San Francisco Vintage Shopping Guide

September is a time of change for many of us.  We dig out sweaters, send the kids back to school and even hit the books ourselves.  Last month the boy, the dog and I U Hauled ourselves from Houston to the Bay Area.  Escaping the heat and sprawl of Houston is a big plus, however, our furniture took the brunt of the move. Many pieces had to be left behind or were pretty banged up in transit. Considering I have next to zero budget I am going to be hitting vintage shops in and around San Fran looking for gems.

Here is a list of shops that are a must:


STUFF
150 Valencia St.,San Francisco
Store Hours: 10 am- 9pm Daily
Tel: 415-864-2988




Owners Will Lenker and james Spinello have created  17,000 sq. feet of design heaven.  Their group of dealers have amassed an amazing assortment of artwork, furniture and unique accessories from the Deco, Mid-Century, Mod and Atomic eras.  They also have a giant Big Bird which I had to pry myself from.


THE OTHER SHOP 
327 Divisadero ( at Oak)
Store Hours: Mon- Sun 12pm-6pm
Tel: 415-621-5424

This is a great shop for 50's, 60's and 70's nicknacks, furniture, artwork, records, lighting and dishware.  Stop by often and if you like something snatch it up fast otherwise some other lucky soul will.


THE APARTMENT
3469 18th St. (between Lexington St & Valencia)
San Francisco
Store Hours: Mon, Sun 12pm-5pm /Wed-Sat 11am-6pm
Tel:415-255-1100



A favorite Mission shop filled with items from the furniture and accessories from the 70's and earlier.  I always spend way to long looking through the vintage photographs.


MICKEY'S MONKEY
2188 Pierce St. ( between Haight St. & Page St.)
San Francisco
Tel: 415-864-0693
Store Hours: Mon- Fri 12pm-7pm/Sat&Sun 10am-7pm




Mickey's Monkey is wall to wall eccentric goodness.  Prices are affordable and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.  It is definitely a place to go if you're looking for that 'hipster granny' aesthetic.

ROOM 4
904 Valencia St.
San Francisco
Tel: 415-647-2764
Store Hours: 1pm-7pm (best to call ahead)

Room 4 is a great shop filled with clothing, furniture and accessories hand picked by Owner/Designer David Marks.  Prices are surprisingly affordable and they also offer Design Services for those who need a little help making sense of it all.

FLIPP

1400 Green st. @ Polk

San Francisco

Store Hours: Wed-Sun 11am-6pm/Mon-Tues By Appointment

Tel: 415-440-3547

Fl!PP is a Russian Hill shop that is dedicated to sourcing one of a kind pieces from American, European, Asian and African sources.  They also throw great store events with art exhibits, food  and wine tastings, as well as courses in interior design, urban gardening and sustainability.  FL!PP also offers private event hosting in the Fushia Garden.


THE COMMUNITY THRIFT
623 Valencia St.
San Francisco
Store Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-6:30pm
Tel: 415-861-4910




If you love the thrill of the hunt this place is for you.  One day it's a gold mine and others it is a mixed bag of wackiness that only exists in SF.  Regardless, there are great deals on furniture to be had for those who don't mind having to put a little TLC into a piece.  If you are looking to donate items this is great place as you get to choose the charity it goes to.