Vancouver Treasures – Best Vintage Stores in the City
Let’s face it, vintage shopping is like treasure hunting. You have to go in determined and ready to unearth the most beautiful and one-of-a-kind item – sometimes to no avail. It takes patience to hop from one store to the next and it often takes hours to go through each of them! It seems that in fashion and interior decorating the key to getting that effortlessly cool, but the lived-in look is with a couple quality vintage pieces. Why settle for cheap knock-offs, like those infamous Eames chairs when you can have an authentic piece? They have a story to tell and add so much character. Before you go and tackle all the vintage stores in the city (there are tons), read on for our top picks!
Vintage Furniture
For those who don’t know, it’s no secret that we love Scandinavian design. The timeless and functional design combined with detailed craftsmanship make these pieces highly coveted. If you want to find an original here in Vancouver, your first stop should be Fullhouse Vintage + Modern in the Armoury District. Their large vintage collection focuses mainly on pieces from the 1930’s to the 1960’s and includes designers such as Finn Juhl, Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Hans Olsen and many more. A great place to find Mid Century Modern pieces from the 1950’s to the 1980’s is Attic Treasures. From chairs and tables to beds and lighting, there are some great furniture pieces to be found here – especially if you’re looking for teak! Relatively new to Vancouver is Gild & Co. which has a mix of vintage and new. Take a look here if you want something a little more glamorous – such as tufted sofas and gilded mirrors – alongside some modern Danish designs and rustic Canadiana antiques.
Vintage Clothing
The search for vintage clothing can be vast and for those of us who have a very particular taste that doesn’t involve wild colors or patterns, the hunt can be tedious. One of our absolute favorite stores to find vintage clothes is Hey Jude in Gastown. The small boutique is perfectly edited with 100% silk tops, tailored knits and worn-in denim which speak to a modern working girl aesthetic. Although the prices are in the mid to high range, you will have a headache-free shopping experience! Not too far away is Community Thrift & Vintage which offers more retro dresses, heels, and jewelry. What we love most about Community is that proceeds go towards underserved residents of the DTES. Hunter & Hare is another small boutique with fantastic finds. It has a curated selection of consigned items that include everyday basics to special-occasion attire that is gently worn. While you’re there you can also pick up a greeting card or a small crafted good such as a candle from local makers!
Which vintage store will you visit first? Let us know with the hashtag #area3designvintage!
