past we as a culture had a much better commitment to repairing instead of just throwing away and buying something new.
I will! Rest assured, I am definitely not throwing this lamp away haha
@@ethangaskillThey sell lamp kits, it’s not that difficult. Good luck.
@@ethangaskill I have all my vintage lamps rewired. Worth it. I know people say you can do it yourself but that is not for me.
@@Maggie-b4fI second that. It’s so easy and affordable to do yourself.
@@oaklandcookie did you got them rewired for safety reasons?
I am now seriously reconsidering my affinity for Swedissh semi-disposable. Thank you for sharing your beautiful taste and your beautiful life with us.
It’s really easy to re-wire a basic lamp. I just did one this evening changing the basic switch for a dimmer switch. No problem!
My home decor was predicted on my grandmother’s antiques. Hers were the first pieces I had in my very first apartment. She was a New Yorker born in 1910 who brought her furniture with her when she moved to California in the 60s. After she passed away in 2010, I inherited more things. Some of it, including a baby grand piano, belonged to her parents. I have her two drum tables which are the same size but different designs, a wooden coat tree like what might be found in the office of Philip Marlow, a lamp with a marble base, an antique desk with an attached pencil sharpener, glassware, silverware, and more.
She was an elegant lady of style and taste who only drove in gloves and never swore.
Because my style is eclectic, I call it “vintage salon”, I’ve been able to incorporate her things into my own personalized look.
I sold new upholstered furniture for 5 years. From 2017 - 2021. High-end. I left my job because I was tired of customers complaining. And I felt I was selling upholstered furniture I didn't believe was worth the price. I personally believe it's worth buying antique/vintage furniture and having it reupholstered. A good upholsterer will let you know if he/she needs to reinforce the framing, add new springs, etc. Worth the price. Regarding wood... I'm with Ethan... antique/vintage wood furniture is the way to go. Or I recently commissioned an Amish company to build a new dining room set for me. Solid oak. Shockingly cheaper than junk PB, RH, C&B, CB2. The craftsmanship is top-notch. So, go Amish. There are plenty of styles to choose from. Or if you're lucky enough to find a complete antique/vintage set (dining table with chairs) that suits your style, BUY IT! Regarding books, accessories and art, I'm with Ethan 101%. The best way to express your style is through the "frosting on the cake" or the special touches that make your house a home. There are millions of unique finds out there. I love the hunt. Thank you Ethan for your video. Please film Round Two for us! (-:
While I understand your first point about "used" upholstery fabric, current sofa construction is NOTABLY worse than in the past. From an article on Dwell: "sofas made in the past 15 years or so are absolute garbage, constructed of sawdust compressed and bonded with cheap glue, simple brackets in place of proper joinery, substandard spring design, flimsy foam, and a lot of staples."
And it's not just Wayfair, but more expensive brands like Resto Hardware. Whereas old pieces are still around for a reason. If you need a sofa, it's best to learn the basics of sofa construction/quality to ask the proper questions if you choose to buy new, or to be able to evaluate older pieces.
I've heard SUCH bad things about RH furniture and can't believe they are able to charge around 10K for a sofa... Personally I'm keeping my eye out for something vintage and leather with solid wood construction
That's a valid point! I based my opinions and talking points on my own personal experiences and those of people close to me. It seems like we both agree that vintage furniture often has superior craftsmanship so we're definitely on the same page there.. Still, while the construction quality of many modern sofas may be lacking, my focus in this video was more on the external materials. Nonetheless, thank you for watching and offering your perspective ◡̈
I discussed this with my upholsterer who did a quick repair job on my 15 year old sofa. He said the cheaper the sofa, the quicker it will end up on landfill as it can’t be repaired & it would cost too much to do anyway.
My advice for sofa buyers is to buy a 3 seat sofa in a classic shape in a mid/dark color with removable, washable seat & backrest covers in a quality construction with no button details. Avoid trendy shapes & colors. Sorry to say this costs money & they need hunting down. Decide what you’re going to use the sofa for & how often eg to put your feet up, watching TV, business entertaining, chill, sleepover guests & who will be using it eg you, friends, family (old & young), kids, pets, clients etc.
