Parkdale antique stores to give your home old-world charm
Parkdale used to be one of the grittiest neighbourhoods in the city before it dusted itself off and took on a sleeker image. It hasn’t completely ignored its past, however, with these local shops paying homage to the area's antique roots.
Captain's Treasures
1424 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L9When you’re buying new, you don’t have to think about maintenance for a while, but that might not be true when it comes to antiques. They just need a little more love and care to keep their original beauty intact and the folks at Captain’s Treasures will teach you how. You’ll be able to find diamonds in the rough that, with a little restoration, will be just as gorgeous again. This approach means that you’ll be spending less here than at other antique shops.
The Wild Pansy Ltd
540 Annette St, Main, Toronto, ON M6S 2C2Flowers are their specialty but like any successful business, they’ve expanded to include multiple aspects that create a more rounded picture. While you’re picking up an antique cash register, ironing board or mirror, decorate it right away with a bouquet of gorgeous fresh flowers. The prices are pretty reasonable, so there’s no reason why you can’t pick up a little something extra, like delicious-smelling candles. Just make sure you pick out what you want before someone else does.
Queen West Antique Center
1605 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1A9Antiques create a magical world because one person’s junk can be another’s treasure. There’s a definite grey zone in the middle though, where the restoration of an item can make it anyone’s treasure. That’s what happens all the time here, with chairs, tables and sofas lovingly made over to match or exceed their former glory. Prices are a little higher than other places, but it’s reflected in the quality. Anything you buy will last a lifetime.
Hideaway Antiques
1605 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1A9Furniture is the main focus here, with owner Bill being passionate about presenting antique goods that look as good as the day they were made. He’s incredibly friendly and can answer any of your questions, whether it’s where to find what kind of wood was used in a chair or the year a sofa was made. Along with furniture, Bill also stocks neat items like wall clocks, oversized bottles, candy dishes, cast iron rooster doorstops and mechanical clowns.
