4 minute read
Second-Hand Love
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. And when a velvet ottoman or kitchen trolley is ridiculously cheap – you guessed it – it inevitably falls apart and finds its way to the rubbish truck. This is fast furniture, and ever more brands are popping up, selling trendylooking styles at a fraction of the price.
If you have yet to discover thrifting, I urge you (actually I’m cheerleading) to delve deeper into the world of pre-loved items. Keep in mind it is a marathon, not a sprint. You might not furnish your entire space in the span of two shopping sprees to the mall, but rather a few years of scavenging for forever items. Odds are, if you’re looking at the right places, you will find a bargain that matches your particular aesthetic and lasts long enough to become heirlooms one day.
Truly, the trick with buying second-hand furniture and homeware is a vivid imagination. The way a side table or lamp is displayed in the shop is obviously not what it’s going to look like in your home. A fresh coat of paint and re-upholstery are great ways to fine-tune your thrift finds to match your interior agenda. The second trick is not to go out looking for something specific, like a mid-century modern buffet or a retro sofa. Let the wonderful world of second-hand homeware lead you down the yellow brick road to eclectic style.
Here are a bunch of my favourite places to shop for second-hand and antique furniture and homeware in and around the capital:
2ND HAND CONCEPT STORE
Located in the Grüner Kranz Complex in Windhoek, the 2nd Hand Concept Store is my go-to for cups, vases and art. While they don’t stock great deals of furniture, you will find plenty of crockery, baskets, bowls, silverware and other thrifty homeware items. I believe these form an integral part of creating a home –both as practical pieces to use every day, as well as decor items that tie the space together. Their prices range from N$75 for a ceramic vase to N$350 for art pieces. I love this funky woven wine bottle carrier and the Danish-inspired cup and saucer set.
Follow them on social media for daily updates on new stock: @2ndhandnamibia on Facebook @2ndhandconceptstore on Instagram.
OKONJOKA ANTIQUES
For higher-end antique furniture pieces, Okonjoka is a must! They are located on a plot, roughly 10 km north of Okahandja.
Follow the B1 to Otjiwarongo, turn off on the C31 gravel road and follow the signs. Okonjoka imports most of their stock from various locations in South Africa, so they price a little higher with most of their items being true antiques. Beautiful solid wood bed frames, wardrobes, chairs and dining sets are just some of the furniture pieces you’ll find in their largerthan-life barn. Inside the old farmhouse adjacent to the barn are old-school knick-knacks, from film cameras and retro telephones to copper pots and tableware.
Join their WhatsApp group for weekly updates on new items by contacting +264 81 127 7072 or browse their Facebook page before making the trip out to Okahandja @OkonjokaAC
CASH CONVERTERS WINDHOEK
Believe me when I say you can find gems at Cash Converters, particularly the branch on the top floor of the Gustav Voigts Centre. This is where your imagination is your best shopping partner. Because items are not displayed to their full potential, a keen eye, rolled-up sleeves and an eager attitude is essential. I spotted a vintage headboard and side-table unit (yes, they’re connected as one piece), probably from the 70s, that only needs a fresh re-upholstering. Among the chaos, you might also find a pine entry table, a mid-century modern drawer unit and this stunning modular floor lamp!
Visit them at the top floor of Gustav Voigts Centre on Independence Avenue.
UNCLE CHARLIE’S PAWN SHOP
Recently moved from their Independence Avenue shop to a larger space on 4 Ruhr Street in Northern Industrial, Uncle Charlie’s is a familiar favourite for pre-loved furniture. Their new location features two floors filled with more of what we love, like bamboo and wicker dining sets and ball-and-claw consoles and dressers. Retro styles also feature in this new showroom, with technicolour velvet loungers and occasional chairs. While their bigger ticket items can be pricey, they are almost always in a condition that warrants the price. Smaller items like cane stools and floor lamps are budget-friendly and will definitely play their part in constructing the home of your dreams.
Follow them on Facebook @unclecharliespawnshop for regular updates on stock or visit them at 4 Ruhr Street, Northern Industrial.