Go into a store & try sofas out. When I was a kid, my mother & I went sofa hunting. We were very keen on a particular model. While we were deliberating, a very large man came into the store. I asked him to sit on the sofa. The sales associate’s jaw dropped when I asked him to sit & bounce up & down (a good test of the springs!). We bought the sofa as did 5 other people. It’s been passed to many different generations in my family and is still going strong today.
Also BEDBUGS!!!! Anything you can’t put in your washing machine on the sanitize cycle be very wary of!
Agree with much of this,, but you can replace the wiring of a lamp yourself for very little money. Hardware stores sell kits with all the parts you need. It’s pretty easy.
yeah just the positive and negative wires and viola
I agree with all your takes with one caveat. Textiles for dining table can be great finds if free of stains. Also sofa pillows. I have found gems in second hand stores. And I always wash them. Just came across your channel and I enjoyed it greatly. Overall, from a long time thrift hunter, you’re spot on!!❤
Would love a part 2 Ethan! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences re: buying new vs used. This is very helpful. Hubby and I are new to vintage/antique shopping and we’re enjoying it.
not one to comment usually but just wanted to say i love your content! it's really helpful and provides a ton of inspo while just being chill/not clickbait-y. keep it up!
you're so sweet - I appreciate you taking time to watch and hang out :)
You can get your lamp rewired at a lamp shop, or there are kits for sale (internet and lamp shops) for rewiring them yourself. It's not dirt cheap, but certainly better than throwing away a unique lamp with bad electricals and it's a fairly easy DIY project.
This is good to do any time you buy an older lamp thrifting, some of the original cords should be replaced for safety even if they look okay. Just factor a good rewire into the cost of the thrifted item and see if you still think it's a good deal (it usually is)
I would love a part 2. Hope you get better quickly!
I am fully recovered! This video was filmed a week and half ago so I'm much better now - thank you for supporting the channel
Something to consider when buying a rug: If you educate yourself about Persian rugs you can find beautiful examples in establishments that sell them. An antique Persian carpet (50 years or more) will actually increase in value.
I love to buy art at thrift stores and estate sales. I have a large painting of a panda and an older woman dressed in a ball gown sitting beside it like they are old friends. I wasn't sure but I happened to have my mother with me and she said, "If it speaks to you, buy it." I'm on the fence about old portraits of people I don't know, though I think it would be fun to create a fun story about one of my ancestors.
A well spoken beautiful male model telling you how to save money on furnishingss and Decor, what could be bad? You go! I've done everything you speak to for years! Im in the decor field. You're poised to have your own TV show. Its obvious. Cheers!
Thank you! I’ve spent months potentially years in the loop of trying to figure this out. Stuck in a loop of guilt from consumerism but never quite finding what I need or looking for second hand.
100% agree - wooden furniture is so much better made in the past! They are so much better as an "antique" and much less money than the useless new stuff.
I agree with almost all of this! I prefer leather for the durability in general but it can be so expensive that it's honestly unattainable if it's not secondhand. And pottery/books can be crazy expensive new as well. The only things I'm okay with are vintage lighting (because my husband is an engineer who can rewire it all) and buying new art from artists that I love. It's an investment to buy new handmade art (don't get me wrong, I love a thrifted piece too) but as an artist myself I find that filling my home with art that inspires me is key to feeling creative. Right now for me that means buying prints from artists who are still alive or buying vintage art and thrifting frames! Getting things professionally framed is such a sticker shock that I was not prepared for... luckily it's not super hard to thrift a professional frame and swap the art.
Agree on the art! I feel like a lot of interiors channels talk about buying art secondhand and that is definitely a step up from buying HomeGoods or Target mass produced imagery, but there is something so cool about buying art from an artist you've met, knowing you're supporting them. It's not celebrity artists just for super rich people, there are lots of small gallery openings when you're in a big city and pieces are often less than you'd think. There's also student art sales and the option of going for prints if you can't afford an original. Maybe it's just because I have multiple artist and illustrator friends, but it's just so special to know you're directly supporting an artist's livelihood.
