This two levelled antique store is a world of all things outdated and old school. At times, it's…read moreeven historical and educational. The sheer size of their collections leaves one in awe. There are multiple cabinets devoted entirely to what I call 'man face mugs'. If it's ceramic, has a man's face moulded and painted into it, and it contains a liquid or solid- it's a 'man face mug'. Then there's the cabinet of rose pink glass wear. Be amazed at the cabinet full of egg holders and salt and pepper shakers, not to forget the cabinet of ceramic clown dolls, and try not to make a scene when you lay your eyes on the cabinet full of old, ornate pocket watches. There's a huge section of the store that houses military paraphrenalia. They have old war uniforms, badges, rifles, hats, navy gear, war propaganda posters- you name it, they've got it. There's your usual antique store wears: vases, tea sets, dry food canisters, books, clothes, and jewellery. They keep the furniture downstairs. What's neat about the furniture is that some of it has been organised into scenes. If you go downstairs and look to the first scene on the right, you'll find a dining setting that conjures up ideas of 'early colonial Australia'. The dining scene is set against a wall hanging of indigenous Australians walking through the desert. Again, 'early colonial Australia' pops up (actually, the last scene of The Proposition comes to mind, but banish that). It's up to you to decide whether it's tasteful or not. I can't afford anything in this store, not even a thimble, or spoon. It's an antique store, and so the prices are always jacked up, but this particular store's prices a bit over the top. A pair of no frills clip on earrings? $26- $40? No thanks. I will happily spend hours looking through your pretty things though. Thanks.

The unlimited possibilities that hit you when you walk into Southside Antiques is overwhelming. As…read morean avid fan of the Paddington Antiques Centre, I had a lot of high expectations walking into here. The thing I love about different antique centres is that they all stock the same types of things, but never ever stock the exact same things. That's the point right? They're antiques, sold for whatever reason from a previous owner with the possibility of delighting a new one. Well, Southside Antiques may be smaller than Paddington Antiques Centre, but it doesn't dull in comparison by any means. There's a beautiful ancient phone set just near the entrance that we aren't allowed to touch guys, just ask for assistance before you attempt to examine that one. There are antique tea sets that cost over a thousand dollars, vintage shoes and clothes, and the most beautiful and intricately crafted wooden chair I have ever seen in my life. There are even clogs for those of you who are Dutch! Everything is appropriately sorted into areas, and the kitchen looks like it's been lifted from a quintessential 50s advertisement with country-style drawers, old-school utensils, and nostalgic signage on the wall. Stumble along a little further and you'll find old movie posters, magazines, sewing patterns, and LPs, which I thought was just fantastic. You get so caught up in the glory of upstairs that you forget there's a whole untapped area of furniture downstairs with sets and singular pieces and clocks still ticking away marking time. There are some really beautiful Singer sewing machines and a fully fledged and restored washing mangle. Some of the items in this place fill you with wonder. So if you're scouting around for great antiques centres, make sure this one is a stop along your itinerary.

The Antique Polishers is an antique shop in an old Queensland-style shop front. They sell antiques,…read morebut they also trade in them so you can sell to them. As well as buying and selling antiques, they restore them so if you have an old gem lying around that needs a scrub up and a coat of varnish, these guys can help you out. I love walking past the Antique Polishers because there's always so many things to look at. There's a lot of genuine antique furniture like chairs, tables, and shelves, but there's also cute little lamps, trikes, kids chairs etc. They get new stuff pretty often, and things get snapped up fast so if you find something you must have, buy it straight away. I missed out on a vintage Coca-Cola crate because I decided to think about it for a day or two.I've never had anything restored here, but if the day comes when I need anything polished up I'd bring it here.

Upon entry, New Farm Antiques doesn't look quite as impressive as the centres in Paddington and…read moreWoolloongabba. Don't let that put you off though, because this place is absolutely packed with treasures from times gone by. Some of the furniture at New Farm Antiques is absolutely incredible, and the stock appears to include some of the most genuinely antique pieces around. I came across oh so many things that I wanted to take home that it is probably a good thing that a) my credit card was at home and b) none of the bigger items would fit through my tiny apartment's front door. The staff are lovely and are happy for you to browse for as long as you want. You'll want to put plenty of time aside, because the store goes on and on and on and everywhere you look you'll find another little corner to explore.

