Reader Question: Old Chairs Need a New Home

Dear Marni, 

I've so enjoyed your columns and books over the years. I remember an article you wrote on dealing with family silver, and thought you might be able to help me with my current dilemma. Years ago, my mother worked with a designer in San Francisco who chose six hand-carved cane chairs for my mother's dining table. (I think they were expensive!) I live in a smaller space, so they have been sadly languishing in my basement for several years. 

In the spirit of your philosophy to not burden my children in the future, I wish I knew how to sell them to someone who would appreciate them. Do you have any suggestions? 

Katherine

San Francisco

Hi Katherine,

Thank you for your kind words and for being a loyal reader. As for your chairs, you are right: It is time to re-home them. You’re not using them. Your kids aren’t interested. 

I encourage people to think of beloved but no longer needed or used pieces of furniture this way: These chairs served their useful life in your family. Your mother no doubt enjoyed them for all the years she had them, but they are not useful to you. Although lovely, these chairs are not a style that is much in demand today. 

Here’s what I recommend. Start by visiting a few antique stores in your area and seeing if they would sell them on consignment. If no luck, then turn to the internet and see what similar used chairs are selling for. Search Facebook Marketplace for a reality check. You might find a sea of similar chairs and realize the market is flooded. List the chairs there, or on Craigslist, for what you determine is the going price, and take your best offer. If you don't find a buyer in a reasonable amount of time, donate them.

Keep your financial expectations low, and focus on the extra space you will have in your basement and the gift you are giving your kids.

All best,

Marni

Hi Marni, 

Thank you for your advice. I guess I have been holding onto my mother's memory with those chairs, but deep down in my heart, I felt that you would affirm that I can release them. I appreciate your meaningful suggestions, and I now feel the courage to do this!

Katherine

Readers: If you have questions about home improvement, better living, downsizing or rightsizing, send them to me at marni@marnijameson.com.