Retro-fit: Mid-century modern furniture stores in Vancouver

Furniture design in the middle of the last century was a productive arena. Working with teak, rosewood and walnut, designers from Scandinavia to Canada were churning out gorgeous and functional pieces. Lucky for us, as the style is fully back in vogue and second-hand stores abound with quality items.

Retro-fit: Mid-century modern furniture stores in Vancouver
Alison Cairns By

Mid-Century Modern Home

1
101-810 Quayside Dr, New Westminster, BC V3M 6B9

Arguably the most passionate when it comes to ‘50s-style décor and home furnishings, Jenny Cashin is happy to tell you every design detail of the gorgeous Danish day bed you’re eyeing or about the painstaking refurbishing required for the gleaming sideboard with built-in cocktail bar that would look fabulous in your living room. Located at the River Market in New Westminster, everything in the store is hand-selected and sourced by Jenny and authenticity is never in question. She posts all new acquisitions on Craiglist, too.

Fullhouse Modern

2
1545 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1L6

With a massive showroom on West 4th in the Armoury, Fullhouse carries a huge selection of furniture and lighting from the mid-20th century. From classic designers like Finn Juhl, Aksel Kjersgaard and Hans Olsen to contemporary houses like Dwell Studio, you’re sure to find your perfect piece here. They also carry gorgeous bed linens and fabrics from Knoll as well as contemporary artwork and flooring. If mid-century modern design is your style, this is definitely your fun house.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Wow Interiors

3
1823 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M4

Wow Interiors on 4th Avenue in Kits adds a little glam to the refined, laid-back vibe inherent in mid-century design. Curvy legs, white leather and red chandeliers are some of the hallmarks found here. Sourcing many of their pieces from local film sets, as well as making frequent trips to New York and California, Wow wants to outfit your space in high-class vintage style.

Metropolitan Home

4
102-1626 2nd Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1H4

One of the oldest vintage furniture stores in Vancouver, and one of the more high end, here you can expect original Eames masterpieces and Hans Wegner chairs, among other well known designers, along with modern, local artwork on the walls and cushions and throw pillows by Identity. Happily at home in its new location in the design-focussed Armoury District, the space lends itself to lovely real-life room displays and each price tag has the story of the piece written on the back.

Attic Treasures

5
944 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W7

The funky displays of furniture outside this Commercial Drive store are sure to draw your eye. Brightly coloured shelving units, psychedelic glass sculptures and atomic-style lounge chairs entice you to enter this small but packed mid-century treasure hold. Restored original teak furniture abounds, much of it Canada-made, along with wonderful dish sets, incredible lighting fixtures and unique kitchen gadgets. Best of all, the prices are more than reasonable and owner Lillian Reimer is always on hand to knowledgeably answer any question you may have.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Alison Cairns Alison Cairns
Alison Cairns has been working in writing and publishing for over a decade. A devoted Vancouverite, she loves exploring the hidden gems and new happenings — both cultural and culinary — in the city. She is also a lover of coffee, wine, craft beer and pretty much all food except sea urchin. She staves off the results of these loves by running the seawall, cycling the city and hiking the mountains.
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