Need retro barstools for your next party? Want a luxurious look to sell your home?
Greater Palm Springs is a hub for furniture consignment stores, drawing an international set of bargain hunters. Consignments come not only from the best homes in the valley, but from upscale Los Angeles neighborhoods, Newport Beach, and as far away as Chicago. Get ready to stroke your fingers over velvet sectionals, animal hides, or shag carpets while listening to the mellow crooning of Sinatra. See chairs, tables, and lamps that will make you feel you’re on the set of Mad Men or The Jetsons.
You’ll also find antiques and unique international pieces once collected by travelers. At one location, a 7-foot-tall Buddha valued at $25,000 recently went for $2,500. Living room furniture normally priced new at $2,400 might sell for $300 or less.
Here’s our list of stores that are popular with buyers, based on visits, research, and interviews.
CATHEDRAL CITY
Celebrity Consignments
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
This store offers a range of styles: midcentury modern, Spanish, contemporary, transitional, and shabby chic. Furniture is picked up in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Newport Beach, and other locations. You’ll also find art, mirrors, rugs, lamps, and accessories. They mark prices down monthly.
67777 E. Palm Canyon Drive
Canyon Plaza Shopping Center
760-770-3344
www.celebrityconsignments.com
RANCHO MIRAGE
Misty’s Consignments
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m Sundays.
This upbeat destination is high on the list because of its huge inventory spread across 23,000 square feet and its affordable prices and quick turnover. You’ll find indoor and outdoor furniture, home office pieces, garden art, big wooden doors, original artwork, and bedding. Recent items include a Polynesian totem pole, a brand-new floral-painted bidet, a stainless steel barbecue, chandeliers, and even a kitchen sink.
70007 Highway 111
760-770-4663
www.mistysconsignments.com
PALM DESERT
Classic
Consignment
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
Among high-end furniture, also look for great party décor, such as black-and-white ’60s art prints depicting the Hollywood Rat Pack.
73847 El Paseo
760-568-4948 www.classicconsignment online.com
The Elite Consignments
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Tuesdays.
Expect living room sets, barstools, wicker, leather, wood, and glass, as well as framed art prints and mirrors. Staff will work with you on prices.
73940 El Paseo
760-895-4349 www.theeliteconsignments.com
The Private Collection
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday
to Saturday; 12:30 to
5:30 p.m. Sundays. Consignments come from all over the country. You’ll find formal dining sets, sofas, barstools, patio sets, dressers, and mirrors.
73925 El Paseo
760-636-0970
www.tpcconsign.com
Consign Design
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Wander through 12,000 square feet and discover treasures. Most of the furniture is newer. Art is original. The owner had an art gallery for 26 years, so his artists followed him. Furniture mostly comes from country clubs such as El Dorado and Bighorn.
72171 Highway 111, Ste. 100 760-773-0027
la quinta
Encore Consign
+ Design Studio
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Elegant designer-inspired furniture is well organized and thoughtfully presented in this 23,000-square-foot store.
47120 Dune Palms Road
760-564-7200
www.encoreconsignanddesign.com
tips for shopping:
1. The best time for bargain hunting is April to June. Stores get rid of inventory when rising temperatures send snowbirds home.
2. Stores might carry designer work by J. Robert Scott, Nancy Corzine, Karl Springer, Marge Carson, or Dessin Fournir, as well as more affordable everyday sofas, patio furniture, and accessories.
3. Visit frequently, because inventory turnover is high.
4. Be patient if you find an egg chair you can’t live without, yet can’t afford. Some stores reduce prices by 20 percent monthly for up to three months.
5. Prices also reflect how quickly a seller needs funds, so don’t be afraid to ask for an additional discount.
6. Keep your eyes open for other great finds — we’re told actor Kevin Bacon and singer Don McLean visited a Palm Desert consignment store recently.