Oh, professional framing is crazzzzyyyy expensive. I remember a long time ago (when I knew nothing about design or decor) I found a couple art prints from a website I loved for I think around $50-$60 each. I went to get them framed and the framing alone was around $300 per art print. I ended up doing it anyway cause their dimensions basically made me need to get custom framing but I couldn't believe how pricey it was... beautiful results though!
I'm always cautious of what I purchase from thrift stores, I've been lucky to find a few art pieces like a water coloring and a lithograph. Please share where you purchased your bookshelf beside you?
The bookshelf is the stories bookcase from design within reach!
I so agree about used electronics and appliances. I lucked out with one vintage lamp that was a designer steal and I've had it for over twenty years. But any other tech or appliance I have bought second hand was a gamble. I recently purchased an Ikea lamp and it looks vintage so I'm cool with that. For coffee table books don't overlook your local library. No, you can't keep the books but you can switch out your curation frequently at no cost. People tend to forget libraries have art books. I'm a librarian, trust me on this. And be really careful with bed linens. I ordered a linen set from Quince and the sheets have literally ripped and have huge holes. They did not hold up and I've barely had them a year. If anyone knows of another source for good sheets, I want cotton percale this time in a rich dark blue or dark green, let me know. I still find the only great ones I ever owned were Macy's Hotel Collection so I may go back to those if I can't source anything else.
I've had a really good experience with Piglet in Bed and I've heard a lot of people love Brooklinen. Piglet is expensive and definitely more of an investment than I would've liked but their linen is SO nice (they have cotton options as well but I can't speak for those). I've had my sheets/duvet cover for a little over three years and they are only more soft than when I got them. My cat literally zooms around/gets stuck/hangs off of them and she physically wasn't able to put any holes in them. The color is completely retained and I was even able to get a wine stain out of the light striped fabric without messing up the pattern. If you're only thinking about cotton because of a bad linen experience, I'd give Piglet a try!!
I honestly had no clue libraries carried coffee table books! I'll have to go check them out. The ones I show in this video from Kotn are incredible but I also plan on doing an entire video all about my favorite bedding, bed care products, tips + such!
I’ve had good luck with schoolhouse, but if I remember correctly they mostly have patterned sheets? Could be wrong though, also $$$ however
Thank you for the introduction to Kotn. I have skin allergies and hence need cotton bedding and clothing that has durability, but finding ethical sources can be difficult. Thanks again!
Where is the sofa from 03:06 from? Its's gorgeous!
Also, such a helpful video Ethan. tysm!
Great episode, Ethan! I agreed with every single one of your ‘new’ vs. ‘used’ categories!
The chief benefit with leather is it can be professionally cleaned and conditioned to look as new, and as you point out it develops a beautiful patina as it ages. I did ponder getting rid of my Italian leather sofa, but it’s cognac colour is beginning to age nicely so I’ve changed my mind and saved myself around $2000.
Also if you have money to shell out and live in a rural area, look to see if there are any Amish communities near you. Many make wooden furniture like they used to. My parents have a tv stand and bed frame made by an Amish furniture maker. It’s grade A stuff
I’ll buy decorative items new if it’s from an artist! I love getting handmade ceramic pots or wall art at local marketplaces. Even though I have 3 used lamps, I actually agree with buying new lighting. It took me YEARS of searching to find the specific lamps I wanted. And I never see great lamps on fbmp either. Meanwhile, I see dozens of sick dressers or rugs I’d love to get on fbmp. I just don’t see great variety or deals on lamps in the used world, unless you get really really lucky after years of hunting (like I did).
But do they make (upholstered) furniture like they used to? I’ve had the same sofa since 1998. It’s a very big, chunky inverted camelback with rolled arms. I got it new from a mom-and-pop store in L.A. that used to be where the Cumulus is now. It came with a chair and ottoman, all for $500. Anyway, it’s sturdy has hell. Oh, and did I mention it’s a sofa bed?
The shopkeeper let me choose the upholstery, which was velvet. To this day it never wore or tore, it only faded. I’m going to re-do the whole set in leather.
Part 2 please and I hope you're feeling better
I like your bed sconces, where did you get them?
I would love to see a 2nd video of buy this, thrift that. Thanks!
