Bristol has a thriving collection of vintage homeware shops and markets. I’ve gathered 10 of my favourites. It’s not an exhaustive list of vintage Bristol. It is a good cross-section of what the city has to offer the keen vintage, mid-century, or antique shopper.
Note: Not all the shops have websites, I’ve added links where possible. A couple have Facebook pages to follow.
My top tips for buying vintage:
- Keep browsing, stock changes often.
- If you are looking for something specific, have a chat with the shop owner, they may be happy to let you know when something similar comes in.
- It is worth haggling on price. They can only say no.
- If you see it and like it, buy it or ask for the shop owner to hold it while you think about it. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
- Got a space to fill, then take measurements with you. Buy knowing it will fit.
- St Nicholas Market, on Corn St, city centre BS1. China, glassware, cutlery and all sorts of ‘objet d’art’. Worth a regular browse. 10-4pm every Saturday.
- Retroville Market, Tobacco Factory. Third Sunday of the month. Various stalls with vintage theme. Sunday 10.00 am -2.30pm Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Rd, Bristol BS3 1TF.
- Rag and Bone, St Nicholas Street, BS1. Two floors. Sourced from “all over the world”. Antique to mid-century.
- Digg Haüshizzle Colston Street, BS1. The dark interiors of this store has a mix of unusual homewares, furniture and modern taxidermy.
- Bristol Vintage, Old Market BS2, new to Old Market. Signs, storage, furniture and toys.
- Bristol Reclamation, Southville BS3 was mostly furniture, is now a mix of home accessories and furniture. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for newly arrived items, often sourced from France.
- Dear Old Thing West Street BS3. A treasure trove of items that fills room after room. Good for mirrors and drawers.
- Rhubarb Jumble, North St BS3. A little shop with plenty of often changing stock and helpful staff. From retro-kitchenalia, to chairs and clothing. Facebook.
- Focus on the Past Clifton Village, BS4. Well known Clifton landmark, the furniture spills out onto the pavement. Packed to the rafters. Expect trunks, cabinets, china, books and rugs.
- The Reclaimers Reclamation 347 Gloucester road, BS7. Part salvage yard; tiles, fire surrounds etc. Part furniture, some in the original and some up-cycled. Ornaments and lighting.
I love a good rummage around vintage shops. I have a total weakness for anything kitchen related, illustrated postcards and giant enamelware bowls! Gimme gimme gimme!
Thanks for the tips!
Bristol is awesome *_*
Where I can find the Vintage teapot ? After reading your post I am thinking of hiring an interior designer to get me vintage drawing room full of old stuff. 🙂 Will you help me with that ?
If only I was an interior designer! There is nothing I like more than shopping, but alas not my skill set.
Love this article! I am always in search of such kind of homeware. I will keep in mind these shops. Thanks for sharing the great article.
Thank you.