Updated July 2005
ABC Carpet & Home Warehouse Outlet
At ABC’s outlet, mere mortals can afford the luxe goods sold at its flagship - glamorous furniture, mesmerizing oriental carpets, sumptuous linens. Prices are still high, mind you, but expect 30 to 50 percent off the original sticker shock. Also check their website regularly for information on warehouse sales in the tri-state area where savings can be up to 70 percent.
20 Jay St., between Plymouth and John Sts., Dumbo, Brooklyn; 718-643-7400 and 1055 Bronx River Ave., between Bruckner Blvd. and Watson Ave., Bronx; 718-842-8772; abchome.com.
Antiquarius Imports Warehouse Outlet
This Brooklyn warehouse is one of the city’s best-kept shopping secrets. The owners travel all over the world, bring back beautiful relics and sell them at heavily discounted prices. Look for a six-seater dining room table from India ($699) or semi-antique Persian rugs (about $999). Stop by the showroom in Chelsea (on W. 26th St. between Sixth Ave. and Broadway) for a smaller selection of upscale items such as minimalist African furniture and hand-woven rugs.
183 Concord St., between Duffield and Gold Sts., Dumbo, Brooklyn; 718-222-2434; antiquariusimports.com; open Wed-Sun; A, C, F to Jay St./Borough Hall Annex Antique Fair & Flea Market
Keep your eyes peeled and arrive early, and you could find yourself taking home an antique table or a vintage chest of drawers. Prices vary (usually anywhere from $50 to $5,000), and selection changes from weekend to weekend, but shoppers can often find incredible deals on furniture and accessories at this upscale flea market. The Annex has movers on site who will transport your find back to your apartment (moving fees vary). And look out for celebs—Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Bernadette Peters, and Sarah Jessica Parker have been spotted on site.
Sixth Ave., from 24th to 26th Sts.; 212-243-5343; annexantiques.com; $1 admission fee Beyond the Bosphorus
This colorful carpet shop has frequent sales on all merchandise. During select times of year you can get up to 50 percent off pillows and rugs. They clean carpets, too.
79 Sullivan St., between Spring and Broome Sts.; 212-219-8257 City Knickerbocker
Open since 1906, this Hell’s Kitchen shop specializes in table lamps, ceiling fixtures, and floor lamps (prices range between $95-$1500). For a fancier touch look for Victorian sconces (from $500 per pair), converted gaslights (from $750), chandeliers (from $250), and shades (from $9). The store carries Tiffany’s, Gallie, Robert Abbey, and other designer brands at reasonable prices.
665 Eleventh Ave., 2nd fl., at 48th St.; 212-586-3939; cityknickerbocker.com
The City Quilter
With the right material you can do wonders. This fabric shop carries everything from classic solids to contemporary designs to ‘50s-retro prints showcasing poodles. With reasonable prices and a great selection ($5.50 to $10 per yard), the shop attracts fashion students and designers. Don’t be discouraged if you never mastered home economics class: The owners offer a vast array of classes in quilting, tote and handbag making, and silk ribbon embroidery (to name a few), which range from $25 to $150.
133 West 25th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Aves.; 212-807-0390; cityquilter.com Fishs Eddy
Need a plate for pennies? A permanent favorite, this store has excellently priced, unused vintage dishes (relics from ocean liners, restaurants, and clubs) as well as designer lines (a limited selection of Cynthia Rowley and Pantone). Dinner plates run from $1 to $28, and you can mix and match flatware to create an inexpensive 20-piece set. Check out the adorable glassware, linens and other oddities like candleholders and knick-knacks.
2176 Broadway, at 77th St., 212- 873-8819; 889 Broadway at 19th St.; and 1388 Third Ave., at 79th St., 212-420-9020; fishseddy.com Jennifer Convertibles
Perhaps you’ve heard of the store before? While not exactly a hidden gem, if you live in a shoebox or have frequent overnight guests, the shop’s sofa beds in classic styles and colors are the perfect dÈcor centerpiece. And prices are very reasonable: A dual recliner sofa is about $500 and the denim sofa bed is $899. Jennifer’s also carries living room tables and an assortment of lamps.
For store locations, visit jenniferfurniture.com
Lighting & Beyond
Sometimes it all boils down to just the right lamp. Where do you find it? Try this huge selection of modern steel floor lamps, ceiling fans, and table lamps. Expect to find trendy and classic fixtures suitable for all price ranges and tastes, as well as a helpful and friendly staff. A basic floor lamp starts at about $39.
35 W. 14th St., between Fifth and Sixth Aves.; 212-929-2738; lightingandbeyond.com
Salvation Army
The best location for furniture shopping is at 536 W. 46th St. You’ll find inexpensive, mid-to-good-quality starter furniture — sofas, bedding, dressers, wall units, and accessories. Everything has been donated, so look elsewhere for that brand-new bedroom set.
536 W. 46th St., between Tenth and Eleventh Aves.; 212-757-2311; salvationarmyusa.org.
Surprise! Surprise!
They’ve got a little bit of everything, including lamps, shades, kitchen appliances, furniture (a kitchen table is $75-$300), picture frames ($2-$30), floor lamps ($20-$150), wine racks, blinds, bookcases, etc.
91 Third Ave., at 12th St.; 212-777-0990; surprisesurprise.com
Obvious Favorites
Anthropologie
Bed Bath & Beyond
Crate & Barrel
Gracious Home
Ikea
Macy’s The Cellar
Pier 1 Imports