The expression is “the one that got away” but when it comes to missing out on a great find because I didn’t act fast enough, for me it’s more like “the 100+ things that got away”. It happens all the time. A few weeks ago it was this amazing chrome and black leather director’s chair for $20 at the thrift store. It was so cool. But before I buy something, I have to love it AND have a place for it because we pretty much have zero storage in our house for a “I might use it some day” piece. Since I couldn’t think of a spot for it, I left it behind only to realize the next day that it would be the perfect chair for the small desk area that’s part of the built-ins in our home office. But we all know the end to this story – of course that gorgeous director’s chair wasn’t there when I went back. Sigh.
I regret leaving that chair behind times 10 when I see how cool this single director’s chair looks at a desk, especially a desk where you see the back of the chair more than the front:
You can find counter and bar height director’s chairs that look stunning lined up in a kitchen:
And a set of director’s chairs creates a relaxed, casual vibe when used around a dining table:
and they can even be slipcovered if you want to dress them up:
And since basic director’s chairs are fairly inexpensive, they can be a great choice for outdoor use:
My favorite director’s chairs are the unique vintage ones that you might luck upon on Etsy, Craigslist, or a thrift store but I’m also loving this pair of bamboo director’s chairs from One Kings Lane:
and this chestnut leather director’s chair from Restoration Hardware:
So is there a great piece of furniture that you didn’t get that you wish you had jumped on? Are you the one who stole bought my director’s chair? Fess up.
Jennifer Snith says
September 22, 2014 at 8:31 amThis reminds me of the French chairs I passed on at the Goodwill nearby. I was about to go back and get them when my friend next door calls and says, hey come and see what I just bought at the Goodwill.” Total bummer!! Next time, you won’t hesitate. Nor will I.
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
September 22, 2014 at 8:41 amOh my gosh Jennifer – that’s so crazy that they landed in your neighbor’s house. And now they taunt you every time you’re visiting your friend, right?!
Jennifer Snith says
September 22, 2014 at 8:51 amThis just gives us something to laugh about! I never have to wonder who got those great chairs. Too funny.
Pam @ Simple Details says
September 22, 2014 at 9:40 amOH NO, the chrome are my favorite! Mine would have to be the antique french sofa. 🙁 Fingers crossed there is another one out there for you!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
September 22, 2014 at 9:02 pmI feel your pain on the antique french sofa – with your CL luck, another one will come your way!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
September 22, 2014 at 10:05 amOh, I HATE “the one that got away”s! I had one over the weekend from Craigslist…
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
September 22, 2014 at 9:03 pmBummer – what did you miss out on? You seem to have had a pretty great CL track record as of late otherwise!
Emily @ 11gables.blogspot.com says
September 22, 2014 at 10:26 amOH BUMMER! I hate that for you! I drove by an awesome chair in someone’s “big trash” pile recently, only to get home and realize I really should have snagged it. I tend to be a chair hoarder, so I passed, but now I have the perfect spot. Loving the director’s chairs you posted!!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
September 22, 2014 at 9:06 pmI was a complete chair hoarder too before we moved into this house and lost all of our storage space. Our movers said he’d never seen anyone with more chairs but I have a feeling that you would rival me!
[email protected] says
September 22, 2014 at 11:01 amUgh!!! I absolutely hate when that happens…and I get so bitter and stew abt it for days like the world is coming to an end!! I know…drama-queen! 🙂 Love those bamboo OKL ones!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
September 22, 2014 at 9:08 pmI get it -obviously I’m a stewer too 🙂
Patty Day says
September 22, 2014 at 11:15 amOh I love, love the chrome ones!!!
You will find one or a pair, and the next time…not matter what….get them!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
September 22, 2014 at 9:13 pmYou can bet that I won’t leave the next one behind!
Lisa @ Shine Your Light says
September 22, 2014 at 11:31 amOkay adding this to our hunt list! I love the black leather for a office!!
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
September 22, 2014 at 9:14 pmWould love it if we found one!
Lisa @ Shine Your Light says
September 22, 2014 at 11:32 am*an office 🙂
Carrie says
September 22, 2014 at 11:46 amToo bad, but love the inspiration you’ve found!! I’ve had lots of ones that got away. I try to console myself by believing that something better/cheaper will come along. Hope that works for you too! 🙂
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
September 22, 2014 at 9:15 pmIt’s true that often something better is around the corner!
VEL says
September 22, 2014 at 1:03 pmWe all have those moments Kris, and I’m sure with some patience, you’ll get the right one for you! Although I don’t think directors chairs are common at thrifts, flea markets would be your better bet for sure. 🙂
Kris @ Driven by Decor says
September 22, 2014 at 9:16 pmThanks Vel – I’ll just keep on looking!
Jane says
September 23, 2014 at 10:00 amMy favorite is the bamboo ones, don’t think I’ve ever seen those before! You know I don’t see directors chairs too often now that I think about it. We live and learn right? I know I’ve missed out on so many great finds. Think it’s because we have to draw the line somewhere, we can’t buy everything!! lol
Taylor Greenwalt says
September 23, 2014 at 10:10 amKris…I have done that so many times and it takes me a long time to stop kicking myself for not buying it!