apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


AT Boston: Eddie’s New & Used Furniture - Old Never Looked So Good

95 Elm Street
Somerville, MA 02144
617.666.1457

Many more Boston and DC entries coming! This is from our Boston finalist, Kyle. Comment away!

4-7-eddies1.jpg

>> Enter Eddie's Slideshow

3-27-boston.jpgI know a lot of dwellers who would love to buy eclectic secondhand furniture but complain that it's too time consuming to run from place to place looking for the right piece when they can just pop in to a chain furniture retailer and reliably find what they need. Fair enough. Thankfully, Eddie’s Furniture, an unassuming storefront in Somerville, MA, offers a deep inventory of ridiculously affordable rejuvenated secondhand pieces...

 
 
4-7-eddies2.jpg
A lovely refinished china cabinet for the dining room or as a stereo cabinet for the living room ($375).

>> Enter Eddie's Slideshow

Eddie's niche is repairing and painting antique, retro or vintage pieces with eye-popping water-based paints. No more hit or miss secondhand stores.

Unlike other secondhand shops, where too often the selection doesn’t appeal to the modern design seeker, every time you go to Eddie’s you’re certain to find not one, but many gems you’d like to bring home. Eddie, a gregarious down-to-earth handy man originally from Brazil, prides himself on giving high quality, solid wood pieces made in New England, a new lease on life.

Eddie’s business model is to keep things extremely affordable so that the inventory is constantly changing, bringing his fans back again and again.

Eddie also upholsters and makes custom furniture, at a fraction of the cost of competitors, without sacrificing quality. Employing a local carpenter and reclaimed wood, Eddie can create the perfect piece in whatever color you’d like.

Maybe you have an old piece of furniture taking up space in your attic and you just can’t seem to get around to refinishing it or painting it. If so, bring it to Eddie’s. For a reasonable price, he’ll do it for you.

Another unrivaled service of Eddie’s Furniture: FREE delivery in the immediate area!

So when you’re ready to mix things up a little, pick up some modern rustic pieces from Eddie’s Furniture, a place unlike any other in the Greater Boston area. And for you out-of-towners, it’s worth the trip! But be warned, since the inventory changes constantly, Eddie’s is habit-forming.

- Kyle

(Thanks, Kyle!)

Reader Vote:

Eddie’s New & Used Furniture

Location:
95 Elm Street
Somerville, MA 02144
Phone:
617.666.1457
Categories: vintage

Tags

Guest Posts, Marketplace

Share

Comments (80)

I have been looking for a store like this! I'll plan a trip for this weekend - thanks for the info!

posted by lizb on April 7th 2008 at 8:15am
view lizb's profile

This is GREAT!! Exactly the kind of thing I can't wait to have more of when AT:Boston kicks off. Exactly the kind of store I've been hoping existed in the area! Thanks Kyle.

posted by ajh on April 7th 2008 at 8:48am
view ajh's profile

I was wondering if this little gem of a store would get posted in the finalist rounds. I can barely wait for the AT:Bos launch. more more more!

posted by redjet on April 7th 2008 at 10:26am
view redjet's profile

I've been looking for someone who might be able to strip an antique bureau that my clueless, ex-husband *painted* when I was gone for the weekend! Thanks!

posted by bevzb on April 7th 2008 at 11:22am
view bevzb's profile

omg, i totally bought my coffee table there! thanks so much for highlighting eddie's--it's one of the best spots around for used furniture (is it just me, or does it seem like there are fewer and fewer in the boston area?). at $80, that coffee table was a steal, and i plan to take it with me wherever i may go...

posted by bellyglad on April 7th 2008 at 11:23am
view bellyglad's profile

Fantastic! 'Eddie also upholsters and makes custom furniture' - definitely going to check this place out. I've tried 3 different Boston area reupholster shops and no one has yet to return my phone call. Thanks for posting!

posted by SMM on April 7th 2008 at 11:36am
view SMM's profile

What a great find! Definitely will hit Eddie's shop. I haven't come across such a bargain spot with good quality things in a long time, and that he can do repairs is icing on the cake. Thanks for posting about it.

posted by alphonsina on April 7th 2008 at 11:38am
view alphonsina's profile

This is in my neighborhood, I passed it by so many times, but never peaked to see what's inside...your comment will force me to "investigate" the place....thanks

posted by Danguba on April 7th 2008 at 11:39am
view Danguba's profile

also of note about eddie's is that they have a constantly revolving sidewalk exhibit going which is fun for frequent walks into porter square. great insider info about a place that holds mystery, perhaps, for us all. thanks for highlighting used furniture for those that are somewhere between goodwill and antique shops!