This May marks the New Farm Antique Centre's 20th year of antique trading, and I actually cannot…read morebelieve I haven't fallen across this place yet. I was amazed and utterly awestruck when I walked up the ramp and found myself in this absolutely spectacular shop. Its plain and unassuming exterior belies the world of wonder you find yourself in as soon as you walk through the door, and that magic only intensifies as you meander through the quiet maze of antiques and collectables. Naturally, that consists of your staple antique items such as china, silverware, candelabras, chandeliers (lots of those), old telephones, clothing, jewellery, and bags. But the real drawcard for me here was the books. Oh my goodness. I bought a work of Sir Walter Scott's poetry with an inscription from 1871. 1871! The book is in incredible condition and the lovely gentlemen who run the centre obviously take great pride in preserving and selling these beautiful works of art. Speaking of works of art, they also have a few of those splattered across the walls. Near the entry you'll find one wall with framed pictures on it (of which, yes, I did buy one) and in the back you'll find a range of prints without having to pay through the nose for them. It's simply divine walking in here and I was utterly spellbound for at least an hour. It's not as big or winding as the Wooloongabba Antique Centre, but it's got a quixotic charm that envelops you the instant you walk in. It's like stepping into another world; opening the cupboard door and finding yourself in Narnia; it's mesmerising. You find yourself singing along to whichever soundtrack features that day (when I went in it was Abba) as you stumble across things like a Japanese pinball machine, a Singer sewing machine, and old charm bracelets. The more unique element about New Farm Antique Centre is that it's more culturally diverse than other antique centres I've visited, and that includes the Paddington Antique Centre. Where in other centres the shop is split into rooms in a home and categories, here things are split according to the culture to which they belong. I'm talking Aboriginal weapons, didgeridoos, and artwork; Oriental dressers, vases, and cupboards; African art pieces; Buddha statues positioned ever so casually. It was all I could do to not get too overwhelmed in its brilliance and breathe it all in. The lovely gentlemen here greet everyone as soon as they walk in the door, and they make you feel comfortable instantly. And then down the far back corner there is even a reading space where you can take a load off and pore over the old books in the bookcase. I'm in love with this place, and it has completely bewitched me.

What I love about the Paddington Antique Centre is that you can literally spend hours in there…read more This place is heaven for anyone who loves collectable antiques, vintage clothing and antique furniture. I have bought many presents for friends and relatives here and they have always been well received. One thing I love to do with my girlfriends at the Antique Centre is try on a pile of vintage dresses, last time I went there with a friends of mine, we literally spent 2 hours trying on the most extravagant dresses. This was a whole lot of fun but not good for our wallets as we each wanted to buy about 5 of the dresses we tried on but had to settle for one each. There are a number of stalls that sell vintage attire- all in impeccable condition too. And as for presents- the Antique Centre is also the place where I bought my father a vintage Yaschica camera for his birthday. The camera is from the 1940's but miraculously, it still works. I also bought my sister an antique perfume bottle (the type with the pump and tassels) which really stands out in her extensive perfume collection. The beauty of buying presents from the Antique Centre is that you can find things that are thoughtful and unique to give to your loved ones. The Paddington Antique Centre is never dull, make sure you pop in fairly often as they are always getting new treasures in stock.

I cannot actually believe I've never been into the Paddington Antique Centre before. If you've ever…read moredriven down Latrobe Terrace, you'd have seen it. You can't miss it, really. But its simple exterior doesn't nearly do it justice. Walking into the Paddington Antique Centre is like stepping into another time; another world, another place filled with history and previous lives. I found it a delightful maze of history and whimsy and you really have to go slowly to absorb its equally awe-inspiring and humbling treasures. You can round one section filled with jewellery and wedding dresses and go around another corner and find yourself amongst a brass diving helmet and telescope (seriously, they have a diving helmet). They literally have everything including a very-well laid out nautical section that left me speechless. And they have stacks of old luggage, which is very appealing to me as I adore vintage luggage and carry it around like a badge of honour. Paddington Antique Centre has standard brown luggage, floral luggage, and some very quaint hatboxes to boot. They also have heaps of furniture if you want to add some character to your home. I stumbled across the most gorgeous writing bureau complete with vintage keys that are very popular as accessories these days. It's overwhelming to walk amongst all these items and know that they had former lives and that they carry so much history within them. Not only can you pick up a unique item for a bargain, you find yourself picking up things you don't even need. That's just the allure of their antiques. My favourite author once noted that the Paddington Antique Centre was inspiring to her, and now I understand why. Only go if you have a few hours spare because it's so easy to be transfixed and get lost in its world of history and whimsy. I cannot express my love for this place more; it's definitely a Brisbane treasure.

