Let’s be real—things were just better way back when. Furniture had more character, homewares were made with care, and jewellery was brimming with sophistication and style. So we totally get it if you’re looking for a way to take a trip back in time, and fill your life with a lil’ old school cool at Brisbane's antique shops. After all, there’s nothing better than digging through the racks of our favourite Brisbane op shops and vintage stores and pulling out an amazing find—so why not look for homewares the same way?
Thankfully, Brisbane’s got your back with plenty of antique stores to start your very own vintage revival. So clean out the backseat, and empty the boot—you’ll need all the space you can get to take home your special finds. Maybe drag a friend along, too—take it from us, old school furniture is a whole new level of heavy. (That’s how you know it’s worth the price tag).
New Farm Antique Centre
New Farm
If you’re on the hunt for something special, this New Farm treasure trove is at the top of our list. The Antique Centre is packed with an ever rotating display of goodies, from deep sea diving bells to armchairs to treasure chests straight out of Pirates of the Carribean. Enquiries are welcome, but be warned: in the wild world of antique sales, if you snooze, you lose. And having missed out on one of New Farm Antique Centre’s stunning one-of-a-kind mid century French commodes, trust us—you do not want to lose.
Southside Antiques
Annerley
If you’re an antiques enthusiast living south of the river, you’ve probably already paid a visit (or ten) to Southside Antiques. And who could blame you? As one of Brissy’s largest antiques stores, their floorspace is packed with quality finds, including over 150 cabinets to scour through. The store stocks everything from porcelain dolls to second hand furniture, but militia is their absolute speciality. They have an especially wide range of ANZAC memorabilia, including medals, photographs, and sweetheart pins, so swing on by for a trip back in time as you pick out your next centrepiece.
Camp Hill Antique Centre
Camp Hill
With over 70 antiques dealers under one roof, Camp Hill Antique Centre takes the prize for Brisbane’s largest retro retailer. Having set up shop in a refurbished 50s theatre, the store is an homage to old school cinema, with velvet red ropes at the entryway, and black and white movies playing on the big screen at the back. As Brisbane’s very own Aladdin’s cave, Camp Hill Antique Centre has something for everything, from mid-century modern antiques to vintage fashion and French decor. Be sure to grab a bite at the Tart Cafe for an extra energy boost as you wander the aisles.
Relove Oxley
Oxley
Don’t worry, westsiders—we haven’t forgotten you. Relove Oxley is the perfect place to find your favourite childhood collectables and vintage goods. Pick up some old-school Pokémon trading cards, or rifle through their second hand vinyl collection. Treat the tea-lover in your life to a 1956 Melbourne Olympics cup and saucer set, or take it back to 2007 with a Kevin Rudd stuffed toy (at just $48, this one’s a steal).
Bayside Antiques
Cleveland
Last but not least comes Bayside Antiques, just one block away from the popular Cleveland Sunday Markets. The shopfront is misleadingly small, so don’t be put off by what looks like just another hole-in-the-wall antiques store. The center is brimming with one-of-a-kind treasures including antique furniture, ceramics, artwork, jewellery, books, coins, photos, fashions and so much more. Dealers add new stock on the daily, so it’s worth a regular visit if you live in the area. And with the markets so close by, you can pick up some cheap eats to celebrate your latest find.
Looking for something a little more modern? Here’s 14 of Brisbane’s best homewares stores to drop some cash in.
Image credit: Christell Bourgeois