posted by braina on April 7th 2008 at 11:41am
view braina's profile

thanks for a great post kyle! i would love to have you as the new AT boston blogger. i like your style and am glad you appreciate a good bargain like eddie's. good luck!

posted by designgal on April 7th 2008 at 11:45am
view designgal's profile

Kyle, I love your post! First of all, it is SUCH a pleasure to read literate snappy and, dare I say, correct prose. It's important to me ( I guess everyone is a snob about some things...) that the person giving me advice be...well... smart. I am unfamiliar with the J.P. area, but my apartment in Cambridge is a collection of yard sale finds and passed down furniture. You can be sure I will take your advice. Looking forward to hearing more from you. Thanks! Marjorie

posted by marjie on April 7th 2008 at 11:53am
view marjie's profile

This place reminds me of a little vintage clothing store I used to go to all the time in Brookline that had great exotic pieces for VERY great prices - I always felt like such a Boston insider going there because I could always find real deals!

It is so great to see the same kind of place exists for furniture in Boston. Nothing about it is shabby like so many used furntiure stores - just lots and lots of gems! Can't wait to get there now that I can afford a little bit more than a 1920's style hat - how about a 1920's style armoire! Awesome!

posted by spencepc on April 7th 2008 at 11:57am
view spencepc's profile

Kyle! Great style! Great way to be environmentally aware with reusing what's already been loved! An extra bit of love to these pieces would make any apartment look like a Royal Castle. Please post more.

posted by KendraC on April 7th 2008 at 12:00pm
view KendraC's profile

I have passed this store many times and had no idea it was such a gem! Thanks for the tip!

posted by preppyandfunky on April 7th 2008 at 12:06pm
view preppyandfunky's profile

The slideshow made me want to drive from the midwest to Boston just to see what we could find for our condo.

posted by spintar on April 7th 2008 at 12:20pm
view spintar's profile

So long Ikea, finally a good place to get solid well made furniture, in interesting styles, at reasonable prices, and restored with love and attention, no assembly required.

I'm there, thanks Kyle.

posted by junglegirl on April 7th 2008 at 12:20pm
view junglegirl's profile

recycled furniture makes me smile. i would not have know about this place without coming across this page. thank you!

posted by aam3 on April 7th 2008 at 12:33pm
view aam3's profile

What a great find. Can't wait to check this place out! Thanks.

posted by mudhudhud on April 7th 2008 at 12:35pm
view mudhudhud's profile

Great slideshow. You really get a sense for the store. Kyle writes in a way that keeps you interested. Keep up the great work!

posted by chuckf on April 7th 2008 at 12:35pm
view chuckf's profile

Kyle, I love this post 'cause Eddie's is really one of a kind--not everyone knows about it, off the beaten path, yet easy to find, etc.

posted by mayqueen on April 7th 2008 at 12:38pm
view mayqueen's profile

Only a few blocks from Tacos Lupita! I miss living in Somerville.

posted by madaket on April 7th 2008 at 12:42pm
view madaket's profile

wow - this store sounds too good to be true! what I like best is that they deliver. That has been the biggest problem for me because I live alone & have a small car. I've always wanted to purchase quirky & unique vintage pieces, but most of the time delivery hasn't been an option. I loved the orange cabinet - that's exactly the kind of pieces that I'm looking for :-)

posted by pchaparala on April 7th 2008 at 12:48pm
view pchaparala's profile

This is a place i will definitely look into. I just moved into a new apartment. I really want some vintage furniture and this looks like the perfect place. Im so glad Kyle put this on. I need more tips. So if Kyle finds some more stores i love her taste. Thanks so much. I'm glad to have found someone that actually finds what I am looking for and tells me what it is like. Thanks Kyle. You're a great writer.
-Holly

posted by Hollyneice on April 7th 2008 at 1:18pm
view Hollyneice's profile

I was in Ikea recently, and was feeling really guilty about it because I would so much rather buy funky used furniture because 1) it is more environmentally friendly, and 2) it has more character. Thank you so much for highlightling the Eddie's store. The pictures show there are some colorful and interesting pieces that would look great in my new home. I will be sure to check it out.

posted by garden on April 7th 2008 at 1:22pm
view garden's profile

Sounds like a great place and a wonderful alternative to the "Big Box: approach to life. Color - Color - Color!

