Super saver tip: “Many vintage stores have storage units full of goodies, so it’s always good to mention what you’re looking for.”
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Best bargain ever: “The best deal we ever got was at the Queen West Antique Centre (1605 Queen West, 416-588-2212), where we found a Two Tops table by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders for $700. A movie company rented the table and a leg broke off in transit. You would have to add another zero to that price to buy it new.”
Get out of town: “Outside of the city, there’s the Christie Antiques Show (Christie Lake Conservation Area, 1000 Highway 5 West, Dundas). It only happens twice a year. The last time we went we came home with a small vintage bathtub for $80 that we use for our herb garden.”
Top deal spots
1. Rogue Gallery (733 Queen East, 416-462-1800): “When you walk into Martin Augsten’s shop, you’re overwhelmed by beautiful design objects. In most cases, he’s interested in selling his stuff at a lower price to keep product moving, rather than asking too much and having his store turn into a museum.”
2. Upside Dive (269 Queen East, upsidedive.com): “We were in love with a vintage coffee table we never thought we’d find until we stumbled across it on their website for $250.”
3. Atomic Design (965 Queen West, 416-912-2358, atomicdesign.ca): “One of the few places to get affordable Modernist lighting. We found a beautiful blown glass and teak pendant for our bathroom for under $100.”
