Furniture Shopping
Mid Mod
Since opening their doors in 2017, Mid Mod has been an absolute treasure-trove for truly special vintage pieces. This where form meets function in all the best ways, their iconic selection can have you living in The Jetsons or Mad Men with just a swipe of your credit card.
R. de São João Nepomuceno 32B, Lapa | Website
Rua Sao Bento
Speaking of vintage, if that’s your thing, I encourage you to take a stroll up the northern end of this street towards Rato and you’ll discover many antique stores, some of which have furniture. American Movel and World Of Vintage just for starters. Be aware, most tend to keep odd times like closing over lunch and most will be closed on Sunday and even Saturday.
Atmosphera
If you’re heading up Rua de Sao Bento, it’s a good idea to stop in here before you start. More decor than furniture, but they still have some decent pieces. Service here is attentive with a interior designer eye. Also, we love to support non-chain stores.
R. de São Bento 106H, Sao Bento | Website
Online Only Directory:
You’ve done it! You’ve signed on the dotted line for the perfect apartment. Congratulations. But now you need to turn these 4 walls into a home. Choices in Lisbon may not be as bountiful as you’d expect for a European capital city, but with the right eye and my ikea-free directory, you can make a comfortable, stylish home for yourself. Take your room measurements, cause it’s time to get furnishing!
Note: Many of these are in the greater Lisbon suburbs.
Zara Home
Let’s get the obvious out the way first, you’re gonna end up going there at some point anyway. Their range of furniture is not extensive, but what they do have is somewhat decent, certainly better quality than their clothes. I say that with confidence as I bought a pair of lovely wooden bar stools, a console table and an armchair from here and all are still in perfect condition. Not all shops have their full range of furniture on display, the largest one seems to be at Colombo mall, but you can see their full range online.
Various Locations | Website
Area
Easily my fave, with some gorgeous pieces. All their stock is well-considered and interesting, from classic to quirky. Think Kelly Wearstler & Tom Dixon. I bought my lounge from Area and 3.5 years on it’s doing well. If my budget had allowed, my whole apartment would have been a click and drop from here.
Various Locations | Website
Gato Preto
Like Zara Home, GP has a better selection at the larger stores but still not extensive displays. Still worth checking out (their full range is online). My friends have a large Gato Preto sofa and it’s fabulous.
Various locations | Website
Homa
Practicality over aesthetics, or maybe it’s just not really taste. I can’t speak for the quality with their mass produced vibes, but ya know, not everything needs to be a statement.
Maison Du Monde
This french retailer stocks mostly standard, simple pieces. Good for those who like clean spaces, nothing fussy. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when you just want a bookshelf, right?
El Corte Inglés
The Spanish department has a furniture section on the fifth floor and although small I feel it be of decent quality, especially compared to Homa & Maison Du Monde.
Cantinho do Vintage
This place is huge - a two story warehouse full of goodies! I bought a timeless glass & chrome 80’s coffee table for 90 euro in perfect condition, though I do think their prices have increased somewhat in the last few years with the influx of expats. There is some argument about town in regards to the name being slightly misleading. They do have some vintage pieces but at guess I’d say only 30% of their stock, and that’s probably generous. But there’s plenty of decent non-vintage furniture worth checking out.
Bestie Tip: You’ll likely be there for a while as there’s a lot to see. There’s nothing much around as it’s in an industrial area, so don’t come thirsty or hungry (they do have decent toilets).