The internet is great for research, but small shops without an online presence are easily overlooked. Here is a list of those small gems that are discovered by accident and word of mouth that might just have that signature piece to complete your dream look.
Johannesburg
Discount Trading: 97 High St, Brixton, 011 837 9023
This double story warehouse type shop has a big selection and great prices. Art Deco and ball-and-claw wardrobes, butterfly dressing tables and side tables are among their specialties.
Grand Hotel Antiques & Collectibles: Long Rd, Albertville, 011 673 2345
Grand Hotel is the first secondhand shop if you hit Long Rd. Mannequins, 1950s shop cabinets with drawers, old signs and other collectibles are what they are known for.
Yesteryear: 7 Lewes Rd, Westdene, 011 756 5096
The place to visit for smaller furniture pieces, retro lights and chandeliers as well as quirky collectibles and vases.
Re-Trend: 64 6th Street, Linden, 011 888 2593
If you are looking for Mid-century modern and retro furniture and collectibles, this specialised second-hand shop won’t disappoint.
Decade Store: 9th Street, Melville
Check out their Insta page for more details. They stock interesting decor pieces along with some retro artwork.
Pretoria
Bell bottoms: 1051 Pierneef St, Villieria, 012 333 2116
Bell Bottoms is legendary for its retro and vintage items ranging from clothes, furniture to bric-a-brac.
Read more: Everything you need to know about collecting art
Parys
Sweet Water: 22 Noorder St, 082 879 2983
This Free State shop has furniture from 1900-1970s as well as farm finds, building material, metal gates and porcelain.
Pine's Antiques: 95 Bree St, www.pinesantiques.co.za, 056 817 7341
Although they specialise in antiques, they also have a good selection of second-hand furniture and reproductions.
Cape Town
Plan B Vintage: 4 Koeberg Rd, Durbanville, www.planbvintage.co.za, 021 801 9642
Furniture has been painted for that fresh country look.
CollectMeaStory: 127 Victoria Rd, Woodstock, 021 447 0829
Every item has a story in this vintage shop, from crockery, garagenalia to kitchenalia.
Nihaka Trading Post: 81 Victoria Rd, Woodstock, nihaka.co.za
This 3 level shop dedicates two floors to furniture, collectibles, frames and art.
Appel en Ui: 127 Victoria Rd, Woodstock, www.appelnui.co.za, 082 49 555 92
Classical, retro and contemporary second-hand furniture can be found in this neat store.
Durban
Eclectic: 67 Haden Rd, Morningside, 031 303 2218, www.eclecticantiques.weebly.com
This treasure trove stocks antique and vintage furniture, lights, chandeliers, Art Deco and Art Nouveau metalware and smalls.
Port Elizabeth
Second Time Around: Kragga Kamma Rd, Farms, 041 372 1763
This shed style shop sells old wooden doors with character, retro wire outdoor furniture and lots lots more.
Cradock
More 4 Less: 27 Church St, 048 881 1048
Tucked away in the Karoo, this charming Platteland secondhand shop stocks great secondhand and new furniture and trendy collectibles like old records.