Where to find vintage architectural pieces?
Stacey sent along this pic to go with her question.
Stacey emails:
We are getting our dining room painted (finally saying goodbye to terrible green) and would love to find a large vintage mirror to go over the mantle. The ceilings are about 14 feet high so the mirror should ideally be six feet or more. I've seen some reproductions online that have potential but I would prefer a mirror with a past. I keep looking on craigslist but with no luck. I would be out scouting salvage yard, antique shops etc. but for the fact that we work and have two little kids. I am hoping someone has a great mirror who needs a new owner? Or at least knows where to look? We only have about $500 to spend.
There are a handful of places (or more) around the region that collect and sell these sorts of vintage or reclaimed furniture/decor/architectural pieces. The first two that spring to mind are Silver Fox Salvage and the Historic Albany Parts Warehouse, both in Albany.
We're guessing you have more suggestions -- if not for a specific place to look, then maybe some advice about how to go about finding a piece like this, or even a DIY solution.
So, got something in mind? Please share! As always, a sentence or two about why you're recommending a place can be a big help.
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Comments
I just had recent success in finding antique windows on a site called Ebay.
... said Harold on Mar 23, 2016 at 10:51 AM | link
I would check out Habitat Re-Store. They have great stuff and benefits Habitat for Humanity. Located on Fuller Rd Albany
... said Always looking on Mar 23, 2016 at 11:05 AM | link
The Habitat Restore on Fuller road. You need to go regularly and if you see something but it right then. Good pieces don't last. I've had tons of luck there.
I really, really want to like and support the Historic Albany Parts Warehouse but it never quite lives up to its potential. Not much luck (for me) there.
... said Rebecca on Mar 23, 2016 at 11:39 AM | link
It's a drive, but Olde Good Things has their national warehouse in Scranton, PA. They have a ton of stuff like this.
If you're handy, you could create your own by salvaging an old picture frame and then converting it to a mirror. Perhaps not ideal, but it'd let you widen your search for picture frames instead of just mirrors.
And lastly, Silver Fox may be able to make one for you, if that's an option. They do (did?) custom furniture that was quite affordable, so I can't imagine a custom mirror would break your budget. The parts would likely be salvaged, too.
... said Sean on Mar 23, 2016 at 11:44 AM | link
You can find some historic gems at the Habitat Restore once in a while. It's on Fuller Rd. across from the old Deli Warehouse and they offer discounts on Wednesdays.
... said Allison on Mar 23, 2016 at 11:57 AM | link
The Coxsackie Antique Center is a good bet, just a half hour South of Albany. Even if you don't find what you are looking for, the place is like walking through a museum. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coxsackie-Antique-Center/172894746073720
... said Big 'Vic' Proton on Mar 23, 2016 at 12:10 PM | link
You can find great stuff at auctions! We just got a lot of real antiques for really cheap last Saturday at JMW auctions in Kingston. I'm sure there are other places in the area.
... said Andrew on Mar 23, 2016 at 12:12 PM | link
Check out the full length mirror on this Etsy site:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RevivedVintage?section_id=10188966
... said Jamie on Mar 23, 2016 at 1:06 PM | link
The Mercer Street Project!
... said Kaira on Mar 23, 2016 at 1:41 PM | link
I have one but its a portal to another dimension so I am reluctant to part with it.
... said Blackstone on Mar 23, 2016 at 2:46 PM | link
Antiques at Baily's in Nassau is not too far, it's off the beaten path, has a large inventory, and has reasonable prices.
... said Audrey on Mar 23, 2016 at 3:50 PM | link
A friend recommends Zaborski Emporium, 27 Hoffman St, Kingston. 845/338-6465
... said Chuck on Mar 23, 2016 at 3:55 PM | link
With or without a mirror, this is a gorgeous room.
... said Chris on Mar 23, 2016 at 3:59 PM | link
You can follow habitat restore on Facebook to keep up on their inventory. Also estatesale.net for local estate sales.
... said Colleen on Mar 23, 2016 at 6:50 PM | link
I agree with Chris above in that this is a very gorgeous room. The scale of the room and the existing woodwork may make finding an appropriate mirror a challenge however. Thoughts:
- 6 ft mirrors are hard to come by. They're certainly not something you see everyday.
- this room screams for a wood finish mirror, but I think it would be very difficult to find one that matches the style, patina and color of the existing woodwork.
- my personal rule of architectural salvage stuff/antiques/yard sales: If you go out looking for something specific you'll never find it. There's the philosophy of get something that's OK and you can live with for a while and keep looking for a mirror that's EXACTLY what you want, knowing that it may take a few years.
- Zaborski Emporium is Kingston is a huge place, definitely worth a phone call at least. Coxsackie Antique Center might really be good b/c they have booths from many different dealers. I recommend asking one of the people at the front counter - if there's someone who specializes in pieces like that they will know. There's an architectural salvage place in Oneonta that's called "Architiques". I've never been there and I don't know if they are still in business.
- Olde Good Things also has 2 locations in NYC - one right off Union Square and the other off 7th ave in the low 20s. They have some mind blowing architectural salvage stuff. For instance, they made mirrors out large copper-clad sash windows taken out of the Flatiron building that are quite striking (but still smaller than 6ft). They also make mirrors using old sections of tin ceiling as the frame - very cool, though I personally don't like the distressed look they give each one. But the place is pricey for sure. Check their website.
- If your budget is $500, you may need to be creative. Maybe get your hands on some old molding or crown molding pieces from Albany Historic and have a skilled carpenter build a frame. The mirror itself shouldn't be too expensive. I haven't been to Silver Fox in a long time, but I know they used to make creative pieces from reclaimed materials. They may be good people to talk to. The good thing about getting one made is that it would be the exact right size that works in your space.
Good luck!
... said grandmastergus on Mar 23, 2016 at 7:53 PM | link
grandmastergus was talking about http://www.newyorksalvage.net/ in Oneonta
... said Big 'Vic' Proton on Mar 23, 2016 at 10:15 PM | link
Stacey - I have a beautiful mirror that has been in my family for years. It sounds perfect for your dining room - and we are ready to let it go. Silver Fox Salvage looked at it a few years back, but we weren't ready to give it up yet.
I've never commented on this site - and don't know if AOA will allow you to contact me. But, I hope they will somehow provide you with my e-mail. If not, I can try to put it on Craig's list by the weekend - so check there (I've also never put anything on Craig's list).
Hoping this ends up in your dining room. It's a beautiful room.
Editors: We've passed your email address along to Stacey.
... said Maryhelen Lounello on Mar 23, 2016 at 10:27 PM | link
Just spotted a very large antique-appearance mirror on Craigslist in Voorheesville:
https://albany.craigslist.org/atq/5492568668.html
... said mel on Mar 24, 2016 at 11:14 AM | link
I know they've already been suggested - but stopping in to talk to the people at Silver Fox Salvage or the Architectural Warehouse might point you in the right direction.
... said Lola on Mar 24, 2016 at 1:06 PM | link