Danish Modern Bedroom Set from late 1950's

[Amasake]

I inherited a 4-piece mahogany bedroom set in the Danish Modern style from my grandmother, who gently used it in her guest room from the 60's thru the late 80's. It's a tall dresser, a long dresser w/ mirror, a bed frame with headboard storage and a nightstand. Interesting pale green-ish finish on all.

I've had it for about twenty years -- mostly in my guest room, too, but my older brother used it in his first apartment, so it's seen plenty of use. The finish is damaged in places but the pieces are solid, the legs are sturdy. Everything is original, including the big mirror which is clear and in great condition.

I'm downsizing to a small condo & would like to unload these pieces as soon as possible. When I google Danish Modern furniture to get an idea of price, I'm having a hard time finding anyone selling an entire bedroom set from this period.

What should I do? My initial thought is to post on CraigsList but I don't have any idea what to ask. I'm not looking to make a killing or anything, but these are well-loved pieces and ideally I'd find a collector who'd enjoy them, not some college kid who's just looking for cheap, disposable furniture.

How do I go about finding such a collector, or someone who might appreciate a full bedroom set in this retro style?

Or is this style worthless...?? When I search online, though, it seems to be pretty popular (I've read articles that say Mad Men has created an interest in this sorta stuff).

Any thoughts? Any advice would be MUCH appreciated. Thank you very much for your input.

[mart]

I remember the style well !! Blond mahogany was quite popular in Danish Modern furniture, that green tone is probably a tinted version !!  However finding a collector to buy it may be difficult !!  Most collectors want specific names and pristine condition !! So a well loved and used piece would not be what they would look for !!  What I would suggest is to contact a few decorators and let them know about it !! Try advertising locally in your paper or Craigslist !!  It may not be an easy sell though !!

[Amasake]

How does one find decorators who might be interested? Post to a decorator forum?

[Amasake]

Also -- any idea what a decent "asking price" would be for a retro set like this on CraigsList? I honestly have no idea what to list this for... thanks!

[mart]

You can do that or if you live in a metro area,, look in the yellow pages !! You can also list it on ebay with a local pick up !!

How many pieces do you have !!

[Amasake]

Four pieces.

eBay is less than ideal cause they cost to post. Thanks!

[mart]

Are you counting the bed as one piece or two as in headboard and footboard ??
If I put it on craigslist I would put $400. or best offer !! That is a bit high but you need room to deal !! If they offer you $300. I would take it and be happy !!  What is your location ?? There is a member here that has an etsy store and loves danish modern !! Gotta remember who it was !!

[Amasake]

I would like to sell the whole set, together all four pieces: bed frame/headboard, tall dresser, long dresser w/ mirror and 2-drawer night stand. Any idea what to ask?

I'm in the Philadelphia, PA area...

[greenacres]

I live in the Philadelphia area. I've used craigslist.com and have been very successful.

[mart]

As I said above,,I would ask $400. or best offer !! $300. would be more realistic price but you need some room to deal !!

[Amasake]

Wow... $400 for the whole set. Interesting.

Thank you very much. I think I'm gonna try to find maybe someone who does consignment and maybe works with decorators or something. I've visited antiques shops in the past and seen separate pieces in worse condition than mine selling for more than $400, but then again, just cause they're for sale at that price doesn't mean that's the price the seller would take. Still, if I can get someone to take it off my hands and into their store, I'd be happy pay a commission if they can sell it.

Any advice on finding furniture consignments, aside from googling them...? I'm open to all thoughts/idea!

Thank you again very much for your input so far. Much appreciated!

[mart]

Resale shops should be listed in the Yellow Pages of the phone book !!  One good thing about this furniture,, if yours is as good as what I had in the past, is that its heavy and good quality !! That should be a selling point !!

[hosman321]

It's a very specialized market, but there is a market for this cool retro stuff. What is the nearest big city to you? Someone in New York City or Los Angeles will pay much more than someone in a farming area or a small town. Condition is everything, people that buy this retro stuff want it in perfect condition, looking like it did the day it was made. If there are any chips or damage or large scratches then the value drops significantly. I think your best bet would be ebay. And although they do charge an arm and a leg, I think the fees would be worth it if you get a good amount of money for them. Listing on craigslist won't hurt because it's free, it at least gets the word out there that you have it. And trust me, people talk about stuff they see on CL to their friends and family. I do all the time. Decorators scour CL regularly for their clients and shops. Good luck selling, let us know what happens!

[Amasake]

Thanks for info & encouragement. I'm in Philadelphia, PA so.... fingers crossed... the pieces are not pristine but the set is all together & all original so I'm hoping that might make 'em more interesting. Not looking to make a killing, just really want the pieces to go to the right people. These have so much character, ya know?

Will keep y'all posted...

[mart]

Yes, Please do let us know your sale results !!  It helps us keep up with buying trends !!