Best of Summer in Warsaw 2023: Vintage

Second hand does not mean second best – Warsaw’s wealth of vintage stores boast a rich array of finds, from alternative summery fashions to curious keepsakes that are ideal for gifts. These are the faves that will have you back for more.

Café Vintage Kolektyw

Al. Waszyngtona 30/36

Doubling as a super-cool coffee shop (in summer order the iced cappuccino-orange juice combo), snap up everything from Marilyn clocks to rotary dial phones to that Virgin Mary table lamp that you’ve always secretly coveted. Though big buys are possible – tables and Jetson period chairs – it’s the little finds that are the best. The BDSM-themed porcelain is eye-opening!

Ładne Vintage

Międzyborska 57/65

Sourcing her items from bazars and other ‘mysterious places’, Ładne retails domestic and international items for house and home. Find a comprehensive choice of glass, ceramics and porcelain to lend your life some vintage flourish. “First impressions are important to me,” says the owner, Agnieszka: “I only stock things that are interesting, have a purpose and that I actually like myself.

Lata 60-te

11 Listopada 54

Despite the name, this store sees beyond just the 60s: “if we like something,” they say, “we don’t look at the birth certificate”. Specialising in refreshed furniture from the PRL era, it’s become a favourite of design mavens looking to trick out home with a pre-loved statement piece. Outside the expected wingback chairs and Nixon sofas, find glassware, ceramics and lighting solutions.

Pogodne

Kaliska 9/22

Second-hand does not have to mean second best, and that’s abundantly clear in Pogodne, a top floor apartment turned over stock classically flamboyant garments: from almost fetishistic macs to elegant cocktail dresses via Carnaby Street-style fashions. Coming together in a stupendous riot of colour, other finds include Moomin lamps, Charles & Di wedding mugs =, porcelain pets and 1960s fashion mags.