Field Trip: Furnish Green
Posted by Kevin SharkeySometimes finding the city's best treasures comes by way of happy accident. While my colleague, Decorating Editor Rebecca Robertson, was surfing Craig's List for a stool, she came across a listing from a used-furniture store called Furnish Green, located on the 5th floor of 1261 Broadway, between 31st and 32nd Streets.
Finding it takes a little effort, but the corner suite of this building brims with light and makes a lovely stage for their ever-changing inventory. The owner Nathan prices pieces based on their usability, rather than their "antique prowess," meaning lower (if not somewhat arbitrary: "why $61 and not $60?") prices on items that actually function.
1 Welcome to Furnish Green! It's a little tricky getting here, but so worth it.
2 This set of blue metal chairs can be raised and lowered to match heights.
3 Bins and bins of records give life to the furnishings; pieces this unique deserve vintage turntable tunes.
4 A voluptuous wooden mirror frame; notice the antler in its reflection that I considered glittering for my Halloween centerpiece.
5 Decorating & Home Editor Rebecca Robertson inspects the drawers of a very unique wooden piece that we both loved.
6 Her vision for this piece was to hold jewelry, which would make sorting through lots of pieces far more organized!
7 Organizing in shallow drawers makes it easy to find items quickly. Plus, this unit is so artfully designed (note the little label slots!).
8 From the front (those side shelving units are not attached) when the rolling door is closed. Once unlocked, the front slatted wood rolls downwards in a truly wonderful whoosh, clinking to a stop at the bottom, revealing the drawers within.
9 We love to shop local whenever possible, but some of the most interesting finds are from overseas.
10 Rebecca's jewelry vision aside, I thought these shallow drawers would hold my expansive linen collection quite adequately!
11 So, I bought it! We've already picked out a place for it in my apartment.
12 This table matched another smaller piece. We loved the unique marbled pattern and its sheer bulk.
13 Rebecca is thinking of hauling this table away herself.
14 Rebecca and I rooted around this lovely store, turning up one treasure after another. The inventory is constantly changing, which makes this a constantly exciting place to visit.
15 I was drawn to the weight and unique grid of this chest of drawers, plus the wood grain is just so pronounced!
16 This vintage wooden file cabinet was absolutely stunning.
17 Due to the need for some retrofitting, Rebecca resisted the urge to purchase this piece, but we sure hope it finds a worthy home!
18 One last look before moving on...
19 Stools, gadgets and gizmos galore.
20 This lighting fixture had Rebecca transfixed!
21 Scoping out that set of rolling drawers, I'm sure.
22 We thought this bench would be perfect recovered for Martha's granddaughter Jude.
23 But I could fit on it, too!
24 The sinuous lines of this deep green metal chair are provocative.
25 I was obsessed with this adorable vintage pink scale.
26 Anything to lighten the mood when weighing yourself!
27 We both thought this desk was a real find; stately and versatile, its sharp edges lightened the piece's heft.
28 Rebecca was completely enamored with this set of unfinished wooden chairs, especially the lovely color of the unstained wood.
29 Another incredible find we unearthed.
30 This old screen unfolded gorgeously.
31 Items like this make wonderful projects; with a few yards of new (or vintage) fabric, this uniquely sized screen could be a real statement piece.
Browsing the inventory at Furnish Green is a lesson in thrifting for the novice and expert picker alike. Coming up with modern uses for these vintage items was not only interesting, but also empowering as a shopper and home designer. Filling a precise need with the perfect piece is simply put, satisfying. Check out Furnish Green if you're ever near Herald Square. It's an absolute treat!
Kevin Sharkey 