Whoever the heck Kyle is - AT should hire her!

posted by gregorthegreat on April 7th 2008 at 1:42pm
view gregorthegreat's profile

I live in JP, and although I love boomerangs, sometimes the price and quality of the furniture aren't quite what I'm looking for. I'm excited to head out to Summaville to see Eddie! Thanks!

posted by chewie on April 7th 2008 at 1:53pm
view chewie's profile

This is a great alternative to buying new and keeping up with the status quo of capitalism. I just saw another store in the South End that I hadn't heard of - Restoration Resources. I'm glad that more of these stores are popping up. I'll keep Eddie's in mind.

posted by inthemarket on April 7th 2008 at 2:11pm
view inthemarket's profile

Always see Eddie's stuff on the sidewalk, but who knew what was going on inside. My furniture dates to the 50s, but it is not particularly sleek 50s. I'd love to see it brightened up with paint, but who has time? Not me. I'll check out Eddie's. Three cupcakes with a cherry on top.

posted by amoamas on April 7th 2008 at 2:34pm
view amoamas's profile

This makes me miss Boston! When I'm in town...I will have to stop by! Great posting Kyle! Very Impressive! Good luck with this...you've done a great job!

posted by Designldy on April 7th 2008 at 2:38pm
view Designldy's profile

i fall into the want used furniture, but get tired of going to 50 places category- thanks for the heads up, great pictures!

posted by je on April 7th 2008 at 2:41pm
view je's profile

This stuff looks great. Sometimes, I'm a little scared about color. Does he let you take stuff home and try it out and if it doesn't work, can you bring it back?

posted by mbotemama on April 7th 2008 at 3:15pm
view mbotemama's profile

sounds like a fabulous place. we really don't need more new junk in our lives. re-use! re-do! make it do! and to think i used to live in somerville! eddie, how about opening in nyc?

posted by pugmodern on April 7th 2008 at 3:18pm
view pugmodern's profile

Thanks Kyle for all the great info. This sounds like my kind of style, it was like you knew exactly what I was looking for. Your writing is magnificent! I can not wait to see your other work posted here, I could use some more of you help! I love your taste. Keep it up!

posted by CJ<3alex on April 7th 2008 at 3:51pm
view CJ<3alex's profile

Forget lupitas, anna's is right around the corner.

posted by Amazake on April 7th 2008 at 4:32pm
view Amazake's profile

Hi Mbotemama!

Unfortunately, Eddie and I didn't talk about whether it would be possible to take things out on trial or about returns...I've found him easy to reach by phone so I'd just give him a call and tell him you read about him on Apartment Therapy and see if he'd be willing to let you try something at home first...it's worth a shot!
(617.666.1457).

Good luck and let us know! Kyle

posted by boston_kyle on April 7th 2008 at 5:17pm
view boston_kyle's profile

good tip for updates of old furniture -wondering does he accepts consignments?

posted by lotus31 on April 7th 2008 at 5:32pm
view lotus31's profile

Great find, Kyle, especially here in the Boston area, where affordable and cool places such as Eddie's seem to be so few and far between.

I like how Eddie is focusing on local stuff, local craftspeople, and re-furbished pieces. And the free delivery is rad!

posted by leili on April 7th 2008 at 7:34pm
view leili's profile

Used furniture is soooooo the way to go. It is usually better quality, too. I would buy every piece in your slide show!! ...I have this weakness for lime green furniture.
Nice post!
Liz

posted by greatgreengoods on April 7th 2008 at 9:41pm
view greatgreengoods's profile

friendly,informative & visually creative arrangement of must see more of items ..perked my interest..can't wait to visit store this wk-end...

posted by mconley on April 8th 2008 at 2:38am
view mconley's profile

Excellent posting. Informative, enthusiastic, well written. Definitely a stop on our next shopping trip.

posted by Magyar on April 8th 2008 at 3:29am
view Magyar's profile

great post. eddie's seems to be a dwellers dream. a sustainable manner by which one can enhance and alter interior space. cant wait to visit eddie's on next trip to btown. look forward to more posts from kyle.

posted by kfreeobie on April 8th 2008 at 3:49am
view kfreeobie's profile

I've noticed this place countless times but I've never gone inside to check it out. I won't make that mistake again! Thanks for the great tip!

posted by jmimi on April 8th 2008 at 4:05am
view jmimi's profile

Thanks for attention you brought to reuse/repurposing of older items! Thanks also for highlighting a smaller, less known treasure such as Eddies.

posted by tooter on April 8th 2008 at 4:08am
view tooter's profile

Wow, that's great! A combination of local labor, reclaimed wood and reusing quality products. This is a wonderful alternative for Conscious Consumers looking for something other than Ikea or Crate & Barrel.

posted by MartyWrin on April 8th 2008 at 4:30am
view MartyWrin's profile

Eddie's is fabulous, this post is fabulous as well. Good job.

