Vintage and retro enthusiasts better know that Mumbai's one of the best places in the world for scoring antiques and genuine artefacts! We tend to associate our city with the new, shiny thing always, but we feel like that definitely erases the fact that most antique decor pieces in India, usually make their way to the Maximum City.
Are you a big connoisseur of antiques? We've drawn up a list of stores that are unmissable. Read on!
Oshiwara market has the largest possible selection of original artwork, original handicrafts and vintage photographs and art prints. It’s thrifting/vintage shopping at it’s best! Haji Abdul Sattar & Sons is one of the most popular stores in the area, and for good reason! The curation is top-notch, it's easy to walk through, and they're also super helpful - they'll definitely let you know what's an antique, and what's not.
What To Buy: Vintage clocks, mirrors, showpieces, original artwork and colonial furniture
We went to this store quite recently, and were overjoyed to find a collection of genuine antiques sitting with the well-curated range of decor they've got. Kouch is one of the more "legit" stores on this list, in the sense that they make it a point to attend auctions for high-value antiques, and secure them to sell to their customers. Expect to see antiques from France, Greece, China and Sri Lanka when you visit this store.
P.S. They do tend to be quite expensive. Head here if you're willing to pay a premium for a truly unique piece.
It started off as a store at the Taj hotel, but Studio Malabar quickly outgrew the space, and is now at a much bigger location. Their exquisite range of bespoke garments and lifestyle accessories, jewellery, art, restored and refurbished vintage home décor, furniture, and artefacts will give you a wide variety to choose from. Do take a look at the vintage clocks, here!
Pro Tip: You'll love the furniture here! They source retro furniture from all over India, and refurbish it.
Essajee's is an iconic SoBo store, quite close to the Taj Mahal hotel. It happens to be one of Mumbai’s oldest vintage home décor stores. Expect imposing crystal chandeliers, handmades from all around the world, rare artefacts from former palaces, and many, many figments of bygone eras. This store definitely falls into the luxe bracket, but you'll be happy to pay a pretty penny for their wares!
Pro Tip: Be prepared to spend a long time at this store. It's always swarming with tourists, so it's likely you'll have to jostle a bit to go through all their products.
A little closer to Kala Ghoda, Phillip's is another store that enjoys cult status in the city. Surrounded by the city's most prestigious galleries, the store's a pit stop you must make when you're out gallery-hopping next. Trust us, you're going to want to finish the trip with a souvenir! Located in a building which was made in the 19th century, the store itself has been around for 160 years.
They specialise in furniture, especially Mid Century Modern furniture, but the store's brimming with metal work, oleoresin art, paintings, and more. The prices are on the higher end at this store, but even if you don't make a purchase, remember to add what caught your eye to that mental wishlist!
