Southeastern Salvage: A Little Bit of Junk but a Whole Lot of Finds

Southeastern Salvage has tons of inside and outside construction materials

Ok, I have to admit, just like Sherri Porter, owner of PD’s in Franklin, I was raised as a salvage baby.  My father, a third generation insurance guy, had a client, Ron Cowan who owned a huge salvage operation.  Every time my Dad paid a visit to Ron, we were the recipients a hodge-podge of stuff including but not limited to:  handbags, cooking equipment, bed linens, cartons of  damaged can goods, Christmas decorations even a couple of cases of Kotex in a slightly charred box  (Did I mention there were six women in our household?).   Most of the stuff we acquired had either been in a fire, flood or train wreck.

I come by damaged goods naturally.  As a result, I love the art of rummaging through salvage stores.  Here is my quick guide to what worth your time and money to buy at Southeastern Salvage:

Always in stock…

• Great outdoor and indoor rugs: They have a huge selection of contemporary rugs for under $200 and Oriental rugs (not machine-made) for under a $1,000.  One day I spoke to a manager and found out Southeastern Salvage (based in Chattanooga) has been buying quality rugs for years.
  

This outdoor rug ( 7'10" x 11") is under $100.

• Sea grass baskets: For storing toys, towels and magazines. These are great for mud rooms, storage under a table or beach towels in the summer.
  

Most baskets are $15-$20.

• Pillow covers and inserts: Similar to the ones in  the Pottery Barn catalog.  These are cute, linen pillows with a big button on the front.
  

All pillow covers are under $10 and come in pink, brown, navy, red, stripes and polka-dots

• Outdoor urns and containers: Plentiful with all kinds of shapes including teak, ceramic and terra-cotta.
  

Perfect mother-in-law gift at under $200

• Inexpensive mirrors: For bathrooms and lake houses.

Teak mirrors for summer cottage at $125

Some weird and usual finds in stock right now….

• Luggage tags: Great inexpensive teacher or graduation gifts.
  

All leather luggage tags are $5 and monogramming is free!

• Animal hides: Many different patterns including many in great neutral shades.

These are in Horchow's for $689; Southeastern has them for $299.

• Moroccan footstools: Nice for a playroom or den as a table or additional seating.

Patchwork Ottomons for under $60

Happy Shopping!  Let me know if you discover any treasures at Southeastern Salvage.

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