The Best Antique Stores in Toronto

The best antique stores in Toronto don't take the fun out of the hunt, they just make it a whole lot easier. While there may be something to a 5 a.m. trip to the St. Lawrence Antique Market or a live auction with A.H. Wilkens and others, I'll take the snooze button and non-competitive bidding any day. That's where these shops come in.

The best antique stores in Toronto sort through the muck to find the gems, offering information as to why and how each distinct antique is so special. Because what's the joy in having an old Victorian rocker if you can't peg the wealth of its once owner?

Here is the list of the best antique stores in Toronto.

See also:

The best vintage furniture stores in Toronto
The best salvage and reclaimed furniture in Toronto
The best furniture stores in Toronto

Top photo by Jesse Milns

Eclectic Revival

Eclectic Revival started in everything antique, but eventually honed in exclusively on antique lighting. The Junction shop is known as a glowing Toronto source of period lighting, as well as brilliant custom pieces incorporating reclaimed materials and fixtures. May inspire terrible lighting puns, which, like antiques, never get old. More »

Kantelberg + Co.

In the Castlefield Design District, Kantelberg + Co. is a Toronto designer source for 18th to 20th century one-of-a-kinds. The ever-changing collection includes industrial pieces such as storage lockers and welding tables, classic like French planter tables and lamps, as well as the odd 19th century Swiss carved trophy head. No home is complete without one. More »

Hideaway Antiques

Amid a sea of Parkdale antique shops, Hideaway Antiques distinguishes itself with its suburb customer service delivered by owner Bill Jarman himself. Bill is known to help overwhelmed customers sort through his collection of antiques and reclaimed pieces, most of which are marked with fairly reasonable prices. More »

Sharon O'Dowd

Another Castlefield Design District shop, Sharon O'Dowd is known to dabble mostly in antique wood pieces sourced from Ontario and Quebec. The company has been around since 1986, expanding to include custom design and reclaimed creation. Think rustic, royal, and classic. More »

Pied a Terre

Pied a Terre is one of those not-overwhelmingly-crowded antique shops, and given that it is also an explicitly pet-friendly environment, shopping at this Leslieville shop is all the more enjoyable. Run by owner Sharyl McPhee Skinner, Pied a Terre has lots of cute and quaint while still making room for antique typewriters and birdcages. More »

Victorian Revival

Victorian Revival is an antique itself compared to some of the other shops on this list. Opened in 1974, the Castlefield Design District shop specializes in antique lighting including hanging chandeliers, frosted glass wall sconces, and the odd art deco theatre light. The showroom also features crafted antique fireplaces and a small collection of garden antiques. More »

507 Antiques

Right by the Don Valley Parkway, 507 Antiques has an impressive and/or unnerving collection of antique statuary from all over the world. While it may be slightly unsettling to walk before century-old Italian limestone eyes (or is it just me?) the craftsmanship exhibited through the pieces at 507 is undeniably beautiful. The showroom offers many other antique garden pieces, as well as lighting, furniture, and accessories. More »

Black Pug DMK

Black Pug DMK has lots of little antique knickknacks to go along with industrial crafting tables and antique shelving. The Parkdale shop is not exactly a beautiful space, but it does boast a quaint selection of antique lighting fixtures, unique wall art, and little pieces such as vintage phones, old cameras, and lots of glasses and jars. Be prepared to rifle. More »

Of Things Past

Of Things Past deals in consignment antiques, which means new pieces typically appear in its showroom several times daily. The staff is great at updating the shop's blog, allowing you a peek at the new oak hutch or 18th century oil paintings that just landed on the Bridgeland and Caledonia floor. Prices are fairly reasonable, especially if you dabble in a little consignment of your own. More »