What an amazing business nestled right across the street from big Grove brewery!! What a better…read morecombination than to drink some great craft beers, eat delicious food and then go thrifting at a really chic, curated, eclectic store. The owners really know their stuff. There are an adorable, young married couple. I wanted to buy everything but I'm trying to downsize so I was there to sell. They took the time to look through all my things even though they weren't buying much at the moment, but they were able to find some pieces and offered me a fair price. I urge anyone who loves stores like Artifacts and the like to check this place out.

A bit of a hidden gem that won't stay that way long! Ulysses Modern is a great addition to Iowa…read moreCity and is located in the growing Riverfront Crossings District south of downtown. Housed in a former staffing services space, the building is open and airy. I stopped in the other weekend and had a great (socially-distant) conversation with the owner. They've only been open a few weeks but already have a great assortment. The shop is curated with mid-century modern and modern furniture, art and records, plus clothes like vintage Hawkeye apparel, hats and jerseys. Fun fact: The owners know the team behind FindFurnish in Minneapolis, a similar store that has made trips down to Iowa City to buy some of their pieces before selling them at much higher, big-city prices. Definitely recommend this new, inspiring shop! Prices are great and the selection is varied.

We would like to extend our genuine appreciation to your company for demonstrating what true…read morecustomer focus looks like. Every interaction reflects a level of professionalism that is increasingly rare, and it's clear that your team takes pride in doing things the right way. Your commitment doesn't end at the point of sale -- you stand behind your products with integrity, responsiveness, and a willingness to ensure that customers feel supported long after their purchase. That kind of follow‑through builds trust, and it's the reason your organization stands out. Thank you for setting such a high standard. Your dedication to quality and customer care has made a lasting impression, and it deserves to be recognized. Steve S. Cedar Rapids

Great Store. Wide Selection of hundreds of different vendors. Alway new items weekly.read more

Surroundings changed our lives--for the better! Took a builders-grade ho-hum house and ramped it up…read moreto a custom-designed lovely home. Decorator Lori Waters is truly wonderful, a talented blend of good taste coupled with the experienced pragmatism to make your design dreams come true. Over about ten years in several phases, we have completely made over the place upstairs and down, inside and out. Stayed within the budget, gently nudged us into trying new ideas when we were stuck firmly in the mud of 1985, and just generally gave us a new way of using the spaces that perfectly suited our wallet, our taste, and our lifestyle. Could NOT be more proud of the finished product, although as Lori reminds me, "We still need to address that old yellow bathroom..." We will, Lori, as we start the next phase of this immensely gratifying partnership! Surroundings is the place to go when you decide you're ready to turn your house into the delightful home you've always wanted.

From the owner: We’re a full-service interior design firm located in the heart of Iowa City, at 331 Kirkwood…read moreAvenue. Our qualified and experienced designers assist clients from concept to completion — turning your ideas and dreams into surroundings you love to live in. Our Design Center is filled with inspiring samples, displays, and merchandise to help bring your vision to life. Whether you’re updating a single room, selecting finishes for a remodel, or starting fresh with a new build, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We are open 5 days a week, 8-5 Monday- Friday. Design assistance is by appointment only. Our showroom is open on Tuesdays from 10-4. We hope to see you soon!

In recent years, I've gravitated to "curated" antique/art stores, as I've enjoyed the selection,…read moreand haven't felt overwhelmed with all the "stuff". I also sometimes take pause, realizing that these treasures used to belong to someone else, before they either voluntarily parted with them, or simply left their earthly positions behind. In some ways, Artifacts is the mother of antique stores, with several rooms filled with treasures, both small and large. It's right across the street from John's Market, and easily a world away. I found the selections to be fairly well organized and the store reasonably easy to navigate. It was also clear to me that the owners had a good eye and knew treasure from schlock. I found prices reflected well the value that they were probably worth. Best of all, wandering/exploring through Artifacts was a lot of fun. Besides "budget" consideration, the only other limiting factor for me is that I was going home to Northern Nevada in a few days, and my suitcase was only so big. I also knew darn well that places like this truly are like a box of chocolate, as you're never really sure what you'll find either now or later. And when I return to Iowa City in Fall 2022 and enter Artifacts, I'm sure it will be a whole new "Onion" experience. Gayle would say that we don't need any more stuff, while asking where we're going to put it. I'm not sure I understand her point. :)

This is a nick nack used stuff store. It's much bigger than it looks like from the outside. If I…read morewasn't leaving on a plane, there was lots of stuff i'd like here. It's got a lot of stuff and it's pretty interesting.

I have been SO excited to make this review! My husband and I were concerned about getting furniture…read moredown into our basement due to a tight corner and thought a futon would be nice. Low and behold, four minutes from our condo is a futon place! We come in and are warmly greeted by Jordan. The store itself is full of art work and plants which is the perfect environment to try out the different futon mattresses and see how the frames work. Jordan listened to our wants and needs the entire process and thoroughly explained features and benefits of each item. We went with the mattress that they make in store and the darker stained wooden frame (one pictured) and couldn't be happier. They brought it to our place and set it up for FREE and it took not even 15 minutes. I 10/10 recommended going here if you are looking for a futon no matter what your price point is. Thank you so much Futon Shop!

The staff was incredible helpful and accommodating! I received an amazing custom futon for a price…read moremuch better than anything I could find online. It was promptly delivered to my door shortly after the order was placed. Thank you Jordan and Steve for facilitating such a positive experience! The Futon Shop exemplifies the value of small, locally run business and Iowa City is better for it.

If you're willing to put in a little elbow grease, some sanding, and a coat of paint, the Habitat…read moreFor Humanity Restore is a great place to find discount/used furniture, light fixtures, and other appliances for your home! A lot of the furniture is in pretty good shape and can be fixed up with some new upholstering, sanding, or painting. They also have a significant selection of appliances, lighting, and other odds and ends (like sinks and countertops) that could be a good fit if you're looking for something for a small space. I was thrilled when I looked at the prices on some of the desk/dresser/drawer items in particular. I came looking for a filing cabinet, and found one for just $5! Doesn't get much better than that.

This review is on their pickup service for donation…read more Habitat for Humanity Restore is a treasure chest of items... and that is because folks donate. And ALSO because you can schedule pickup for items you plan to donate. MAN does that make donating an old couch easy! We contacted on them on Monday and they came by to grab our sofa that Friday morning. They gave us an hour window a few days prior-- they were on time! Professional and prompt, a two man team came up in a truck, got it and were gone. In the blink of an eye! They take appliances, cabinetry, doors, hardware, flooring, furniture, art, mirrors, lighting, vents, exercise equipment, garden tools, bricks, pavers, fencing, lawn equipment, roofing, windows, tile, power tools, lumbar and more. One mans junk truly is another mans lucky day. Donate to Habitat for Humanity Restore-- and give them a shout-- they'll make the entire process painless by moving it for you. Cheers to that.

I was searching around Iowa City to buy some records and came across this store. The storefront…read morelooked small, but the inside is quite large with a bunch of cheap records in the back. There's even a guarantee that if the records don't play to your satisfaction, you can always return it. I'm definitely coming back here to find some more records.

This antique store is heavy focused on old stereo equipment and music. There is furniture and…read morebooks. Thereare many LP and 45 records. There are even some 78 records. If you are interested in music it is necessary to ask the owner for the organization method in order to find what you are looking for. Do bring cash. Cards are not accepted. Prices are fair. You can get better at a yard sale, but have to spend a long time looking. You are spend much more at a dedicated record store and get better organizing and renewed sleeves. I would got back.