We have lived in Sacramento for less than a year but we have already zeroed in on some great vintage shops to feed our obsession for Mid Century Modern finds. These small business owners have also been a great resource as we remodel our Carter Sparks designed, Streng Brothers built home.
Unlike in Palm Springs, there isn’t one central location for these shops, so grab a coffee and pastry from local favorite Temple Coffee (various locations) and start your vintage hunt.
The first three shops are located near each other in the midtown/downtown areas of Sacramento. Make sure to check each shops’ Instagram feed or website for hours and location.
Midtown/Downtown Sacramento Area
Scout Living
As you enter this trim looking shop located in The Handle District in midtown Sacramento you will most likely be greeted by Tatty, the resident pug—that is, if he isn’t lounging inside on his red velvet chaise. This design collective owned by Erin Boyle and Stefan Bloom offers their own vintage finds as well as vintage treasures from a small number of Mid Century Modern dealers including Sactown Pickers, Joja Modern and Modmix.
Boyle and Bloom started their business in 2006 in San Francisco then opened in Sacramento in 2011. It is a well curated shop making shopping a pleasure—no need to wade through aisles and aisles of merchandise.
From the owners:
“Buying mid century doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. We have cool pieces at all different price points and we get new things in literally every day.”
Favorite mid century item we own: “We love our modular wall units—we have a few of them in different rooms in our house and they store everything from cookbooks to business files to our daughter’s toys and keep everything organized. We especially love the Omnibus system by Sven Ellekjaer and imported by Raymor.”
Shop Modern Nostalgic
Jamie and Marcus Meisler opened their small shop located on R Street in the historic Ice Blocks shopping area in late 2020. The small size of this shop means inventory is always changing. They focus on mid century items but you might spy a few pieces from the 1980s and 90s as well.
From the owners:
“We want to inspire others to decorate their homes with vintage pieces. Sustainable shopping with a story is always our favorite way to go!”
Favorite mid century item we own: “We love our Modeline table floor lamp and Ekornes Amigo leather sofa.”
Kicksville Vinyl & Vintage
Two obsessions in one shop! This jewel box of a shop at 9th and T Streets opened six years ago. It is a must see for fans of records and vintage decor. Kicksville is the passion project of husband and wife Tim and Laura Matranga. The name Kicksville comes from Tim’s long running radio broadcast—Kicksville 29 BC on KDVS 90.3 FM in Davis, California. The shop carries hard to find records as well as vintage decor from the 1950s-1970s. Don’t miss the back room filled with vintage treasures.
From the owners:
“Our shop is a fun, relaxed environment to discover not only music, (both old and new) but also eclectic vintage decor, furniture and design.”
Favorite mid century item we own: “My favorite item in our home is a giant nine foot long teak credenza in our living room and a first generation Eames rocker purchased from one of our customers. One of Tim’s favorite records in his collection is Eden Ahbez – Eden’s Island, a rare outsider art style Exotica & Psychedelic album from 1960.”
Mid Century Sacramento
Currently located in a large warehouse in an industrial park about 20 minutes from Sacramento, this spot has mostly furniture and a lot of it. They also do their own restoration of their finds. Owner Derrick Warmerdam opened his business five years ago. He will be moving his business to an industrial area near downtown Sacramento by the end of July.
From the owner:
“We offer a customized touch by refinishing and reupholstering to our clients’ standards so they have a piece that is unique.”
Favorite mid century item we own: “My most recent favorite find is a Martin Borenstein executive L shape desk with leather surfaces and solid walnut construction. “
Lunch Break
You’ve worked hard, so pick up lunch at Selland’s Cafe on J Street then head to three more shops located not too far from downtown Sacramento.
Outer Sacramento/Roseville
Midway Antique Mall
Yes, this is a large antique mall hosting numerous vendors, but this place is well curated and easy to browse thanks in part to its former life as an Ethan Allen furniture store. In addition, the mid century vignettes set up by owners Mark & Ann Saunders makes it feel almost like a museum. Many of those items are sadly not for sale, but we found that you can always ask and sometimes they will let you purchase! Truly an experience not to be missed!
From the owner:
“Our shop sells authentic items that are at least 30 years old. No reproductions.”
Favorite mid century item we own: “Our 1956 Eichler home.”
(no instagram)
Stardust Vintage Emporium
They may be the newcomer on the block, having opened in May, but owner Karen Chance has been a vintage reseller for more than five years. She was also an interior designer for 12 years. This large collective has 38 vendors and counting. Chance has big plans for the former government office space including a small theatre. Stardust is located about 15 minutes from downtown Sacramento.
From the owner:
“I want my shop to have a collaborative, innovative environment where new and experienced vendors can work together to make Stardust a destination and not just another large vintage mall.”
Favorite mid century item I own: “I have many favorite pieces, but I love vintage electronics and I have a working (almost) 1954 Philco Predicta TV that I adore.”
Back Corner Mid Century
This shop might be located in the sprawling Antique Trove in Roseville, but it is worth the trip. Save your feet and your sanity and head directly to the back right corner for some great vintage finds. Cheryl has been reselling vintage wares for 29 years and all that experience results in great finds for us. Mostly furniture but some artwork as well. Located about 30 minutes from Sacramento.
From the owner:
“When I first started selling this style, it was referred to as ‘retro.’ ‘Mid century’ wasn’t really a term back then. I really like my customers and interacting with them. So many of my customers have become my friends.”
Favorite mid century item I own: ” My favorite mid century item would be my extensive Franciscan Starburst dinnerware collection. I started collecting in 1991. There was a thrift store next to the Salvation Army on 16th Street in Sacramento called Sally’s Alley. I bought a ton of it for $100, and that’s how it all started.”
Wrap it up
You’ve had a long and productive day, so now admire all your mid century modern treasures and head back to Sacramento for a glass of wine at Ro Sham Beaux followed by dinner at Hawks Public House.
If you don’t have time for an actual road trip, take a virtual one. Follow these shops on their Instagram so you can be the first to snag a great find.
You can access past posts on our SacMod makeover such as our most recent post as well as at patriciakline.com.
There you will also find profiles of other Mid Century Modern enthusiasts written for Atomic Ranch magazine as well as articles on Mid Century Modern finds such as where to shop, eat, drink and stay in Palm Springs. You can follow me on Instagram @patkline.
Feeling the travel bug? Enter for your chance to win a $1500 AirBnB gift card! Find out more on official rules and how to enter here. Disclaimer: The giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, AirBnB.
Of course, don’t forget to follow Atomic Ranch Magazine on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Mid Century Modern inspiration!