What’s the font you are using? It looks great
Hey loved your video. What’s the name of the light store based in New York you mentioned? Not sure if I caught the name correctly. Thanks!
Most things aren’t built to last these days because they want people to replace their furniture eventually and solid wood is expensive when new. That said, I agree with almost everything you said but I am not sure about the leather. My dad had a leather recliner in the past and we had to get rid of it because it flaked off. Granted it was “new” so my mention of furniture would apply here. Still I would be cautious as well with that. But I live with my parents and have only really started looking at thrift and antique stores recently so I don’t really know much.
I am a first time viewer of your channel. I loved it and you made everything very interesting. I would look forward to a part two!!! I love to thrift, antique, estate sale shop! I hope to pose some questions for you, but for now I simply wanted to say Hi. I am from Birmingham, Alabama and live in a two bedroom condo located on a mountain overlooking downtown Birmingham! Looking forward to more interesting ideas!!! Thanks Ethan!!!
Yes to used books on Amazon. If i don't like it or know I won't reread it, I donate them to my local library.
Would love links for the companies you mention
For tech you definitely should NOT buy new, the minerals they use to build tech are coming at the expense of thousands of Congolese lives where there is a genocide happening in the name of endless electronic consumption.
Totally need a part 2! Loveee it
Also washable rugs are a revelation
yoo my refurbished laptop, bose headphones and TV have been the best purchases. Im sorry your used TV experience didn't go well :(
Bro is handsome
Part 2 for sure. This was very informative.
always enjoy your videos, especially like your microphone, it looks vintage.
hahaha, it isn't vintage but I love that it gives that vibe. Appreciate you watching and supporting the channel ◡̈
Yes on part 2. I enjoyed this video
if you have a friend who knows computers/electronics he can change plug in 10 minutes. Its one of the easiest jobs so dont ever be scared broken lamps.
even if lamp holders are broken its easily fixable
ALWAYS, ALWAYS, EVERYTIME!!!!! 100% either rewire yourself or take your lamps to be checked out.
What is the name of the lighting brand based in New York you mentioned?
i buy electronics 50/50 but never from thrift store but from real people on Marketplace lets say so I always text with them to make an idea what kind of person they are and than obviously try it in person before buying
“This subject is very nuanced, so listen to some random about interior design”. Right, scrolling on now hahaha
Does anyone know where to go to get a mustard yellow vintage couch, tried Karm & Habitat for Humanity & no luck
Where did you got that coffee mug
thrifted it ◡̈
Goodwill is horribly expensive. You might as well go buy brand new, as far as clothes go. Great seeing you. Hope puppy is doing good. Have a great summer 🌞.
Processing to say “sorry for my physical appearance” looking like this is crazy
Part 2 requested!
Thanksgiving for a great tips! It was very helpful 🎉
Your lamp is an easy fix. If I were in LA I’d repair it for free!
Part 2, please!
Leather looks substantially better worn
Me: Excited bout custom lights
Luddite Price: 1500$+
Me: Nevermind
I had a very old 4 arm chandelier re-wired and it cost $30. I also have re-wired many lamps from the thrift myself and I am a terrible instruction reader. If I can do it, anybody can do it. Buy the used/vintage/antique lamps!
YEAHHH PAIGE WASSEL MENTIONED
always! I love her sm
Please rewire your lamp! It’s so easy. Just watch a couple TH-cam videos and it will take five minutes, and it will make you so happy once it’s fixed. 😁
Why do you turn around all your books?
I know that a lot of people do it for the simplicity in tone and aesthetic
a soft spoken gay❤😢. im subscribing
Don't Buy Goodwill, it's not a charity.
Is he mocking us in his intro? I will never look this good in my best days while he’s sick. That is the first video I ever saw from him and I already "friendly" hate him 😅
OMG STOP hahaha
You can fix that lamp YOURSELF for about $1 in about 3 minutes. Lowes buy plug watch youtube video how to replace. It really is that easy.
Decorative items especially tend to often be created to seem vintage anyway…so why not spend LESS money for ACTUAL vintage?!
🙌🏻
* you need to remove the hyphen at the end of your Kotn link
ahhh, thank you!
bro you can get vintage lamps rewired so easily lmao. any vintage lamp probably should be rewired if its actually vintage too
Yeah, certain TH-camrs and TikTokers ruined thrift stores for people who actually rely on them...
