Second-Hand Modern

Oklahoma Offers Shoppers Happy Hunting Grounds

Looking for the best places to shop for bargains on hip and modern furniture and accessories?

Historically the nearby markets of Kansas City, Denver or Dallas have been much more active for modern and retro shoppers. For many years sellers in Tulsa and Oklahoma City traveled or sought out buyers through online marketplaces like Craigslist or eBay. But today the local demand for cool swag is heating up.

We spent a week traveling the Sooner State to find the second-hand shops that specialize in vintage, retro, modern and contemporary items. We discovered shops offering everything from kitsch to Case Study. But the most exciting discovery was the community of businesses making a go and keeping it local. Savvy entrepreneurs are staying close to home, setting up shop– even rejuvenating retail storefronts and neighborhoods. The end result is a shopper's paradise. If you know where to look.

Here's our list of favorite and fun Oklahoma places to shop- in no particular order.

Oklahoma City

• Space
  
  
  4408 N Western Ave.
  405-923-8125
  Furniture is the primary focus of this shop. There are some smaller items- but designer furnishings and office gear are the main inventory. And while you shop you can get a haircut!
• Retro OKC
  1708 NW 16th Street
  405-922-9981
  Mike Brown (no relation) has set up shop in the Plaza District. The store is loaded with a little bit of everything, but you'll find a great assortment of kitschy art and accessories. 
• Abracadabra
  2725 NW 50th Street
  405-949-0777
  You'll find this shop tucked away in the shadow of Founder's Tower. But don't let the strip mall fool you- there's a ton of cool furnishings and lighting inside.
• Retroman
  
  
  1023 W Main
  405-609-0525
  Furnishings and decor from the Fifties and Sixties are the specialty here. The historic location also makes this shop worth a visit- the building was Oklahoma City's first Deep Rock gas station.

Tulsa

• Retro Den
  2741 E 15th Street
  918-510-2318
  This shop is a potpourri of furnishings and decor from the Forties through the Seventies. Funky and kitsch are their specialty here- and you'll find an eclectic array at reasonable prices.
• Mod 50s Modern
  
  
  2921 E 15th Street
  918-749-3620
  Maurice Powell has been searching out designer furniture and decor for more than 20 years now. Formerly known as Deco to Disco, his shop on Cherry Street is a treasure trove of famous names like Eames, Heywood-Wakefield and historic Oklahoma artwork.
• Retro Decor & More
  6390 E 31st Street
  918-660-7000
  Like the name says- lots of retro decorative items. Plus furniture, wall art and lamps. Located just west of 31st and Sheridan next to Mall 31.

Also...
Got more time than money? Hidden treasures await you at the local thrift stores. But be prepared to dig through a whole lot of... um, not treasure. Area antique malls are another fun place to seek out the hip and groovy. In fact, many of the shopkeepers we met on our rounds had started out with a booth at their local antiquary. Prices are usually better due to lower overhead, but you have to dig and will most likely need to get your hands dirty.

And don't forget to check the classifieds for estate sales! You can find some great bargains- plus get to see a cool house. Look for sales located in neighborhoods built in the Fifties and Sixties for the best combinations of shopping and impromptu home tour.

We Love Maps
There's more! I admit it: I'm a geek and I love maps. So after the rave reviews of our Oklahoma Modern Map we decided to make another one just for cool places to shop! This map includes stores that offer new merchandise, clothing, etc.


View Oklahoma Modern Shopping in a larger map

What did we miss?
Feel free to leave a comment with any suggestions you have for other modern Oklahoma outlets.