I love IKEA stuff. It's fun, it's functional and it's cheap. However, the trendsetter in me gets a little tired of having the same BILLY bookcase and EKTORP sofa as all of my friends. My recent discovery of Frontier Sales Furniture, just east of Victoria Park, will allow me to develop a unique decorating style at a price I can afford. Frontier recently moved to this large two storey location. Why, yes, those small tables on the second floor DO look sturdy enough to dance on. It used to be a strip joint.

I quickly fall in love with a huge square leather ottoman for $249 and envision myself draped over it drinking dirty martinis. Wooden dining room sets range in price from $149 to about $450. A set of blue chairs with wicker seats ($35 for 4) sets me dreaming of setting up a taverna on my sidewalk. Kids have lemonade stands -- I could sell ouzo. A gorgeous electric treadmill ($125) very nearly follows me home, if I only had the space for it.

Style varies from Duncan Phyfe to Shaker to Art Deco to Bauhaus. There is something to suit everyone's tastes. Some things are in pristine condition and some need work or imagination, but they are priced accordingly.

The most interesting item is not for sale. The owner confesses that she has a treasure that came in with one of the estate sales and shows me Prime Minister Arthur Meighen's law degree. I desperately want to buy it, but she plans to give it to the National Archives.

Just looking is fun. Most items have a cheeky sign on them with helpful hints ("Paint me white!"), enticements to purchase ("Are you a French Beauty too? Mais oui! French Provincial Dressing Table") or just plain silliness (a portrait labelled "Makes a good mirror!").

At these prices you can afford to buy a dining room set and still be able to afford dinner. And like dinner, you can have it delivered.

Frontier Sales Furniture
3313 Danforth Avenue (just east of Victoria Park)
416-691-3307