December 20, 2023

For interior designers, finding something special is really exciting. In a world full of things that look the same, it's like going on a treasure hunt to find something unique. Vintage furniture stores are like a goldmine of pieces that add character to a space. The cool part about vintage stuff is that there's not a lot of it, and each piece is different. Looking in hidden places and finding exceptional. Even though it might be hard to find these things, the reward is awesome—a room filled with stuff that's not just furniture but things that have their own interesting stories.

Hunting Uniqueness: The Interior Designer's Quest

RV74 Showroom, Madrid

Danish Teak Vanity by Ølholm Møbelfabrik

El Recibidor, Barcelona

Unseen Shapers: The Subtle Influence of Iconic Design Elements on Our Everyday Lives

Without our conscious awareness, iconic design elements subtly shape the backdrop of our lives, silently influencing our daily experiences over the years. These design elements, often taken for granted, play a crucial role in defining the ambiance of our living spaces. The contours of a classic chair or the warm glow of a well-designed light fixture contribute to the unspoken language of comfort and aesthetics that permeates our build environment. Through their enduring presence, these iconic pieces become integral to the very fabric of our lives, silently narrating the passage of time and capturing the essence of different eras. They quietly make a difference in what we like, shaping a space that changes a bit but still feels cozy and familiar. It's like our personal history is written in the rooms we live in.

image of the historic catalogue of santa&cole, editors of the classic lamp from Miguel Milà called Cesta. images of the first model and the modern one.

Cesta Lamp by Miguel Mila, SantaCole

Sustainable Styling: The Timeless Appeal and Eco-Friendly Impact of Vintage Furniture and Lighting

Embracing vintage furniture and lighting is not just about infusing spaces with a touch of the past; it's a conscious choice that contributes significantly to both our lives and the environment. Vintage pieces bring a unique character and timeless charm to our surroundings, carrying stories and histories that connect us to different eras. By opting for vintage, we not only celebrate the craftsmanship of bygone artisans but also promote sustainable living. Reusing and repurposing furniture and lighting from the past reduces the demand for new manufacturing, minimizing the environmental impact associated with production and disposal. This choice aligns with the principles of recycling and waste reduction, fostering a more eco-friendly approach to interior design. Beyond aesthetics, incorporating vintage elements into our living spaces becomes a statement of individuality, creating environments that are not only stylish but also environmentally conscious and rich with stories from the past.

Vico Magistretti working over the prototype of the lamp Eclisse for Artemide

Eclisse by Vico Magistretti, Artemide

original image from the catalogue of artemide with the model Eclisse by Vico Magistretti. Ref version with a ceramic flower pot and hazelnut branches
image of 3 eclisse tablelamps form artemide. Open position. three different colors, red, orange and yellow.

artemide

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eclisse

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1967

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artemide - eclisse - 1967 -

Our Top 10 Vintage Furniture Stores in Spain

interior of "el recibidor" white space with continuous microcement flooring and collection of historical furniture.  Vegetation, chairs, etc.

1 - El Recibidor, Barcelona

El Recibidor stands out for its careful curation of mid-century and Scandinavian-inspired pieces, meticulously restored in its dedicated workshop. Explore a collection that includes vintage furniture, lighting, and decorative objects, all possessing a unique charm, alongside contemporary pieces that capture the essence of the past.

https://www.elrecibidor.com/en

RV74, Madrid interior of the old angar where the space is placed. White walls, ceilings and wooden structure painted in white. Continous flooring and curtains in white colour.

2 - Rue Vintage 74, Madrid

RueVintage brings together antique items from the 19th to the 1970s and blends them seamlessly with modern pieces to create a cozy home vibe. It started as an online store but now has two physical shops, La Trastienda and La Nave, both conveniently located on the same block.

https://ruevintage74.com/en

image of four chairs collection from Ago Store in Barcelona. In the neighbourhood of Gracia.

3 - Ago Store, Barcelona

Agostore, curated by Italian designer Federico Crocella, harmoniously blends European and oriental antiques, textiles, and decor for a refined ambiance, featuring vintage and contemporary elements. The collection includes Federico's exclusive glassware designs, recovered furniture, antique porcelain, and captivating additions, providing diverse treasures in an intimate setting.

https://www.agostore.es/

metal and wood stool fom martina vintage. The sotre curates a big ammount of second hand furniture with iconic pieces.

4 - Martina Vintage, Barcelona

Martina Vintage centers its approach on preserving original designs, showing respect for each component, and committing to the principles of reducing, rescuing, recovering, and reusing objects. The focus remains on quality and design throughout their process.

https://martinavintage.com/

Noak Room operates between Barcelona and Sweden, with Sara Salas and Martin Noaksson sourcing 20th-century pieces, especially from the 1940s to the 70s, both in Sweden and during their travels in Scandinavia.

5 - Noak Room, Barcelona

Noak Room operates between Barcelona and Sweden, with Sara Salas and Martin Noaksson sourcing 20th-century pieces, especially from the 1940s to the 70s, both in Sweden and during their travels in Scandinavia. Renowned designers such as Ilmari Tapiovaara, Hans J. Wegner, Bruno Mathsson, Arne Jacobsen, and others are featured. Additionally, they offer furniture rental services for advertising, photo sessions, and various other projects.

http://www.noakroom.com/

image of the floorlamp of Joe Colombo for the brand Oluce a classic remastered in orange colour

6 - Batiti Gallery, Barcelona

Batiti Gallery focuses on gathering and curating exceptional items from 20th Century Design, with a specialization in Scandinavian furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass, and lighting. The gallery takes inspiration from notable designers such as Alvar Aalto, Jean Prouve, Mies Van Der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Rene Lalique, Edgar Brandt, Marianne Brandt, and numerous other influential figures in the field.

https://www.batitigallery.com/

Original table lamp designed by Miguel Milà for Santa&Cole. Image from Fargo Furniture in Barcelona.

7 - Fargo Furniture, Barcelona

Fargo Furniture operates from its workshop showroom in Barcelona, with a commitment to showcasing the best of contemporary Spanish design. Specializing in 20th-century pieces, many of which are anonymous and unfamiliar even to locals, the furniture is crafted by skilled artisans' guilds and is entirely based in Spain.

https://www.fargofurniturebarcelona.com/

a detail of the red lamp curated by retropickers in Barcelona.

8 - Retropickers, Barcelona

Retropickers takes us on a journey through time with its curation of 20th-century designs. Their showrooms, filled with iconic pieces, are conveniently located right next to Plaza España.

https://www.retropickers.es/

Photograph of a corner in the Armando de DAvid'S stroe. The second handed furniture is filled with designers original units.

9 - Armando de David, Barcelona

Armando de David, situated in the heart of the Vila de Gràcia neighborhood, presents a carefully curated assortment by Armando Martínez and David Anguita. This collection features authentic treasures from the latter half of the 20th century, providing a nostalgic journey through time. It includes elements of rationalism, Catalan furniture, restored works by Jordi Vilanova and Miguel Milá, and a dedicated focus on Spanish furniture.

https://www.instagram.com/armandodedavid/

Boomerang is dedicated to the sale and rental of furniture, lighting, and objects from the 20th century, concentrating on the periods between the 1940s and 1980s. They place a strong emphasis on Scandinavian and international design.

10 - Boomerang, Barcelona

Boomerang is dedicated to the sale and rental of furniture, lighting, and objects from the 20th century, concentrating on the periods between the 1940s and 1980s. They place a strong emphasis on Scandinavian and international design.

https://www.boomerangbcn.com/