10 of the best places to shop for mid-century modern furniture

If you want to bring a bit of that Mad Men aesthetic into your home, then look no further than our UK list of the 10 best places to shop for mid-century modern furniture. Whilst there are lots of online retailers and auction houses selling mid-century pieces, you can’t beat getting out your measuring tape and seeing a piece of furniture in real life. First used in 1984 by author Cara Greenberg, author of Mid Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s, today it’s an everyday term, and the style has never been more in vogue.

Characterised by clean lines and classic shapes, mid-century modern furniture describes a style spanning from the mid-1930s to mid-1960s. Crafted from solid, warm-coloured woods like cherry, teak, rosewood, and walnut with warm red undertones that will instantly bring an understated and functional aesthetic into your home. So, here are the best places to shop to get that mid-century modern look.

Designs of Modernity

25A Jasper Road, London, SE19 1SG

This south London stalwart of mid-century furnishings Designs of Modernity has become a go-to for interior enthusiasts, interior designers, and set designers alike. Not only do they keep an excellent stock of sympathetically restored furnishings, but they can also even help source specific pieces. And with free delivery to mainland UK, it feels rude not to pay them a visit.

CHASE & SORENSEN

238B Dalston Lane, London, E8 1LQ

This treasure trove of 20th century finds has been keeping East London homes in mid-century modern furnishings since 2010. With pieces sourced from across Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland they’re all painstakingly restored or re-upholstered. No upcycling projects here, these are the real deal.

Orange and Brown 

121 St Georges Road Bristol BS1 5UW

Making a name for itself as Bristol’s most reliable mid-century retailer Orange and Brown has an enormous array of pieces from across the 20th century that are constantly being updated, including art, textiles, and homeware—as well as furnishings.

Two columbia road 

2 Columbia Rd, London, E2 7NN

A gallery-meets-showroom, two columbia road has made a name for itself as a reliable source of designer furnishings, dramatic light fittings, and original artworks since 1995. With works by the likes of Charles Eames, Hans Wegner, and many more you can drop in Thursdays and Sundays, otherwise, it’s appointment only. 

Alfie’s Antique Market 

13 - 25 Church St, London, NW8 8DT

A cornerstone of vintage furnishings in London, Alfie’s Antique Market is a veritable souk for the budding interiors lover. The mid-century modern enthusiast should make a beeline for the Quad and Decoratum in the basement, but give yourself time to browse. With a collection to match the eclecticism of the British Museum, this place is just worth a wander. Pop up to the roof terrace for a coffee whilst you’re at it and mull over your purchases. 

​​Retrovintage 

121-127 Lancefield Street, Glasgow, G3 8HZ

Glasgow’s number one destination for mid-century furnishings, Retro Vintage is a reliable source for well-priced household names. You’ll find the likes of Parker Knoll, Eames, and Ercol alongside Mies Van Der Rohe and Howard Keith all in excellent condition and an excellent price. Available to visit Monday to Sunday they deliver throughout the UK, so you can always visit their online shop if Scotland is a little far for you to travel.

The Old Cinema 

160 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PR

As charming as it sounds, today The Old Cinema is an Aladdin's Cave of antiques, vintage finds, original artwork, retro curios, and of course, mid-century modern furnishings. A family-run business since 1979 this collector’s paradise is well worth a visit. Spend your day exploring its 10,000 square feet of stalls and retailers as well as the charming neighbourhood of Chiswick whilst you’re at it.

Junk Deluxe

Bath Pl, Cliftonville, Margate CT9 2BN

‘This is one my top little black book shops for mid-century modern and retro,’ says Mark. ‘Over the past five years, Ben has grown it, starting from what was essentially a corridor, to become a larger shop hidden at the back of the packed and stacked RG Scott Furniture Mart, which is itself well worth a browse.’

Now that you know the best places to shop for mid-century modern furniture, find out how you can get the mid-century modern decor style in your home.