Finder’s Fi Furnishing your outdoor area can be as easy as keeping your eyes on the curb
Spruce up your outdoor area with some foraged furniture, or treat yourself to that must-have antique pot or mid-century piece
Without buying anything, I’ve managed to end up with a whole new set of outdoor furniture – well, new to me at least. Having moved house and cleared out some dead and dying deck furniture, I was ready for some fresh pieces but, with it being winter and all, I hadn’t made any moves to replace anything.
Luckily the secondhand universe stepped in and provided items from neighbours, family and new friends. Combined with our outdoor table, handmade for us as a wedding gift, and op-shopped beanbags and chairs, we’ve cobbled together a full suite for next to nothing.
STREET-SIDE
You’ve got to be quick to spot the streetside bargains. I was driving along in my new neighbourhood and saw someone cleaning out their house, and was stoked to discover a near-new sun lounger had been placed out on the street. Having finally parted with my 10-year-old rusted and ripped-beyond-repair lounger, I had a quick chat with the owner, who went inside and got the cushion for me. Now I’m just patiently waiting for the sun to come out.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
My new neighbours were moving to the South Island and had placed a whole lot of plants on the street for sale. Unfortunately by the time I popped over with some cash, they had been snapped up, but I told them to let me know if they had anything else that needed a new home.
When they brought a cane outdoor couch around with a $10 sign on it, I was out of town, but my pet sitter gave them my number to complete the sale. They never ended up getting in touch, and I was still away when they moved out, so if you’re reading this, please send me your bank account details!
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Receiving hand-me-downs is still one of my favourite modes of ‘shopping’. My motherin-law gave us her outdoor chairs when she moved house earlier this year and we still have all her plant pots from her move before that. Add to these a new-to-me vintage planter from my parents and we’ve got some serious planting to do come summer.
WHERE TO BUY VINTAGE OUTDOOR FURNITURE
1 For affordable items, visit op-shops, reuse shops, markets and garage sales, or peruse Facebook Marketplace and Trade Me.
2 Looking for cane? Follow the Instagram sellers whose feeds are full of wicker furniture, such as @littlelivingproject and @forageandfossic. 3 If you’re after a little European flair, check out the late-19th and early-20th-century pots and planters from places such as Italy, Greece and England at Vitrine in Auckland. vitrine.co.nz
4 From antique gates to grape barrels, wrought-iron chairs and urns, French & Sons in Bulls has all the best French outdoor goods. frenchandsons.co.nz
5 Auckland’s Junk & Disorderly usually has a few good retro outdoor items in stock. junkndisorderly.co.nz
6 Mr Mod in Christchurch stocks authentic mid-century outdoor furniture from the US, Scandinavia and more. mrmod.co.nz
7 Vintage Industries in New Plymouth is the spot for wooden and cast-iron tables, benches and chairs from around the world. vintageindustries.co.nz