Gone are the days when you’d have to get up early to get first dibs on the castaways that landed in Value Village’s warehouse overnight. Now you can simply pop onto Instagram and shop to your heart’s content from Calgary’s tireless vintage pickers and mid-century furniture curators. With offerings that range from classic mid-century design to vintage industrial (think School House Electric) to a little bit of kitsch, these five sellers are constantly on the hunt for new treasures and to bring them to new customers like you.
Bex Vintage
The OG of Calgary’s vintage furniture Instagram scene, owner Becca aka Bex, has an eye for impeccable and near mint mid-century pieces.
What they sell: Top condition mid-century furniture and accessories. Keep an eye out for teak, walnut and rosewood furniture pieces that pop up constantly. But act fast – they go quickly!
How often they post: New items arrive weekly.
A sure bet: Keep your eyes peeled for walnut mid-century chairs that will never go out of style.
Blackwood Calgary
With restoration services available, Blackwood Mid-century Modern can take an average-condition, mid-century piece and turn it into something absolutely spectacular. It usually lists both the ‘as is’ and restored prices in their listings.
What they sell: Higher-end, mid-century modern pieces like sofas, armchairs and dining sets.
How often they post: Weekly.
A sure bet: Sleek-and-smooth teak credenzas are offered from time to time.
Few and Between
If you coveted the furniture you’d find in your elementary school’s library, there is a good chance you’ll love what you will find at Few and Between. It is also founder of the Mid Mod Market, an event that rallies together similar vendors where you can shop to your heart’s content all in one day. The next event is May 12 to 13 at the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association.
What they sell: Vintage industrial finds – think library carts, gym lockers, stainless steel medical tables and metal card catalogues.
How often they post: Whenever they get new stock, which is often.
A sure bet: Be on the lookout for vintage metal school lockers, which are practical in the most aesthetically pleasing way.
Foxy Revival
If you’re looking to outfit your pad with some sweet mid-century accessories, you’ll want to check out Foxy Revival’s spread of goodies.
What they sell: Eclectic and kitsch vintage accessories and small furniture pieces including vintage pottery, mid-century lamps and loads of brass goodies.
How often they post: Weekly.
A sure bet: Brass candlesticks for every occasion are always a great find.
Genius Bones Supply
The new kid in the Calgary mid-century vendor scene on Instagram, owner Chester Ebona is certainly not a newcomer to collecting mid-century furniture and decor. Many of the pieces he handpicks are painstakingly refinished and refurbished before being released on Instagram.
What they sell: With a bent towards simplicity and minimalism, Genius Bones Supply carries a selection of vintage industrial and mid-century modern pieces.
How often they post: Every couple of weeks.
A sure bet: If you see a teak bar carts, claim it immediately. They’re effortlessly cool in any space.