Contributed by Jeena Sharma
A city that boasts of a classic past ornate with the most historical cenotaphs, Bombay celebrates relic in the most regal form with its line of vintage room décor offerings. Whether you have a budget that’s well down to earth or a stringent passion of authentic antiquities, the city will meet your needs. From Victorian lampshades to Portuguese furniture, you are going to be spoilt for choice. Hold on to that wallet, you!
CHOR BAZAAR
An eye for detail and intricacy will get you through the narrow bylanes of the infamous Chor Bazaar. Every determined shopper only enters this flea market royalty armed with the advanced haggling skills. Once that’s set straight, sift through antique art deco furniture in rosewood and teak congregated from the British era and old royal palaces. From periodic ceramics to antique priceless artifacts, if you can effortlessly filter faux from original, pick up the pen and note the address for your next shopping jaunt.
Mutton Street, Near Bhendi Bazaar, Mohammad Ali Road, Mumbai
Price: Rs 300 onwards (Varies with your bargain skills)
PHILIPS ANTIQUES
If you’re on the lookout for striking antiques without your bargain hat on, then Philips Antiques is your best bet. Garnish your room with gorgeous lamps, European porcelain and pottery, silverware, and a range of antiquarian maps, colonial engravings and old photographs. The boutique even stocks ancient periodical pieces from the 1920s and the Victorian era. The best part: it’s all a 100% authentic!
Warehouse No. 13,
Western India Steel Traders Compound, 1803, Fort Road,
Next to Godrej Vegetable Oil Mills, Wadala (East)
Price: Rs 1000 onwards
THE BOMBAY STORE
The Bombay Store comes forth with the philosophy of mingling contemporary techniques of art forms with the traditional. The most easily accessible, the store offers a quirky mix of vintage and pop art. Eccentric candles stands, decorative lamps, pillowcases and ‘jholas’ adorned with vintage photographs of the city, and you name it.
Western India House, Near Citi Bank, Sir PM Road, Fort, Mumbai (with various branches in the city)
Price: Rs 350 onwards.
OSHIWARA FURNITURE MARKET
A mini Chor Bazaar more facilitative to the suburban troop, put on your spyglasses to tell from kitsch and chic as you embark. A vintage furniture haven, you’ll find collectibles from all around the country predominantly Goan, Portuguese and Rajasthani. Cast iron lamps, old china and European artifacts; make your pick.
Ramjanak Singh Compound
Oshiwara Bridge, SV Road
Jogeshwari (W)
Price: Rs 400 onwards
GOOD EARTH
Style and relic harmonize at this beloved home décor wharf. Textile and fabrics are their fortes while one can choose from a gorgeous array of coasters, lampshades, cushion covers, a lot of which are designed by Krsna Mehta and Sangita Jindal. Currently, the store also stocks modish bed linens and pillowcases inspired by the Mughal Empire. A complete retro delight!
11-12 Raghuvanshi Mills Compound
Senapati Bapat Marg
Lower Parel
Mumbai – 400013 (with branches all over the country)
Price: Rs 1500 onwards
