Question: What happens when you update something potentially worth anywhere from $15 to $1000?
Answer: I don’t know yet.
I usually look up items on-line before I get to refurbishing something; just in case I actually come across an extremely valuable piece. Thanks a lot Antiques Roadshow.
This time, I picked up a beautiful old Mid Century Modern Record Holder (or is it a magazine rack?) and painted it the very next day. I then got the bright idea of looking it up mainly because I wanted to make sure I priced it right before I sold it.
Here’s what I found:
- The first two images I came across that matched my record holder were on Etsy which indicated they’d already sold and I couldn’t find a price.
- I came across this promising record holder which immediately led to heart palpitations. They’re asking over $1,000 for it!!! I learned it was French and from the 1940’s. I laughed thinking, that’s ridiculous.
- I found another which was much less jarring yet sold for over $100, still making me scratch my head. I learned it was by Ernest Sohn.
- Then I found one for $15.00 plus shipping. What the?
I guess what I’m saying is, the Internet is confusing and the damage is done.
Updated Mid Century Modern Record Holder
Originally this old record holder or magazine rack was a dull gold, worn away over time, now revealing a silver color. The corners and joints showed signs of rust. It’s most likely made of steel and offers a good solid weight. Good bones they say.
Please know this post includes some affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. Thank you. Click here for my full disclosure.
I used a fine grit sanding block along with a piece of 220 grit paper to get in the tight corners and joints. Nothing too harsh, just to scuff it up.
After 2 coats of primer, it got multiple coats of key lime green color in gloss. I only say multiple coats because there are so many nooks and crannies, I basically did touch up spurts of paint numerous times.
Once dried, I took the tape off only to realize I hadn’t covered everything (mainly underneath) plus, the bottom of the feet weren’t hit at all. I eventually flipped it over, re-taped and finished it up.
Finally I gave it a couple coats of KRYLON’s Crystal Glaze. I don’t really use KRYLON for the most part but, again, I had it in my stash. You can’t really tell a difference but, I feel better having another couple layers of protection.
It might not be worth a ton of green now but, what it lacks in dolla bills, it makes up for in style and color, no?
Maybe imagine some more color coordinated pillows than these.
Sad to say this is our record collection. I had to keep the Smurfs record from childhood.
I’m putting a magazine rack like yours on my thrifting list. Love what you did with it. It is fantastic. Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle.
Many thanks, Sharon!
Terrific makeover. We had one growing up and I think my mom used it for magazines. I like your idea of using it for all sorts of things. And don’t you love it when you put it in your shop and it flies out the door.
Thanks Debra! That was the fastest selling item ever! It does feel good when that happens 😉
Love the record/magazine rack and I especially love the color you chose. Yes, it’s scary out there, when one site says one thing and another site says another. What is one to do? Just love and enjoy your find I guess. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Ivory! Yep, the Internet is a weird whirlwind of info but, you’re right, in the end, I can do what I want 😉
Love the color! Figuring out the value of awesome finds is always tough. Love the smurf album too LOL!
Thank you Wendi! Yep, I can’t believe how silly the variations in price were! I do know one thing…I’ll never give up my smurfs 😀
Love (love, love) this! I want one!! Great transformation. Thanks for linking up with Funtastic Friday.
Thank you Victoria for stopping by and hosting the party!
You have the magic eye for transforming blah stuff into a rockin’ stuff, my dear. I am so loving the transformation of this record holder! –Ginger
http://gingerwroot.com
Thanks Ginger 🙂 I’m so happy you like it!
I love mid-century items and this one is no different. The transformation is beautiful. It’s amazing to see what a little paint can do!
Thanks Jelica! I’ll paint pretty much anything 😉
Wow, how cool! I love the bright green and that it can be used for so many things! I’d have lots of fun decorating with it for sure! So happy you shared it with us at Sweet Inspiration this time!
Thanks Katrin! I’m glad I joined up and thanks for hosting 🙂
I think it looks like a million bucks painted in the bright, pretty green.
Thanks Debra 🙂 I think so too! Much brighter and cleaner looking
Your record/magazine holder looks adorable painted. I always love it when I score a little MCM accessory at Value Village or my local junk guy’s place.
Thanks Vanessa 🙂 I know the Mid Century items have been all the rage for a while but, I’ve only recently began to appreciate the looks and styles. The “local junk guy’s place” sounds amazing!
It is absolutely amazing! There is just so much stuff there and he almost gives it away.