I'm not sure if this comment is directed at me, but I believe there's plenty of overflow in landfills for everyone to make use of thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales. Encouraging people who can afford to buy everything new to do so doesn't seem practical or environmentally sensible to me.
Brad Mondo? Is that you? 😅
Woof pretty boi.
Love love love your icks tiktok series but gotta personally disagree with every buy new point lol. Sustainability and ethical sourcing is at the top of my list, and nothing beats 2nd hand for that, especially big ticket items that take enormous amounts of resources like electronics, large furniture, rugs, etc.
I've gotten 2nd had all the things you said to not: bedding, upholstered furniture, electronics, lighting etc, but to be fair I've been in the thrifting game a while and have gotten really good at evaluating the condition of things from pictures or in stores as well as leveled up my repair and renovation skills. The deals you can find if you're willing to invest the time and effort to clean a piece is well worth it for anyone.
For example, I bought linen sheets to replace my cotton ones. The one I got 2nd hand was the same price of one I got new but the quality is soooooo much better, it's thicker, softer, with a higher thread count, whereas the new linen sheet I got was so thin it was transparent. If you thrift or buy vintage clothes, there's no difference to 2nd hand bedding. If you stay in a hotel or somewhere else, you are sleeping on "2nd hand" sheets. You can wash fabric if you're doing laundry already.
And as far as electronics go, remember to test the product and evaluate it carefully, but you can find some amazing deals on appliances that people grew tired of. My hot water heater, Vitamix, food processors, sound bar all work great. I buy refurbished cell phones to avoid contributing to the slavery and labor exploitation in areas where they mine the minerals.
With all the trash being sent to landfill and the horrendous worker and land exploitation, I always always always encourage to people to shop 2nd hand first, and then consider other options if they can't find what they're looking for.
I follow all of you "Do" rules, but I regularly break all of your "Never" rules. I buy electrical stuff and appliances from dealers who offer a warranty. I've only ever used the warranty feature once in more than 15 years, and the dealer was totally cooperative about replacing the item. (Unlike problems I've had with too many new items.)
I don't buy used bed sheets, mostly because I cannot determine what size they are and the thrift shops usually don't sell complete sets. I do purchase used throws, comforters, decorative pillows and towels. I frequently find new or almost new linens for really cheap, and I always look them over closely for stains, pulls and tears.
When buying upholstered furniture, be sure to check it carefully and use common sense as to stability and hygiene. If a piece is dirty, a steam cleaner will work wonders without much effort. Ditto for used rugs. Use common sense with lamps and inspect the cord and plug. If necessary, rewire. Rewiring lamps is an EASY DIY project. Go to the hardware store and ask someone in the electrical dept. or watch YT.
By having all those rules about what not to buy used, you're missing out on lots of great stuff at great prices. It makes sense to buy as much used stuff as possible because of the huge savings and the interesting items you wouldn't find otherwise.
I totally agree with almost everything you said. We love getting a great deal at a thrift store or vintage store So happy I found your channel. Just went to your instagram as well Would Love another video like this one
I think I’m falling in love with you.
I thought you were PewDiePie in the thumbnail
Lamps are very easy to repair yourself.
The rich.
😢
i'm not taking advice from someone who puts perfume bottles around the house as decor or stacks objects on top of books on every single room of the house. you digest magazines and other's opinions but never move above to create your own tastes. I could just go to anyone else for advice if you're not offering anything new.
So are you still single or nah?
Gosh you're cute!
I was told a poor man can't afford it by junk words i live by
Does he have an Onlyfans account?
PAY FOR LIVING ARTIST WORK!!! Stop taking this gross design focused take on art where the focus is designing a space vs investing in the powerful cultural device that is art!
this man is so hot wtf🥵😭
that face
Aren’t you a cutey patooty! New subscriber and am enjoying your content but I have to be honest. Please lose the background jazz music. It’s distracting from what you’re sharing with us. Not throwing shade. Just trying to be helpful.
I personally like it but i could def be quieter!
the mug clasp is scaring me. please stop