When you walk into Bayside Antiques, it is a little like you have wandered into your great…read moregrandmother's house, or back in time. It is incredibly charming and much bigger inside than it appears from the street. I really like that the shop is set out rather like a home rather than a shop. They have an assortment of random and well looked after collectables and regularly have new pieces on display. They have a range of furniture, jewelry, paintings, Australiana items, coins, stamps, crystal and much more. I have not yet bought anything but I would recommend a look because they have a lot of really interesting items that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. The staff are also really helpful and seem quite knowledgeable.

I can see why this place is called MOST WANTED. Every time I…read morestep into this little store I inevitably end up lusting over some vintage do-dad or furnishing. The space isn't big but the owners have cleverly made the most of it making you feel like you have stepped into a store straight from the 50's. These hand-picked vintage pieces range from furniture, groovy lamps and sparkly costume jewelry to home wares and art deco statues. (My favourite part of the store has to be the small collection of records and comics.) The only shame is their lack of online presence, It would be good to see some of their awesome collection on the interweb but as such it's hard to see their name pop up under anything. (even the yellow pages.) Conveniently located on Boundary st, I recommend you give these guys a visit.

What a strange combination of items this place sells. Their sign states they are purveyors of fine…read morejewellery, antiques and retro furniture. It would make sense that the jewellery is second hand considering the other items they sell, but I'm not sure that it is. I think what's happened here is that a retiree has decided to open a shop selling exactly what they feel like, which has resulted in the odd combination. Moving on from their stock, it's a nicely set out shop and most of their stuff is really quite lovely, especially their range of furniture. It's definitely worth a look if you're after a one off piece to complete your home.

Holy dooley. I was lucky enough to discover this treasure trove open on a Sunday. Welcome to…read moreWilston's Lifeline Supa Store. It's a two storey jungle of rare as hen's teeth second hand wares. On the lawn outside of the store, there was a $89 mint condition black leather wheelchair as well as a whole range of bikes, some for little ones, and some for adults. The rooms are decked out like small themed rooms, in a similar fashion to how some antique stores set out their goods for sale. The only difference is that you'll pay less than half the price you'd pay at an antique store. They've got a violin for sale there for $50, imitation Chasseur slow cookers for $59 (which is cheap, let me tell you), old school pentax and polaroid land cameras (enquire about prices) and vintage coffee percolators for $20. They've got loads of your standard op shop finds: a killer book and record collection, toys galore, and troves of crockery and cutlery. It's not a bad place to come looking for some new furniture either. They've got a lot of stuff that looks like it was taken from your grandma's house, but in saying that, there are some great retro finds in there. It's not great for clothes- it's more of a odds and ends, nic nacs kind of place. While you're upstairs take a look at the original, aged and worn wooden trusses that hold up the curved corrugated iron roof. I can assure you, if you dare go in here, you will walk out with something great and unexpected.

If you love op shopping, this is the David Jones of them. They have antiques n kitsch, furniture,…read moretoys, collectibles, books, clothes, shoes, cutlery, crockery, cookware, decor, paintings

Imitation Antiques. What a brilliant little shop. It's situated in a row of shops that look…read moredecidedly more dishevelled and dilapidated than any other commercial stretch along Ipswich Road. The name gives it all away really. The shop is full of newly made, beautifully crafted cabinets and furniture that has been given the 'antique' treatment. You'll find lots of ornamental features, lots of lathe work and lacquer. If you appreciate old world trades like woodturning and cabinet making, you should look at this store. Going to Imitation Antiques is a better idea than going to an antique store for your furniture because you essentially get the same product for less than a quarter of the price. I mean, if you're a Roadshow Antique fiend and can actually tell the difference between a vintage piece of furniture and a convincing copy, this obviously isn't the place for you. However, most of us aren't antique fiends. It's a great place to get something that looks like the genuine article for cheap. Bring on my 1820's rustic north American designed dining table! Open by appointment only.