CURATED: Affordable Treasures from the Sale of the Property in Sotheby's Show House

Sunroom by Meredith Ellis for Sotheby's Show House. Photo courtesy of Sotheby's.

Many people have the wrong impression that you need to be a millionaire to shop at Sotheby's. That is not true. There are many, many objects sold in the low thousands, and while that price range may likely be an investment purchase for most, often it is worthwhile to buy something that you will love for a long, long time, and may even become a family heirloom.

We have all heard the old adage if you buy quality, you only cry once.

Yesterday, I shared 5 tips on living well with art and antiques gleaned from my trip to Sotheby's Show House. The sale for the objects in the Show House will be held on April 20th and there are many affordable treasures that if you bought, I don't even think you will cry at all. Here are some of my favorites.

In the furniture category, check out how fabulous this Louis XVI bergere looks in the sunroom designed by Meredith Ellis. It's lot 159 and is estimated at $3,000-$5,000. A French Louis XVI bergere is a no brainer.

Lot 159: A Louis XVI gray-painted and carved bergère partially composed of 18th century elements Estimate 3,000 — 5,000 USD

I am also digging this Louis XVI style fauteuil that made an appearance in the Cullman & Kravis living room. With that fantastic tiger fabric you don't even need to reupholster. It is lot 19 and estimated at $4,000 to $6,000. (Not sure of the difference between a fauteuil and a bergere? I can help.)

Living room by Cullman & Kravis for Sotheby's Show House. Photo by Lynn Byrne.

Lot 19: A Louis XVI style carved giltwood fauteuil 19th century Estimate 4,000 — 6,000 USD Photo by Sotheby's

My favorite piece of art in the sale also happens to be affordable. It's too bad we haven't yet settled on our country house upstate or I would be bidding. Lot 181, it is a large still life in a beautiful frame by Charles Collins dated 1741--perfect for that late 1700s hunting cabin I have my eye on in Dutchess County. Eric Cohler placed it in his beautiful family room. I think its a bargain at $5,000-$7,000 and could surely be an heirloom piece.

Lot 181: Charles Collins STILL LIFE WITH TWO PARROTS, A BASKET OF FLOWERS, A BASKET OF PEACHES AND GRAPES, A PEAR AND CANTALOUPE IN FRONT Estimate 5,000 — 7,000 USD Photo by Sotheby's.

I also am wild about all of the Fairfield Porter paintings in the sale. There are many. These 4 are all estimated at $2,000-$3,000.

Details from works by Fairfield Porter. Lots 190, 191, 206, 207

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I am completely over the moon for this set of 4 Empire Style Gilt Bronze "Apollo" sconces, lot 6, estimated at $5000-$7000. Not cheap, but what detail and what a statement they would make in a room. I have a thing for lighting.

Lot 6: one of A SET OF FOUR EMPIRE STYLE GILT BRONZE FIVE-BRANCH WALL LIGHTS 5,000 - 7,000 USD Photo by Lynn Byrne

Last of many possible choices, and my least expensive pick, is this iconic Fornasetti plate, lot 112, estimated at $500-$700. No surprise here, my love for Fornasetti is well known.

Lot 112: A ROSENTHAL PORCELAIN 'TEMA E VARIAZIONI' PLATE DESIGNED BY PIERO FORNASETTI 20TH CENTURY 500 - 700 USD

There is so many items I could have featured from the sale in this post. Do have fun with Sotheby's interactive website for the Show House. It is easy to click on each room and then its property list for details on each item. And remember you needn't be at the sale to bid (or in the Forbes 400) --absentee bids are available.