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    Home » Thrift Store Finds

    Motel Chair

    Published by Pam Kessler | 361 words. · About 2 minutes to read this article. - 28 Comments

    I went to an estate sale and a few garage sales this weekend. Lots of goodies!!! But not a lot of photos yet, so I'll save the other stuff for when I have time to get some good shots of them.

    These are two of my favorite finds though.

    Bought four of these wooden file drawers for 25 cents each. They are fairly large, roughly 6"x9"x15". They remind me of drawers from an old hardware store.

    So many possibilities of things to do with these wooden beauties. At least one will end up in my office on the bookcase.


    I found this vintage motel chair at the estate sale. I spied it in the backyard, immediately made a beeline over to it and sat down in it before anyone else could claim it. After it was safely occupied by my butt, I checked the price tag and found that it was only $10.00.

    I love estate sales! I love people who price things at estate sales! Really, I can buy a box of ½ used motor oil for the same price as a motel chair?


    Motel chairs were first used in the 1940's as seating around motel swimming pools. Hence the name - motel chairs.

    I have wanted two of these forever, but don't normally find them in good shape. They only had one of these though, so I'll have to find its mate elsewhere.

    Not loving the color that someone painted it, but I can always change that. Or black and white might just grow on me.


    My elderly neighbor from my childhood had a row of these type of chairs sitting on her front porch. I have fond memories of sitting on her porch shelling peas with her. Now I buy my peas in a can.

    You had to be careful when you sat down on these type of chairs, because if the chair had been sitting in the sun you would scorch your legs. Just think, this one has a weaved pattern on the seat, so I could have fancy scorched legs at least.

    Do you like motel chairs or are they too kitschy for your taste?

     

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    Comments

    1. High Street Cottage

      May 23, 2011 at 4:31 pm

      Pam, it's gorgeous and such a steal. Wonderful colors already but you can pretty much paint it how you want. Great job on that one, Butts do come in handy at times 😉

      Reply
    2. lauren @ West Furniture Revival

      May 23, 2011 at 4:33 pm

      love the finds especially the wood file boxes
      ive been looking for these. 25 cents a steal

      Reply
    3. [email protected]

      May 23, 2011 at 4:38 pm

      I can see why these are your favorites!!! Love the chair...kitschy is good!!! Love those boxes, too!!! Can't wait to see the other things you found!!!

      Reply
    4. Happier Than a Pig in Mud

      May 23, 2011 at 5:10 pm

      Love motel chairs! My G-Mom-B had the solid metal ones in her back yard, weighed a ton! I always look for them at yard sales-lucky you-good shape and great price:@)

      Reply
    5. Stacey

      May 23, 2011 at 5:22 pm

      I had no idea those were called motel chairs. I've always loved them. They are really fun painted red or turquoise. Something bright.

      Love the wood file boxes too. I have seen some fun ideas around blogland with those.

      Reply
    6. La

      May 23, 2011 at 6:02 pm

      My g-pa used to have these. Fabulous memories.

      Reply
    7. artteachergirl

      May 23, 2011 at 6:56 pm

      I love the chair...you really got lucky on all your finds. The file drawers are just beautiful. As for the paint on the chair...grow to love it. I have a similar set and painting them is not on my Top 10 list of fun things to do.

      Reply
    8. Linda

      May 23, 2011 at 7:17 pm

      OH I LOVE your new chair!! I love it just like it is!Great find!

      Reply
    9. Jane

      May 23, 2011 at 7:18 pm

      Awesome buys!! Love the motel chair....my neighbors had those on their front porch when I was growing up. I am really loving the 25 cent drawers!! Those are so cool.....love the hardware on them. Can't wait to see what else you found.
      Jane

      Reply
    10. Honey at 2805

      May 23, 2011 at 8:24 pm

      What great deals! Good for you!

      Reply
    11. Honey at 2805

      May 23, 2011 at 8:24 pm

      What great deals! Good for you!

      Reply
    12. [email protected] Sentimental Life

      May 23, 2011 at 8:26 pm

      I love the metal chairs, I have 5 of them!! They are so comfortable too!

      Reply
    13. GardenofDaisies

      May 23, 2011 at 8:44 pm

      I can't believe you got those drawers for 25 cents each!! Love those!

      Reply
    14. [email protected]

      May 23, 2011 at 8:45 pm

      Loooovvveee the file drawers! What a steal!

      Reply
    15. Reenie

      May 23, 2011 at 8:47 pm

      Love it.

      Reply
    16. Kim K.

      May 23, 2011 at 8:56 pm

      I would have made a mad dash for that chair too. I'm looking for special chairs to go on the treehouse porch. Such a neat find. Cool drawers too. You did super good on both of these items. Good for you!

      Reply
    17. Olive Cooper

      May 23, 2011 at 9:00 pm

      You did so so good with that chair. I would have wrestlted you for it.

      Reply
    18. NanaDiana

      May 23, 2011 at 9:00 pm

      Oh-I do remember those! My Aunt had a motel glider! It was an aqua/green and white. They matched the chairs and it sat in a motel "office" and held 2 or 3 people. Loved it then-love it now! GREAT boxes! xxoo Diana

      Reply
    19. Kelly

      May 23, 2011 at 10:41 pm

      Love the drawers! They would make great centerpieces if you fill them with other fun stuff!

      Kelly

      Reply
    20. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal

      May 23, 2011 at 10:45 pm

      Pam! 25 cent drawers? $10 Chair? That was one great estate sale. They priced things to sell. You got great stuff. Can't wait to see the rest.

      Reply
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