Monday, February 21, 2011

X Marks the Spot

First of all, I had a post about my need for X benches pretty much written in my mind and planned on putting it together this morning. Of course, I got distracted because my mother was still visiting and my kids are out of school for President's Day. So, I go about my day doing stuff around the house, hosting a play date, the usual. In between, I sneak a few blog reads when I see this . . .
My blog friend Bri over at Me, You and a Wiener found these X benches here in Nashville! I've been lusting after X benches for a while but actually started searching the internet in earnest for some over the weekend. So, where and when did she find these? On Craigslist. On Saturday. The same time and place I was looking, but she has got mad Craig skills. The benches are now hers. Finders keepers. I'm not bitter, just very jealous. She is aware of this.

I found these on eBay for $400 but someone purchased them for $600 at the "Buy It Now" price. Not that I wanted to pay that amount anyway. But these actually looked decent and I liked the coral velvet upholstery. Sigh.

Let's look at some fabulous examples of the elusive X bench I seek . . . 

Angie Hranwosky does not mess around. Love this little number.
 Elizabeth Bauer via So Haute Style

Meg Braff

Jonathan Adler, of course. And I know that I could buy a brand spanking new Jonathan Adler X benches for a mere $476 each (they're currently on sale!), but I'd rather not pay $1,000 for two.

Of course, there are always the ones at Ballard Designs.
But I would probably want to provide my own fabric which ups the price a bit up into the $250 - 300 (at least) each. Still a bit pricey.

So, where do I want to put these X benches? In my family room/living room/whatever you want to call it. Specifically, in that blank, empty, barren space between the coffee table and fireplace. I feel there's a void. My husband thinks it will be too cluttered. What? Too much furniture? Never. You can't really put anything big there and it is kind of a pass-through to get to the sliding glass doors (which will soon be replaced with French doors, both fingers crossed). And don't mind that random table to the right beside the sidelight window. I was moving furniture.
I know I need drapery, but I was waiting for new doors before I tackled the window treatment around them. Can't put the cart before the horse, right? Also, I realize there are people out there who hate TVs over fireplaces, but there seriously is not much of a choice with this layout. Once again, crazy builder.  Anyway, back to the space. Am I the only person who is bothered by the emptiness? By the lonely void in front of the fireplace?
See that brass coffee table? It's new. Craigslist. Who found it? Bri . . . I'm telling you, she's the queen of Craig. Stay tuned for a future possible collaboration between the two of us.
Forgive the lack of styling. I just got it on Friday.

Another option? Pushing the X benches under my sofa table/console. Of course, my table's a little small. Might need to find a different one. Maybe I should put Bri on the case.

So, what do you think? Could X benches solve my decorating dilemma? Or should I leave well enough alone?

17 comments:

Coastal Detour said...

I love your new coffee table. In fact I am quite jealous. I would probably put the x benches under the console but that is only because my husband gets super claustrophobic when there is not enough "blank, barren,empty space." Sigh.

Bri@Meyouandawiener said...

LOL no worries I'll keeping looking really hard for you those suckers have to show up somewhere. The table looks great in the space like it was meant to go there. The Craigslist picture didn't do it justice the brass table is pure joyous awesomeness.

I'll be on the lookout for a sofa table don't be surprised if you get bombarded with more emails from moi!

holla!
bri

Elsie said...

x stools are pretty amazing. I love them! Just posted some this morning (got them and reupholstered them--have you tried there? The cheapest, I think!)

Fran said...

Love x benches and I think they would look great btwn your coffee table and fireplace! How fun!! Love your coffee table, btw!!

angela | the painted house said...

There is always a place for an X bench. So, yes!!! How freakin' lucky of Bri!!!

bluehydrangea said...

Love the new coffee table!! And maybe we can find some x benches in Atlanta!! Can't wait to hear about what you two are cooking up!!

SHERRY HART said...

Lets put Bri and Angie on a CL showdown....that would be fun! Love those benches. I have one that I got for $30 still in my basement. I am with you....pairs are better.

Gretchen O. said...

Ahhh the x-bench. I am sure with your skills you will find one or 2...or 4:) When it rains it will pour, x benches! Can't wait to see what you all have in store.

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

Let the search continue! Have you tried a google search? And I don't think it will be too crowded between the fireplace and that gorgeous coffee table!!!

Ashley said...

LOVING your new coffee table, Kathy! And, yes, I'm a sucker for the fab x-bench just like you. I have one I found for $13 on Ebay (yes, $13...and free shipping) that I need to have recovered. Your quest continues!

Naomi@DesignManifest said...

I love X benches under a console! I'm doing some (with metal legs) under a white lacquer console in a dining room.

Sometimes I find the best thing to do is wait it out and the right piece will come to you.

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

When you get them, I bet they'll find a place all on their own. So easy to move about!

I want some too, but I'm looking for the legs in wood, not upholstered. And a slipcovered top.

Loretta

Kim said...

I can see them under the console. So...if they are too smooshy b/t the fireplace and the coffee table you don't have to worry. :) I swear I've seen them at HomeGoods. Not a smokin' deal like CL, but still cheaper than Ballard or something similar.

birdsofafeatherdesign.com said...

Bummer you missed out! Great for your friend! Circa who is always a great sorce (probably not at craigslist prices...)Happy searching! -Ann

ashley said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ashley said...

http://www.wisteria.com/Fabric-Covered-X-Base-Stool/productinfo/W3815/

These suckers on sale until 2/27. They give the look but I can't tell for sure, it doesn't look like the legs are upholstered. :(

paula said...

I have been on the hunt too. these are gorgeous. love your home!