Mid-century modern on Queen East

Yup, it’s true. Riverside is officially rocking the Ray Eames. Arne Jacobsen, Mies van der Rohe. Countless designers with a mid-century mindset adorn Toronto’s Queen Street East furniture shops. If you love home decor with a vintage twist, here are a few places to check out in Leslieville and Riverside. [Image credit: iStock.com/sergeyryzhov]

Guff

1
1 Davies Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2A6

With a huge collection of teak credenzas, upholstered and chrome frame chairs, sleek coffee and dining room tables, Riverside’s massive bulk barn for mid-century modern furniture has everything you need to tastefully decorate your home with a vintage edge. You’ll also find art and accessories, stereo equipment and vinyl, so when you walk through the doors, be ready for a serious peruse.

Elbers Antiques & Refinishing

2
777 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H5

While most of what’s in store here is considered antique furniture and home decor, those who thoroughly dig around this Riverside shop are likely to find a true gem from the mid-century modern era. In addition to vintage furniture and accessories like lamps and art, Elbers also offers top-of-the-line refinishing and upholstery services. So, if you have old chairs that are loose or a dining room table that’s seen better days, fret not. Their best days are yet to come.

Studio Pazo

3
219 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1S2

Studio Pazo is a whimsical new addition to Toronto’s Corktown neighbourhood, after moving from the Riverside district in 2015. At this Queen Street East home decor shop, you’ll find an eclectic collection of sleek mid-century modern teak and rosewood tables, dining sets, credenza dressers and unique home accessories including ceramics, table lighting, and giftware for all occasions.

Zig Zag

4
985 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1K2

Zig Zag Collectibles is a compact furniture shop that packs a big punch when it comes to home decor of the mid-to-late 20th century. Located in Toronto’s Leslieville district on Queen Street East, Zig Zag Collectibles carries the most tasteful furnishings and home accessories from the 50s, 60s and 70s, including sleek lounge chairs and coffee tables, stunning floor lamps, glassware, kitchen essentials, electronics and much more.

Whether you’re looking for that perfect party-minded frock for a special occasion, or just some unique threads for day to day, the east end is Toronto’s undiscovered haven for sweet vintage finds. From deco to disco, Queen Street East is stacked with some of the best retro regalia in town. [Image credit: iStock.com/sergeyryzhov]
Some of Toronto's best baguettes, breads and butter tarts are baked in the east end, their heavenly aromas pouring out of the oven and onto the bustling Queen Street East strip. Other bakeries in Riverside and Leslieville feel like true hidden gems, tucked up side streets that only the locals frequent. Here are the spots to visit on the east side. [Feature image: Bobbette & Belle]
Let’s face it: Dads are near impossible to buy gifts for. Here are some of the best places in city to make your Christmas shopping a less stressful and way more fun, whether your pop is into art or entertaining, hunting, fishing or listening to the music he loves. Don’t buy him the same pair of socks this year. Surprise him with something unique, like a custom t-shirt, a new album or a colourful box of fishing lures.
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