Candice Schaffer
Look around your apartment. Are you tired of the same old carpet, dining room table, and chairs that you’ve had for years? Maybe they’re a little out of date, or perhaps they don’t suit your needs. Whether you’re getting settled into your new home in NYC or want to update your apartment’s look, one of the best — and most fun — ways to make a big impact is to buy new furniture. This is especially true when you have a blank canvas that’s well-designed and spacious, like those at The Astor on New York’s Upper West Side where ten-feet tall ceilings and decorative moldings will complement any style. In a spot like this, the pre-war charm and modern restorations make it the ultimate place to showcase your tastes through new furnishings and give you the chance to buy that plush and comfy sofa you’ve always wanted.
From one-bedrooms to massive penthouses with outdoor space located right between Central and Riverside Parks, choosing The Astor as your home is natural. What’s not so simple is selecting what furniture you’d like. Luckily, on the UWS you’re within walking distance of some of the best home furnishing stores in the world.
Ready to make a change and update? Here are the five best furniture stores on the Upper West Side.
West Elm
West Elm is world-renown for its massive brick and mortar shops that have all of the home goods one could want. But just because it’s a chain doesn’t mean that it’s boring. Take a visit to their showroom on Broadway and get ready for an afternoon of trying their comfy couches with deep seats and luxurious upholstery, like their Andes Collection that’s a contemporary take on Mid-Century design (just try not to fall asleep as you’re testing). What’s more, is that you can find decor and dining wear while you’re here. We recommend their European-style bodega glasses that make the perfect vessel to imbibe everything from your morning glass of water to your evening cocktail.
Housing Works
If you have a penchant for vintage and antique furnishings, but don’t have time to head Upstate or to Pennsylvania to go antiquing, stop by Housing Works. Yes, these items are pre-owned, but trust us you can find some gems amid this non-profit’s well-curated space. Most of the items are donated by well-heeled New Yorkers, so you’ll always be able to find the perfect accent piece. We’ve heard a rumor that someone once found a Saarinen table here for a steal! And when you buy here, you’re giving to charity.
Jonathan Adler
Playful and whimsical, Jonathan Adler and his shops are New York institutions where you’d welcomed to the world of “modern American glamor.” It’s as if Hollywood Regency design meets Danish modern with over-the-top yet classic credenzas and dressers that would look completely in place on a movie set or in your home.
Pottery Barn
Handcrafted and accessible seems to be Pottery Barn’s modus operandi. Founded in Manhattan in 1949, Pottery Barn has been the go-to spot for those who love rustic and tasteful furnishings. The store on the Upper West Side has two floors of tables, chairs, consoles, ottomans, even office furniture for you to peruse.
HomeGoods
You no longer have to wait until a trip out of town to hit up this treasure trove of … well… home goods. You’ll find everything here from door stops to love seats to carpeting to tins of smoked paprika, yes, they have food. The game plan when you’re here is to let all of your predetermined ideas fall to the wayside. Shopping amid the endless rows, you may just find some surprising inspiration for your home.
