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Olde Good Things

Architectural and Altered Antiques

New Creation: Handmade River Resin Wood Tables

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At OGT, one quality we have always valued is the ability to reimagine, to repurpose, to reinvent. After our architectural treasures are reclaimed, we use skill, craftsmanship, and imagination to create and to help our customers do the same.

 

With that idea in mind (and classic table legs back in stock!), we wanted to show off these reimagined, handcrafted river resin tables.

 

All Olde Good Things’ farmhouse tables/ industrial tables are crafted by hand from quality wood and paired with one of our styles of industrial table legs. They are a sleek addition to dining rooms, kitchens, workspaces, and living areas. Commercial clients love the way these tables add a rustic industrial edge to dining and entertainment venues and other contemporary commercial spaces.

Our river resin tables add a fun and stylish embellishment to a quality piece, such as walnut resin dining table in stock.

 

The live edge walnut blue resin river and green resin mahogany tables are contemporary and luxurious…

River resin tables are also available in these beautiful maple, ash, and walnut designs.

All tabletops and industrial cast iron legs are high quality salvaged wood and iron legs – durable, beautiful, and solid, crafted by artisans at OGT.

Let us help you reimagine your environment with one of these exquisite tables or any of our collection of altered antiques.

Shop all River Resin Tables

Designing with Nautical Lighting

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With a vast offering of lighting from industrial to elegant, designers find Olde Good Things a prime go-to shop for authentic original fixtures. Of late, one of the favorites has been unique maritime lights salvaged from ocean carriers of long ago. Here you see featured just one re-use of a honeycomb shade fox spotlight, now accenting an ultra-modern living area.

Nautical lighting offers a mix of industrial and eclectic, especially due to the use of rich-looking metals like bronze and copper, often used due to their resistance to the elements. This line of lighting makes for great exterior uses, especially the passage and deck lighting. One of the favorites is the gooseneck bronze sconces. Many of our customers have purchased these to adorn their porches, carriage houses, and garages.

We also have sconces available in cast aluminum, if you prefer a more subtle color and industrial look.

Take a look at some of our new arrivals and shop our website and stores to see the inventory.

 

Whatever your preference, you have some choices now at Olde Good Things.  The lights above are high-quality replicas of the original marine boat lights. Please visit our nautical lighting category to view all old and new nautical lighting that is available.

Nautical Lighting

 

 

 

Coney Island Boardwalk Ipe Pens – An Altered Antique Gift

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Why not consider a memorable gift that will make a lasting impression for Father’s Day or any special day, or as a gift to yourself? One of the perks of treasure hunting at Olde Good Things is each piece carries within it a sliver of history — repurposed. OGT Coney Island boardwalk Ipe pens are a sleek and classic addition for desktop or home space.

The durable Brazilian hardwood known as “Ipe” was sourced by OGT from the famous Coney Island Pier during repair and restoration in 2008. The Coney Island boardwalk has been a historical landmark since 1922 and was constructed so people of all economic and social backgrounds could enjoy the beaches of Brooklyn. The wood for the boardwalk had become dangerous beyond repair, so the city was proud to have the tropical hardwood salvaged and repurposed. Artisans at Olde Good Things reworked the salvaged hardwood into new functions, including these specialized collector pens.

These unique pieces of NYC history are available in brass or silver finish complete with a certificate of authenticity.

To order from our website click here.

Decorating in Style with Vintage Mosaic & Subway Tiles

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When most people think of tiles, they conjure up images of those horrendously tacky squares of cheap porcelain that crowd the floor of many older homes. Fortunately, when we talk about tiles we are talking about the classic, beautifully made, and carefully salvaged vintage and antique tile that we’ve had the privilege of adding to our growing inventory.

Vintage Off White Subway Tile – Photo Credit: Bloglovin’

With so many exquisite pieces entering our showroom we are eager to share with our customers a few creative decorating ideas that incorporate vintage and antique tiles.

Decorating your living room

Decorating with tile requires that you have either a friend in construction or a skill at creative repurposing. If you want to make a show stopping conversation piece, why not take on old coffee table and decorate the top of the table by making a mosaic of broken salvaged tiles. All you need is sandpaper, tiling cement, your choice of color or plain grout, and a selection of hand-picked vintage tile from Olde Good Things. If you don’t have an old coffee table, consider using a side table, or repurposing an old trunk. Get creative and enjoy the process.

