About BackGarage

Design First. Second Hand.

“Like Apartment Therapy for the Great Depression.” BackGarage is about the aesthetics of everyday living on a thrift store budget. Not because we can’t afford nice things, but when you’ve got an eye for design and like getting your hands dirty, you can cultivate stylish surroundings without cracking the piggy bank. And it’s a lot more fun. BackGarage is a virtual museum dedicated to all things beautiful on a budget. With occasional splurges. Selected by the Tribune as one of Chicago’s best blogs.

Why BackGarage?

BackGarage is named after the extra carport behind my house when I was growing up. My dad, a weekend refinisher, stored antiques and furniture he bought from garage sales and flea markets. In his spare time he would fix them up and resell them. My dad thought if you had a good eye, you could find garage sale gold.

Garage Sale Hotlist

If you live in Chicago and you love garage sales, estate sales, rummage sales, flea markets, sign up for my weekly emails with links to my best picks for sales every weekend — with a focus on jam-packed households and great deals on mid-century. Sign up today. (It’s not spammy, I promise.)

Connect