A carnival of vintage finds: Despite the name, Billy's Antiques & Props is more a peddler of junk than a pedigreed furniture vendor. The pair of tents on Houston Street overflow with an eclectic mix of goods, which on a recent visit included a tray of glass eyes, a cache of subway signs, a painting of an angry poodle and a mummy's coffin, not to mention usual flea market fare like piles of costume jewelry and a sidewalk full of old furniture. The truly budget-conscience might balk at some of Billy's prices, but for the most part, the prices are moderate...
($35 might seem like a lot for a used mirror, but compared to most SoHo shops, Billy’s prices may start to seem like downright bargains.)
Ugly novelties aside, the merchandise at Billy's tends to have classic, handsome lines—think 1940s office chairs and solid oak dressers. In addition to the colorful wares, the staff is a sassy, salty bunch. As promised, on Billy's website, “This ain't Crate & Barrel.”
- Laura Fenton
(This is one of four posts by Laura that we'll be posting over the next two weeks)
Veronica & Keith's Handmade Chic 
The World's Ugliest Condo: The Big Bathroom Reveal 
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Hunslet Dinner Plate
A Beginner's Guide to Superb Stir-Fry: Quick, Healthy Meals from a Wok
Homesteaders' Cocktail Recipe: Lovage Simple Syrup
Comments (23)
OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I refuse to patronize a store or website endorsing ANY of the candidates.
Obama or not, I would gladly patron any vendor of poodle portraits. Nice find, Laura! I'll be sure to stop in next time I am downtown.
I love Billy's! Haven't bought anything there yet, but have definitely considered it...
I love Billy's for the sheer quantity of cool and often bizarre finds. The prices are sometimes steep but where else can you get a taxidermied ocelot?
I love Billy's old signs and billboards - especially the ones that advertise stuff that used to cost a nickel.
I'm curious if anyone's actually bought furniture here — and if so, what it cost them?
In a city of people who love to find treasures, Billy's in bountiful in special pieces that make a room come alive with personality. Who cares about having flawless room with clean lines if it doesn't have some personality? I got this amazing carved mirror there, stripped it down and repainted it -- voila! Best cornerstone of my living room. Going to Billy's is an authentic NYC experience -- love it!
Billy's is a staple, especially working downtown. In response to careinthecity, I found an amazing pair of over-sized Mission chairs with leather seats (somewhat damaged, easily reupholstered) here last month for $150.
Looks like they could use some of the stuff from my garage--wish it was there, not here. I love the "poison" bottles!
best to buy used and broken in - the production costs of new objects is really high and places like Billy's help the environment.
I've shopped at Billy's. The posting is correct. If you're looking for the super cheap uber find, Billy's isn't for you. That said, for most of us, moderate = damn good. I got a coffee table there for $200 that is absolutely perfect in my living room.
If I had only learned to stay out of joints like Billy's 40 years ago, I wouldn't have all the junk I have today. How about a post on getting rid of stuff? Does Billy's buy stuff from individuals like me?
always peek at Billy's when I'm going by (probably this evening in fact -- should I tell them about this thread?) -- great way to idle away half an hour or so. Like many here, always seem to find things that while tempting, just don't quite come home with me. but one day....
So, how many Obama plugs before AT has to register with the FEC for in-kind contributions?
Seaside,
I don't mean to post off topic, or start any wars, but I'm curious why you won't patronize a store or website that supports any of the presidential candidates? We live in a democracy, shouldn't we express our opinions?
Seriously, just curious about your reasoning.
Vanessa
Years ago I put out a set of crappy wood chairs (from my parent's house!) on the street and a day later saw them at Billy's.
marfa
now that's funny
I've walked by that place a million times, but have never gone in. Gotta say though, now I'm intrigued...there's a taxidermied ocelot?! Yeah, totally have to check that out.
That poodle painting has been searching for a home for a long time I must say. I almost bought it for a poodle-aficiando friend of mine last summer. But truly, Billy's is a treat, not for the faint of heart types, but a great place to wander around in.
I've wandered past a few times but never actually make it into the tent. I love looking at the furniture. Maybe one day I'll muster up the courage to go inside.
It intrigues and scares me all at the same time. I wanna go.
Obammy turned out to be the worst President in the history of America and Billy's is closing tomorrow. What has the world come to?