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You know our love for maps has no limits. Which is why we suspect that this home goods guide will come in handy as you dust off during spring cleaning and crave a change in decor. Just because the RH opening is postponed beyond belief doesn't mean you can't scoop up some swanky home goods now. We've got every price point and hit all corners of the city, highlighting alternatives to the big box chains. This list is in no particular order; rather, it goes north to south, hopping back and forth between neighborhoods—just like you will be after diving in. Better prep that wishlist (and extend your credit limit).
Did we miss your favorite spot? Hit the tipline or drop a note in the comments.
Boston has a thing for craft cocktails, but what's a person to do when making them at home? Stop by The Boston Shaker. This temple of libations stocks the right tools, drinkware, and even obscure ingredients required for your Pinterest bev board.
Magpie bills itself as a "hipster craft store"—definitely a place to seek out locally-sourced items and gifts like coasters, glassware, and artwork. Put a bird on it, right?
Handpicked items like Mexican folk art (Day of the Dead pieces abound) and African instruments sit alongside equally unique clothing and jewelry at Nomad. Bolivian blankets, Swahili baskets, and Indian lanterns are just some of the global buys at this Porter Square shop.
Modern furniture is the specialty at Abodeon, with top notch contemporary and professionally restored vintage pieces. A Scandinavian sensibility dictates the merchandise—a (welcome) step up from generic Ikea.
Don't sleep if you fall in love with a mid-century gem at this mostly vintage furniture store—quick turnover results in a constantly changing inventory. Generally high prices reflect the one-of-a-kind nature of your piece (if not collectible). Reupholstery can be arranged.
The hodgepodge of trinkets at Black Ink is kind of like an in-person Fab.com. It's pegged as a "one stop design shop," and it certainly has found a home in Harvard Square. Clever goods are appreciated in this intellectual crowd.
150 dealers spread across five floors means that this antique market has something to suit you. Collectibles large (furniture) and small (vintage cameras) at every price point add flavor to your crib. It also boasts a large bike and record collection, and parking is readily available.
Xylem speaks to its Kendall Square spot with home goods and gifts for geeky folks (wait, who isn't?). The name itself is a horticulture term, and the distinctive wall design feels scientific. Jewelry from the tech-savvy jewelry maker Nervous System is also in store.
Antique and repurposed furniture are eclectic at Acquire, but it's also worth mentioning the owner, Nikki Dalrymple. Her design services are renowned and she serves the fashion lover well with a unique selection of jewelry and bags.
This history-rich store is the successor to earlier hardware suppliers in New England, resulting in tried-and-true hinges, knobs, and more. The Early American, Federal and Georgian periods are E.R. Butler's specialty, but French and contemporary offerings are also available.
Roche Bobois is essentially French—but we're not talking Versailles. The upscale furniture store has been around since the 1950s, evolving with mod egg chairs, abstract sofas, and Scandinavian inspired chests and tables.
Scrap that particleboard for solid wood pieces from Thos. Moser. Bedframes, cabients, and the like are built in Auburn, ME, from American black cherry wood and bare a resemblance to Shaker and Pennsylvania Dutch style design. Local partners provide rugs, artwork, and bedding for display.
Another French manufacturer, Ligne Roset operates on the principle that ideas come first and technique follows—though it generally has the latter on lock. Their contemporary designs are rooted in designer collaborations with industry leaders from Japan, New York, and Denmark.
Imported modern furniture has a home at Il Decor, especially Italian brands like Rosetto, SanGiacomo, and Calligaris. Service here is noted for being attentive and personal.
This local furniture chain is chock full of stylish and comfortable sofas, dining sets, and office equipment. The look is modern-meets-traditional, and a sizable selection of leather chairs and recliners is welcome—as are eco-friendly options.
Neenas nails lighting, with an expert-selection of in-demand brands that sparkle from Boylston Street. Those Kartell ghost chairs you see everywhere? They can be bought here.
Pompanoosuc builds functional wood furniture right in Vermont for pieces that can stand up to family life. Build your pieces to order at the Boston showroom.
Grounded in ceramic design, Jonathan Adler quickly expanded to a level of international-celebrity with a full product line. We are always excited to spot his work in a friend's home and have never stepped in the store without walking out charmed.
If Marimekko's poppy prints and smile-inducing colors don't give warm fuzzies, you don't have a pulse. Textiles and kitchenware are emblazoned with signature patterns from the Finnish house. Tons of events regularly pull fans into the store.
Here's the only place to shop this line of fine linens and textiles in Boston. Frette has had over a century of experience in the world of luxury French fabrics.
Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams has international adoration for a reason—comfort is disguised in ultra modern pieces that have some homey, traditional influences behind them.
This loft-like boutique in Fort Point Channel is a vibrant addition to the creative-driven neighborhood, with mix and match pieces from all design genres that somehow blend perfectly. Plus the owners offer a menu of at-home consultations and services.
Machine Age is pretty amazing—9,000 square feet are filled with the largest collection of twentieth-century home design in the region. Expect to find notable names like Eames and Knoll in prime condition, as well as objets d'art.
Diseño mostly stocks goods from Central and Latin America, sourced by the owner in his travels. Sofas and shearling throws from Argentina are especially luxurious. You'll also encounter Alpaca blankets from Bolivia and Peruvian ceramics reminiscent of Keith Haring figures.
The indoor vintage market at SoWa, open year round, is rife with numerous booths of home decor from yesteryear. Furniture mingles with artwork, records, and weird decorative items you never knew you needed.
Bostonians flock to Mohr & McPherson for relaxing lattes in the cafe, but what keeps them exploring the space is a selection of rustic decor items and a treasure trove of Asian-found goods. Plus, they have a dedicated rug gallery.
What started in Portland, ME, now features 3,000 items including those from visionaries like Eames, Noguchi, and Gehry. The boutique environment is personable and you might even find the CEO delivering your purchase in the company truck.
This consignment store has a broad selection of furniture and decor that is always changing. And if you have pretty good stuff to unload due to a move, they could prove a better option than throwing it on Craigslist.
Our love for this store cannot be contained. It excels at home decor with candle collaborations, a ceramics line in conjunction with Parisian studio Astier de Villatte, papier-mâché animal busts, illustrated pillows...the list goes on and on.
Michelle Willey is a South End mainstay with all sorts of easy, sophisticated pieces. Chinese porcelain, Tibetan pillows, and handmade subway sign wall art are all must-haves.
Clean comfort defines the Hudson look, which is very reminiscent of a perfectly worn-in Cape house from a design magazine. Vintage furniture and preppy textiles mix with organic motifs in vases, storage knick knacks, and lighting.
A Dutch name signals the mostly Dutch selection of furniture and decor. Celebrating its ten year anniversary, Lekker was at the forefront of bringing creative design to the Washington Street corridor. Shiny chrome and gorgeous wood anchor colorful room accessories.
Sure, west elm is a chain—but it is a pretty sweet one. The Fenway spot often invites customers in for events and is a great destination for garden items. It's a fresh look all around.
This supplier in Packard's Corner is known for unfinished wood furniture, from storage boxes to desks and more. Paint 'em gold, neon, or do a nice glossy finish—work on the DIY of your dreams.
Global, bohemian goods are always ready to be found at this suburban boutique. Inspired by the famous London street market, Portobello Road sources home decor from England, Spain, Kenya, Brazil, Japan and more. An Anthropologie aesthetic, but more authentic.
Funky lighting, lacquered storage, and geometric shelving are the statement-makers in this tucked-away boutique in JP. Plus they have the uber cool Nervous System lamps that are designed right in Somerville.
A hidden gem, Kalembar Dune offers antiques and funky found objects on a super wallet-friendly budget. Every look around the store delivers a new discovery, and artisan goods from area makers add a local touch. Next door is now home to a furniture-dedicated space for refinished pieces.
Boston has a thing for craft cocktails, but what's a person to do when making them at home? Stop by The Boston Shaker. This temple of libations stocks the right tools, drinkware, and even obscure ingredients required for your Pinterest bev board.
Magpie bills itself as a "hipster craft store"—definitely a place to seek out locally-sourced items and gifts like coasters, glassware, and artwork. Put a bird on it, right?
Handpicked items like Mexican folk art (Day of the Dead pieces abound) and African instruments sit alongside equally unique clothing and jewelry at Nomad. Bolivian blankets, Swahili baskets, and Indian lanterns are just some of the global buys at this Porter Square shop.
Modern furniture is the specialty at Abodeon, with top notch contemporary and professionally restored vintage pieces. A Scandinavian sensibility dictates the merchandise—a (welcome) step up from generic Ikea.
Don't sleep if you fall in love with a mid-century gem at this mostly vintage furniture store—quick turnover results in a constantly changing inventory. Generally high prices reflect the one-of-a-kind nature of your piece (if not collectible). Reupholstery can be arranged.
The hodgepodge of trinkets at Black Ink is kind of like an in-person Fab.com. It's pegged as a "one stop design shop," and it certainly has found a home in Harvard Square. Clever goods are appreciated in this intellectual crowd.
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