If you’d rather leave your furniture as is, why not reface your old fireplace? Using vintage or antique tiles to add color or drama to your fireplace is a great way to make something old sooty into something “olde good”.

 

Wining & dining on vintage tiles

The sheer number of remodeling shows on TV can be staggering, but many of them provide our customers with great repurposing ideas. If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen and you want to add flair that cannot be bought at Home Depot you should piece together a backsplash made entirely of salvaged vintage tiles.

Check out this photo of a backsplash that literally catches the eye and makes the heart smile! Bright, colorful, and fun!

 

Why reusing vintage tiles is “green”

If you’re looking for something that will stand the test of time and make you feel great about your materials choices, you have to call Lowes, cancel that order for bathroom tiles, and tile your bathroom using salvaged subway tiles. When you reuse old tiles you are adding an “eco-friendly” stamp to your project which can actually increase the value of your property.

Here is a selection of tile that would be perfect for a bathroom remodel.

Olde Good Things is doing its part to make the world a beautiful place, one tile at a time. It’s up to you to check out what we have in stock and let your imagination run wild.

Do you have any creative ideas for reusing vintage and antique tile? Let us know and feel free to share your photos on our Facebook page.

Latest Arrival – Salvaged Milk Bottles Handsilvered to Make a Great Look

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It’s that time again.

…A time to transform your home into something festive, but not at all tacky, and this holiday season OGT will be your best friend.

First up we have hand-silvered old milk bottles.

Great holiday idea... hand-silvered vintage milk bottles

Great holiday idea… hand-silvered vintage milk bottles

Foraging for goodies in an old Brooklyn dairy, we found a batch of beautiful bottles made in 1954. Looking closely at the glass, a few, inscribed with Forest Lake Dairy, have a gorgeous pink hue.

Old salvaged milk bottles available at Olde Good Things

Old salvaged milk bottles available at Olde Good Things

For all of them, the shape is what sets them apart. A design first patented in the early 1900s, there is a bulb at the top of the bottle, a visually quirky and entirely practical addition designed to collect the cream as it separated from the milk.

Clear milk bottles are available alsoThe patent for cream top bottles was first assigned to the Cream Top Bottle Corporation in 1925, and the size of the bulb was typically one fifth of the entire bottle. Apparently there was a bit of science that went into this ratio. The Cream Top Bottle Corporation stated that “milk with 3.5% butterfat test was sufficient to fill the cream bulb with cream and the separated cream would be 22 to 27% butter fat.“

Cream Top milk bottles were sold at a similar price as the conventional ones however the dairyman had to pay an annual licensing fee to the Cream Top Bottle Corporation. In exchange, the Cream Top Bottle Corporation would give the dairyman exclusive rights in his territory to sell milk in Cream Top bottles.

The Cream Top Bottle Corporation claimed many advantages for their bottles.  Since they were only allowed to be used by one dairy in a given territory, they were easily identified and difficult for other dealers to steal and use.  The Corporation also claimed that their bottles would experience less breakage due to their design AND that this unique design would discourage consumers from keeping bottles for preserving foods (a common problem with regular milk bottles) or storing other liquids.

Advantages or not… in 1933 the annual licensing fee was challenged in court and not upheld, opening the door for more manufacturers and designs to follow (i.e. the MODERN top milk bottle and the baby top milk bottle).

The bottles we found are not only Cream top milk bottles, but “space-saving,” due to their square shape. While the manufacturer is not listed, we know Lamb Glass Company was making square bottles during this time.

We loved the shape and the story and true to Olde Good Things style, we wanted to add another layer.

…literally.

Our warehouse in Scranton is home to some truly talented craftsmen. Some make tables, some make tin mirrors and some use the old world way to silver antique glass by hand (more on that process to come!).

Hand silvered 1950s milk jugs

After a few weeks in the warehouse… VOILA! Something old and something new; A timeless piece perfect as personal décor or glorious gift. These beautiful bottles can be found online or in any of our stores. To inquire or purchase click here!

