Canadians are a diverse bunch, so it’s no surprise that our design styles and local shops are as broad and varied as we are. Below, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best Canadian furniture and design shops for you to explore on your next shopping trip. No matter your design style or budget, these Canadian retailers have something for everyone.
1. Article
A high-quality furniture brand with striking designs that will stand the test of time, look no further than Article. This online furniture brand is based in Vancouver and offers a selection of modern, mid-century and Scandinavian furniture and decor at accessible prices. Founded in 2013, Article has ranked first on Canada’s Growth 500 list of Fastest-Growing Companies in both 2018 and 2019 — a feat that founder Aamir Baig attributes to their product, price point, quick delivery and shopping convenience.
2. Black Rooster Decor
A boutique decor shop located in the heart of Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood, Black Rooster Decor takes pride in sourcing unique and stylish furniture and accessories from across the world. The shop works with artisans and other small businesses as much as possible to offer unique products that aren’t mass produced but are top-quality.
3. Elte, Elte Mkt & Ginger’s
A family-owned business that began in Paris in 1919, the ever-elegant Elte moved to Toronto in 1944 and has since continued to sell furniture and accessories for every room of the home. Jamie and Andrew Metrick, the great grandsons of Elte founder Leon Tenenbaum (whose “LT” initials inspired the name), continue to run the business with the same commitment to design as their ancestor, including at sister stores Elte Mkt and Ginger’s.
4. EQ3
Winnipeg-based EQ3 was established in 2001 with the goal of bringing a modern Canadian approach to furniture and design. Today, the company is known for their simple, clean and functional pieces, and their ability to let you customize certain pieces with your pick of fabric, leather and metal. EQ3 is proud of their Canadian roots and strives to produce as much of their product in Winnipeg as possible; their headquarters sees product design, R&D, custom upholstering and manufacturing happen all under one roof.
5. Hudson’s Bay
No list of Canadian furniture retailers would be complete without Hudson’s Bay on it. Founded in 1670, this iconic department store chain is the oldest and longest-surviving North American company, and their home department includes something for every room of the house, from furniture and lighting to kitchenware and decor.
6. If Only Home
In need of a good night’s rest? Look no further than Toronto-based If Only Home, who prides themselves on home bedding that’s 100 per cent organic and sustainably made. A premium weave made from exclusively long staple organic cotton is the secret to their success, resulting in covers and pillows that are gently weighted, breathable and naturally temperature-regulating.
7. LD Shoppe
Husband and wife design team Melissa and Sacha Leclair opened LD Shoppe in 2016 as an e-commerce site before opening their flagship store in Ottawa the following year. Passionate about well designed, stylish, practical and long-lasting furniture and accessories, LD Shoppe was born out of a desire to share their favourite products with Canadians, and everything in their shop has been thoughtfully curated by them and their team so that you love their offerings as much as they do.
8. Luminaire Authentik
Maude Rondeau founded Montreal’s Luminaire Authentik in 2015 with the vision of creating beautiful and affordable lighting. With commitment to creativity and a product line that’s inspired by Scandinavian aesthetics, it’s no surprise that each light fixture is drawn, designed and made in their Quebec atelier.
9. Modern Komfort
A family-owned business based in Frederick, New Brunswick, Modern Komfort is guided by the principals of quality, service and creating beautiful spaces. Having lived in homes with kids, pets and the messiness of real life, they understand how hectic life can be and pride themselves on products that are suited to family living.
10. Rove Concepts
Vancouver-based online retailer Rove Concepts caters to lovers of European design, with refined high-quality pieces at a fraction of the cost. And while many of their in-stock items ship within a few days, Rove Concepts also lets you customize your furniture’s fabric and leg colour, with more than 30 options to choose from.
11. Stylegarage
Toronto-based retailer Stylegarage has a humble origin story — that yes, began in a garage — and has since grown into one of the city’s favourite local spots to shop for modern Canadian furniture that’s functional and timeless, and able to be tailored to a variety of finishes and fabrics. Their curated collection of lighting, rugs, decor and furniture is designed in-house and made to order in Canada in support of the craftspeople in our communities.
12. Tonic Living
Textiles can transform a space, and nowhere is that ethos more celebrated than at Toronto-based Tonic Living. Founded in 2003, Tonic Living is a family-owned home decor shop that offers a fresh mix of designer fabrics, curated pillows and decor accessories. With a wide selection of colour, textures and patterns available, and all pillows and ottomans designed and made in their own workroom, the Tonic Living team strives to ensure you’re always given an exceptional product.
13. The Cross Decor & Design
A little bit beauty, a little bit romantic, and very West Coast, Vancouver design shop The Cross opened in 2003 and has since grown to feature over 8,500 sq.ft. of space and 12 in-store shopping departments that include styling services, gift registries, jewellery, baby and of course, furniture and decor for every room of the home.
14. Umbra
Based in Toronto, Umbra – Latin for “shade” — began in 1979 with the launch of a single window shade, when co-founders Les Mandelbaum and Paul Rowan recognized that there was a need for modern products at an affordable price point. Today, Umbra is an internationally-known housewares and decor store, with everything from cheeseboards and umbrella racks to bathroom accessories and kitchen gadgets.
15. West of Main
Founded on a love of beautiful spaces and objects, and inspired by the travel findings of owners Sascha and Justin, Ottawa’s West of Main brings together a unique combination of curated objects that include furniture, lighting, rugs, mirrors, art, decor and accessories.
Visit our blog for more great design inspiration, including decorating tips for a kid-friendly space with style, a guide to picking the right lighting for your home, design risks worth taking and so much more.
Images courtesy of Rue Mag (hero); Article (Article); Black Rooster Decor via Facebook (Black Rooster); Blog TO via Facebook (Elte); Walsh NYC (EQ3); Design Lines (Hudson’s Bay); If Only Home (If Only Home); Style Domination (LD Shoppe); Modern Komfort via Facebook (Modern Komfort); Rue Magazine (Rove Concepts); Stylegarage via LinkedIn (Stylegarage); HGTV (Tonic Living); The Interior Addict (The Cross); Style Democracy (Umbra); Pinterest (West of Main).