The best furniture stores in Chicago

This clever furniture store started in one mother's basement, but has since grown into a successul business that sells nationwide from its Chicago headquarters. In addition to an ever-changing inventory and custom options, you can choose from services like refinishing, upholstery and interior design, as well as staging and building management.

Based on the owners' favorite Amsterdam emporium, Praha is filled to the brim with extremely affordable, one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. You'll find furniture starting at less than $100 and decor like shabby-chic window frames, vintage suitcases and antique signs. It's one of the few vintage stores where you'll always find something to buy, no matter when you decide to pop in.

A TOC Shopping Award winner (for Best New Home Shop), Modern Co-op is known for its well-chosen selection of midcentury-modern furniture. The shop also shows strong support for local designers by featuring the works of artists who create pieces using repurposed materials.

Anyone who’s ever gone sofa shopping knows furniture prices can quickly rise. That’s why Rob Royer launched Interior Define. The company's Lincoln Park "guideshop" complements its online-first mentality, offering customers a chance to interact with the physical product in person, speak with designers and explore extensive customization options. The brand offers accent chairs, couches and sectionals without going through a middleman, which keeps prices impressively low, with sofas starting at $1,200 (including white glove delivery). 

Founded in 1991 by Californian husband-and-wife duo Tom and Angel Nadeau, this home decor mecca features imported handmade wood furniture from India and Indonesia at wholesale prices (read: higher than IKEA, but much less than Restoration Hardware). Nadeau began as an insiders-only source for interior designers but has now been selling to everyday shoppers and bargain hunters for years. It's not shocking to see why Nadeau is spreading nationwide—with its rapidly rotating selection of unique pieces at prices that put big-box retailers to shame. Be prepared to spend some time weeding through the warehouse-like store. Inventory goes quickly, so snap decisions are encouraged.

Get ready for a dose of decorating delight. Inside this vintage building are unique furniture and accessories worthy of inspiring an entire room: driftwood sculptures ($135–$1,500), silver-plated pitchers and trays with horn handles ($100–$750), zebra rugs ($800) and even cocktail tables mounted on tree trunks ($750–$1,200). The garden section carries fresh plants and flowers year-round, plus beautiful pots and planters.

Vintage lovers rejoice! Not a flea market, not quite an antique mall, Beehive is in a league of its own. Think of this vintage shopping destination as a shared showroom between some of the city's best vintage dealers—including furniture, clothing, accessories and artwork. This spot has a bit of everything, artfully arranged (read: no junk rifling here!) in an industrial-chic West Town showroom. The only thing better than its well-curated selection of vintage goods? The prices. Come ready to find some bargains. 

The father-and-son team behind Wrightwood Furniture in West Lakeview stocks their showroom with many of the same items you’ll find in big-box stores, only at up to 80 percent off retail prices. Examples of the deals here include French consoles ($308, normally $699), colonial desks ($297, typically $599) and accent pillows for just $22.

Mid-century enthusiasts will geek out over this new face on the vintage furniture scene. What started as a few garage sales for some side cash grew into a full-blown business for owners Jon Gorske and Kurt Niesman, who live above the store. Here, you'll find too many vintage gems to count, at prices that make great design attainable for everyone—like a fully functional Zenith record player console (just like Grandma's) for $475, or green Kroehler armchairs: $650 for the pair! Make sure to stop by often—the floor is reset and refreshed with new inventory each week. 

Anyone who knows Timothy Burkhart will tell you he has a keen eye for American and Danish modern design, which is evident as soon as you step foot inside his Wicker Park shop. Here, you'll find some of the most perfectly curated pieces in Chicago—from vintage sofas and dining furniture to unique artwork and textiles.