 

Design Element of the Week: Massive Bronze Room Divider

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Here’s Mid-Century Modern design at it’s height. This solid cast bronze room divider has alternating pod shaped sculpted bronze parts in a thick frame and was conceived in the minds of a group of architects in 1959. It was constructed starting in July 1962 and completed in 1964.

Completion of this massive cast bronze room divider took place in 1964

Completion of this massive cast bronze room divider took place in 1964

Design and planning consultants Victor Gruen worked with King & King Architects and coordinating architects Gordon Schoper Ketcham-Miller-Arnold. This amazing room divider can be assembled as one long unit or two sections on an angle. Total length 209 inches, it consists of two sections, one 101 inch long and one 108 inch long.

Originally this piece was salvaged from the lobby of the Public Safety Building in Syracuse, New York. Below you see it in this original setting.

This divider was salvaged from the Public Safety Building in Syracuse, NY

This amazing piece can be seen at our Madison Avenue location at 149 Madison Avenue in New York City.

For more information or to inquire click here.

A Piece of Paris History: Repurposing Vintage Street Lights

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Paris Holophane Globe StreetlightAn ancient and historic city, Paris is the sparkling central gem in the crown of Europe. Known to all as the City of Lights, Paris is a criss-crossing capitol comprised of smaller cities joined together by their love of fine food, joy, and the passion one finds around every corner.

For many years, along the winding footpaths and cobblestone alleyways and narrow paved streets, Parisians and tourists could see the sights and explore the intimate nooks and crannies of the city; their way lit by large globe street lights.

Today, with the crucial need for bright lights and cost-effective infrastructure, Paris has replaced many of their antique and vintage street lights with new LED bulbs.

Though need has outweighed history, Paris knew it couldn’t just dispose of their old lights —no, they knew these beautiful, classic holophane lamps could be owned and loved by those who adore the city as much as they do.

Original street lamp pictured here in Paris

Original street lamp pictured here in Paris

Olde Good Things has just acquired a limited supply of these fantastic holophane globes, ready to be transformed into great contemporary lighting for either a residential or commercial application. These globe lamps are available with a steel pole or with a chain for use as a large pendant light.

Holophane Paris street lamp pictured with a chainHolophane Paris street lamp pictured with a steel pole

These globes can be simply repurposed as light fixtures and glimmering conversation pieces, in your kitchen over your central island, or in your dining room over your table. Imagine enjoying a meal with those you love while the light of Paris shines down upon you. Not only that, these antique lamps would be spectacular lighting pieces for screened-in porches, outdoor entertainment spaces, or shining, shimmering ballrooms! With these genuine architectural historical pieces, the sky’s the limit!

These are wonderful for adding flair to residential homes or businesses

Bring a piece of the City of Lights into your home or office, and create an atmosphere of Parisian charm with the flick of a switch.

To own your very own piece of Parisian history, contact the customer service professionals at Olde Good Things, and be sure to peruse our online inventory for other gorgeous light fixtures.

 

Leave No Stone Unturned

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When the architecturologists at Olde Good Things engage in our architectural salvage work, we often find stunning antique stone and terracotta artifacts. To add an historical and unique element to your home, building project, garden, or patio, antique stone items are a striking choice.

Since so many of our stone and terra cotta items have such a rich history, they are incredible conversation pieces and symbols of past eras. If you are looking for a beautiful garden stone or a terra cotta or cast cement garden decoration to enhance your landscape, look no further than Olde Good Things. Below we have selected a few select pieces including a 40 ft. limestone multi-piece frieze from the Philadelphia Civic Center, figural lady face frieze from the facade of a Times Square building as well as life-size marble angels from a NE Pennsylvania church.  Take a look.  Come shop with us from our vast online selection of unique building stones for your next project.

