Erin Shuford, a mother from Florida with a passion for furniture restoration, recently discovered what she considers her best find yet. After five years in the business of refinishing furniture, Shuford, who took the plunge into full-time furniture flipping after her second child was born, has come across countless valuable items. But the Broyhill Brasilia bedroom set tops them all.
"I struggled after returning to work three months postpartum," Shuford shared with Newsweek. Finding a work-from-home solution, she stumbled upon furniture flipping and quit her job after selling a couple of pieces, driven by a gut feeling that she was on the right path.
Her instincts have served her well; she finds immense satisfaction in transforming thrift finds and sells them at a profit. "I am grateful I pursued this dream," Shuford exclaimed.
A recent opportunity resulted from a phone call about a Broyhill Brasilia set. "A friend called frantically, knowing I would want the set," Shuford recalled. "She sent me pictures that left me awestruck."
The Broyhill Brasilia line, introduced in 1962, is renowned for its mid-century modern design inspired by Oscar Niemeyer’s architecture in Brasília, Brazil. Collector interest in these items remains strong due to their unique walnut construction, sculpted features, and geometric details. Recognizable items from the collection command high prices; a full set might range from $7,000 to more than $10,000.
Despite anticipating a substantial markup, Shuford discovered the set priced at $115. "The competitiveness for Broyhill Brasilia pieces is fierce, making thrift finds rare," Shuford noted. Her friend quickly purchased them, and Shuford collected the pieces the following day.
Shuford dedicated around 50 to 60 hours to restoring the furniture using Mohawk products, adhering to standard methods involving staining, sealing, and applying topcoats to recreate the original appearance. Her painstaking efforts were rewarded swiftly, selling the restored pieces less than 24 hours later for $9,000.
Reflecting on her five-year journey in this industry, Shuford describes her discovery as "her best-ever find." "I may never top this," she said, "but knowing the new owner cherishes it is rewarding."
While Brasilia furniture rarely appears in thrift stores, Shuford advises treasure hunters to stay informed and persistent. "Understanding which furniture is valuable and high quality is crucial," she stated. Regular visits to thrift stores and scouring Facebook Marketplace are essential strategies.
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