This is from our Boston finalist, Melissa. Only a few more to go. Comment away!
I’ll spare you the bridesmaid dress fiasco that sparked an exhaustive pursuit of Boston’s best textile shops. Unbeknownst to us, that search would also reveal the area’s top resources for upholstery, window treatments, and home decor. Take a tour on Boston public transit (the “T”) to see our top three picks...
Stop 1: Baranzelli Silk Surplus - Red Line, Charles/MGH T Stop
High-end, luxury textiles at discount prices. Need we say more? Located in historic Beacon Hill, Baranzelli offers deals by stocking discontinued and overstock fabric from Scalamandre. The spring inventory features delicate silks in pastel shades.
Stop 2: Winmil Fabrics - Orange Line, Chinatown T Stop
Don’t be fooled by the facade of this mom and pop shop in Chinatown. A hidden gem, Winmil sells upholstery fabric for those on a budget (as cheap as $5.98/yard). Dig a little to find your favorite print – perfect for a DIY upholstery project, perhaps?
Stop 3: Zimman’s – Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail, Lynn Station
Okay, so it’s not the T, but you will not regret taking the commuter rail to Lynn to visit an amazing place. This warehouse facility contains thousands of textiles from international mills, and only for upholstery/home decor. With this fabulous selection, plus two floors of furniture, lighting, and rugs, it’s like a mini-ABC Home!
- Melissa
(Thanks, Melissa!)
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Baranzelli's is good, Zimman's is better, but Winmil Fabrics? I can't stand that place. Their selection is small and outdated, and there is nothing exciting or colorful inside-- except for a few batik fabrics. Plus, I'm allergic to cats, and theirs wanders all over the store, making any purchase there a guaranteed headache.
view lostinprojection's profile
To each his own - I would probably be more willing to shop somewhere that had a dedicated shop-cat :)
view suziegoombs's profile
I'm a cat fan too. Plus, even though Baranzelli and Zimman's are clearly nicer, they're more expensive. So on a budget, Winmil is definitely worth a shot.
These shops are great... Good resources for any size wallet!
view eiiboston's profile
This post seems to be missing the cupcake voting system.
view K T G's profile
I love that you did this by the T, it's the only way I can get around and it is often hard to find the easiest rout by T. Thanks!
view jrstar45's profile
Excellent resources and also kudos for taking the public transportation angle.
view HopeK's profile