Tired of walking the Ikea maze? Buying furniture on a budget need not ruin your day – or your relationship. Enjoy some new scenery – and old things – at one of Montreal’s best second-hand furniture shops.
You never know what treasures you’ll find at the St. Michel Flea Market, a 35,000-foot facility overflowing with interesting objects. Visit the antique dealers for the real gems, but seek better bargains among the mid-century cabinets, desks, and dining room and kitchen sets. 3250 Crémazie Blvd. E., 514-721-7701
In Côte des Neiges, get a load of 10,000 square feet of deals at the MTL Mega Reuse Center, which has a handy website with up to date photos and video tours. Currently, a highlight is the Frik Gustafssons teak bar cart – perfect for your next “Mad Men” party. 3195B Bedford Rd.
NDG’s Meubles Rétro Vie specializes in affordable, high-design furniture from the 1930s to 1960s, particularly desks, chairs and shelving for home offices. Who needs Bureau en Gros when you can pull up to a Herman Miller table in a Knoll chair? 5893 Sherbrooke St. W., 514-223-3326
At Village boutique Seconde Chance, the focus has shifted from antiques to funky finds from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Items like a steel desk and fibreglass bench complement the store’s kitschy wall hangings and Expo ’67 memorabilia. 1691 Amherst St., 514-523-3019
Though not strictly second-hand, Mile End’s Style Labo carries retro items that may appeal to artists, hobbyists and industrial/utilitarian fetishists alike. One may find such items as 1960s leather folding chairs, steel storage cabinets or pine work desks. 122 Bernard St. W., 514-658-9910
Image courtesy of Shawn Econo.
