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By Alice Gibbs
Senior Reporter
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A Brooklyn thrift shopper has gone viral on TikTok after scoring what may be the find of a lifetime: a $7,995 Saarinen dining table for just $108.
Aaron Connelly, 38, a designer and avid furniture collector, spotted the iconic marble-top table at his local thrift store. Initially unpriced and with the manager nowhere in sight, he waited next to the piece for more than 45 minutes.
"She's coming home with me," Connelly said in the video, which has now racked up over 970,000 views.
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In the video, he sat next to the table and did not move until a manager finally appeared, giving him the price of the item.
When staff finally set the price at $108 with tax, Connelly said it was "the best thrift find of my entire life."
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A Dream Come True
Connelly told Newsweek that at first glance, he didn't believe the table could possibly be genuine.
"When I first saw the table I thought to myself, oh my god I wish that was real," he said. "And when I got closer to it and realized it was, my next thought was oh my god I'm not moving from this spot until someone comes and prices this for me."
Known for his love of furniture and design—his home has previously been featured in Architectural Digest—Connelly described the discovery as a major personal milestone.
The Saarinen dining table, designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen for Knoll in the 1950s, is considered an iconic piece of modern design. While new versions retail for nearly $8,000, Connelly's thrift skills meant he can now call the piece his with a much lower price tag.
"I did buy it, and it was $108 with tax. Because I live in New York and don't drive, I had to use a LUGG to get it home but it's here now and it's staying in my home."
Internet reacts
Online, people often share their incredible thrift store finds from vintage design classics, to shocking discoveries and designer fashion, and Connelly's table has impressed the internet just the same.
Sharing the find on both TikTok and Instagram, Connelly gained millions of views across the two platforms.
"Jealous!" said one commenter. While another wrote: "That table is such an incredible find."
"I'm sooooo jealous it's my fantasy table depending on my bank account I would have paid double," said another viewer on Instagram.
"I love the reaction, the video is going super viral and people have been so kind and supportive in the comments! The thrift shopping community is so supportive and I love being a part of it," Connelly said.
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