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Philadelphia Civic Center Transportation frieze

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1930s statue pair from Wezleg Macs estate

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Time Square salvaged stone lady building facade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glazed terra cotta wall

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Pair of life sized marble angels

[Stone & Terra Cotta]

[Stautes & Fountains]

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Cast stone urn with cherub figures

Customer Showcase: Pearly Gates Bar Reinvention

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Pearly Gates Bar in Frankfurt, Germany just underwent a major redo

Pearly Gates Bar in Frankfurt, Germany just underwent a major redo

On a cobblestone street in Frankfurt Germany one will find a newly transformed classic venue called Pearly Gates Bar.  This one-of-a-kind local eatery and bar was in need of a dramatic and lasting redesign, and they called on designer, Madjid Djamegari, for help. Djamegari, known for his redesign of The Gibson Club, wanted to create an interior space with a classic 1920s vibe—complete with the sensual lines and simple yet stylish fixtures of an American speakeasy. Unfortunately, there aren’t many architectural salvage and repurposing specialists in Europe, so Djamegari travelled to New York to find the perfect pieces for his perfect vision. Fortunately for Pearly Gates Bar and for us, he stumbled upon a small shop filled to the ceiling with everything he needed to make his mark on a timeless German bar. He’d discovered Olde Good Things where he tapped into the wares at our Madison Avenue location, handpicking many vintage and altered antiques to create his desired look.

Much of the seating, lighting and table tops were supplied by OGT

Much of the seating, lighting and table tops were supplied by OGT

For a touch of glimmering illumination in his interior transformation, Djamegari chose these beautiful copper pendant lights which he hung from 100 year old reclaimed tin-tiled ceiling. The tin ceiling was pieced together from actual vintage tin OGT salvaged from buildings in NYC and Chicago. You can get a better idea of the work that goes into the removal, cleaning, and restoration of tin ceilings by reading our blog post here. The pendant lights, once backstage lights at the 1930s Philadelphia Convention Hall in Philadelphia, form a glow of subtle lighting over the bar area.  The table tops were custom made from reclaimed copper and galvanized sheet metal, and were built in our custom furniture shop at our warehouse in Pennsylvania.

Leather couch and oak bankers chairs were purchased at our Madison Ave. Store.

Leather couch and oak bankers chairs were purchased at our Madison Ave. Store.

Much of the seating was supplied by Olde Good Things, including the swivel top stools, the 1940s leather couch, and mahogany banker’s chairs.

Not only did Djamegari have comfortable seating in mind, he also wanted to draw in the style and vintage charm of classic NYC with these small sconce lights lining the intimate corners of the bar. These wall lights once graced the white-tile walls of the New York City Subway system.

Sadly, the pictures supplied do not feature some other interesting items used during the redesign. These items include: vintage bathroom pedestal sinks and reclaimed doors.  Although Olde Good Things, Madison Ave is our flagship location, there are three more unique locations in New York City, one in downtown Los Angeles, and two large warehouse locations in Scranton Pennsylvania.  Each of our locations house an eclectic variety of salvaged, restored, and re-purposed items perfect for a restaurant, commercial, or residential redesign, remodel, or refurbishing.

To see what else OGT has to offer, visit our website and look through our growing inventory, or visit one of our locations in-person for a real eye-opening, design bending experience!

Recent Reclamation: Terra Cotta Dreams!

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Two sided separation wall--stacked terra cotta pieces meant to draw the eye

Two sided separation wall–stacked terra cotta pieces meant to draw the eye

You know Olde Good Things is the #1 name in architectural salvage, and you know we take our work providing new homes for old items seriously, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to you that we’ve outdone ourselves with our latest acquisition.

This terra cotta wall once stood as the exterior accent wall of a forgotten NYC building. Because only the outward sides of the pieces were exposed to the elements, these pieces can be reused as interior wall décor, or as accent pieces in a garden. Imagine, you can create a peaceful oasis in your own yard using a material known to be used in ancient China.

This wall acted as a separation wall, but did more than that—it caught the eye, and eventually the hearts of OGT salvage professionals. The wall was exposed on both sides, so the amount of wear is even, but it adds a sense of timelessness that only terra cotta can evoke.

 

Salvagers take their work seriously, but they still smile!

Salvagers take their work seriously, but they still smile!

7-1/2 in. x 7-1/2 in. x 5-1/8 in.

7-1/2 in. x 7-1/2 in. x 5-1/8 in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each one of the 600 pieces of were painstakingly removed, carefully transported to our store, and are now ready for you to take and create beautiful designs of your own using pieces of NYC history.

600 pieces were removed from this wall

Each piece measures 7-1/2 in. x 7-1/2 in. x 5-1/8 in., and can be used in many different applications—interiors, exteriors, home, and office.

Stop by your nearest Olde Good Things showroom to learn more about these charming historical pieces.

Olde Good Things