Year: 2009

We’re sad to announce that after more than 30 years of business, Gold Coast Galleries Antique Store is closing its doors—but not before holding a liquidation sale of its enormous inventory this weekend. Victorian and Eastlake furniture, as well as Biedermeier mirrors and chairs and a monumental Chinese floor vase can be found among the 22,000 square feet of vintage radios, vitrines, sculpture, art glass, juke boxes, and much more. All is expected to go for pennies on the dollar. The sale is Saturday from 10 to 5 and Sunday from 12 to 3. Numbers will be distributed at 9:30 Saturday. 3250 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-327-7600.

—Lisa Gartner

Ever wanted to sell furniture, art, or accessories on eBay but weren’t sure how to navigate it? Yes, there are drop-off businesses around town that can help, but a new one deals solely with luxury goods. Luxe Life Auctions is the brainchild of former Baker Furniture marketing exec Lisa Zyhylij-Ackerman and her partners. If your item is worth at least $50, you can either drop it off at Luxe Life’s River North office or have it picked up. Ackerman and crew will evaluate it, determine the best price, photograph it, write a description, post it, and take care of payment and shipping. You pay 35% of the first $1,000 sold (28% for more than $1,000). Luxe Life is also a great source for collectors; in addition to the eBay store, the company has a shop on Ruby Lane, an online collective of antiques dealers. Recent deals include a Christian Dior limited-edition Casablanca china set that went for
 $1,000 and Baccarat candlesticks (new in box) that sold for $180.

—JAN PARR

Zella Brown is one of our favorite spots for Jonathan Adler-style furniture and accessories that can really wake up a room. All merchandise (excluding consignment items) is half off til December 23.

–JAN PARR  

Antiquaire’s new shipment of gorgeous European antiques just arrived. The Highland Park shop’s collection of vintage and antique furniture is primarily French, but you can expect Italian, Spanish, English, Greek and Turkish goodies mixed in, as well as a Gustavian Swedish collection. Owner Melissa Edelman just sent me a few photos of the French treasures: a bleached oak trestle dining table (shown above), a brass tea cart; and a leather 1950s Chesterfield sofa, to name a few. 

—LISA GARTNER