Also, that's two posts about Porter Square, which is my neighborhood and one that tends to be overlooked.

posted by ben p. on April 8th 2008 at 4:34am
view ben p.'s profile

great find. I will definately check this place out. I'm always looking for things outside of the ordinary and retail shops just don't do it. Thanks for the post!

posted by tcof on April 8th 2008 at 4:44am
view tcof's profile

Nothing can beat old furniture that has been refurbished. It adds to the character of the house and says a lot about the creativity of the owner. Good find!!

posted by Kona love on April 8th 2008 at 4:44am
view Kona love's profile

I loved the slide show. Thanks!

posted by revelry1 on April 8th 2008 at 4:46am
view revelry1's profile

I am moving in a couple weeks and was wondering how to deal with some furniture needs mixed with a desire not to buy anything new - as well as a desire for COLOR! I am excited to see what Eddie has for me. Great photos, glad for the environmentally friendly focus and smart writing! Can't wait to hear more form you... you're a keeper.

posted by larsko on April 8th 2008 at 4:49am
view larsko's profile

My husband and I have bought and sold things here. Our first purchase was a "gossip bench" back when Eddie's was still called Porter Square Used Furniture in 2005 or 2006. It was only $53! Our big score was last year when we found 2 Danish modern dining chairs in really good condition--we recently found their 4 sisters on Craigslist so we now have a complete set. Thank you for this post because I didn't know that Eddie reupholsters and constructs as well.

posted by PaulaM on April 8th 2008 at 6:22am
view PaulaM's profile

wow, I knew Boston was a cool place but we don't have
smart, creative places like this in Philly "Kyle" really knows how to present something and is a terrific writer!

posted by stuckinphilly on April 8th 2008 at 6:30am
view stuckinphilly's profile

I appreciate how Kyle understands the importance of preserving and recycling old furniture. Personally, I prefer pieces that have a story and bring some history into my living space. Kyle seems to grasp that our mood can be enhanced by color, form and style. Hope to go to Eddie's soon!

posted by kzmacdonald on April 8th 2008 at 6:32am
view kzmacdonald's profile

dear lord. how does one find a place like this, and in boston (!). that first piece (the white with the carved door)...sigh. i'm calling dibs....

posted by jillann on April 8th 2008 at 6:44am
view jillann's profile

I can't wait to check Eddie's out-thanks for the good tips Kyle!

posted by ncd on April 8th 2008 at 6:56am
view ncd's profile

From AT Boston Finalist Kyle:

I'm excited to see how many people are interested in secondhand furniture! I just called Eddie to ask him the couple of questions that have popped up in response to my posting. Returns? Eddie doesn't do straight returns but he will give you store credit (very unusual for a secondhand place!). Consignments? Eddie will pay cash for furniture that you want to sell as long as it's a piece that he could sell in his store and you both agree on a price that feels comfortable. He prefers not to sell furniture on consignment but will consider under certain situations.

Happy to answer any other questions!

Thanks,
Kyle

posted by boston_kyle on April 8th 2008 at 7:05am
view boston_kyle's profile

Thanks for the heads up! What a great store. How did I manage to live in Boston for 10 years and not know about this place? When I move back to Boston from Western New York (with it's cheap & plentiful craigslist finds), I'm going to bring a uhaul of near-treasures and ask for Eddie's help.

posted by luckyduck on April 8th 2008 at 7:45am
view luckyduck's profile

i have a dresser that i found on the curb that i've been using for a few years now but it needs some rehabbing. sounds like Eddie may be the guy. and i'm in need of a new coffee table so i'll check out his inventory. would love to support an independent business like this.

posted by jlief on April 8th 2008 at 8:14am
view jlief's profile

my basement is cluttered with nice, old furniture needing a little attention - keep meaning to get around to it, but... and here's the solution! thanks.

posted by ParkPresent on April 8th 2008 at 9:16am
view ParkPresent's profile

Who knew such a place existed? I love hearing about Boston (area) hidden gems such as this - I'm only now regretting that I bought all of our furniture at "chain furniture retailer" because I love unique finds, but don't have the time to hunt them down. This place sounds too good to be true, I'll NEED to check it out!

posted by jenadler on April 8th 2008 at 10:38am
view jenadler's profile

I adore that "snazzy" lime green dresser -- I just want to curl right up in one of those cozy little drawers. Why didn't this jewel exist when I lived in Somerville for three years?!! EDDIE, come to PHILLY!

posted by NinnyR on April 8th 2008 at 11:21am
view NinnyR's profile

Eddie's is fantastic...wish it had been there when I lived in the area as I currently have a couple of pieces that would look fantastic painted a Chinese red...when in the area I will certainly check it out...way to go Kyle...show us more...Lizzy

posted by susief1225 on April 8th 2008 at 11:33am
view susief1225's profile

From what I see in the window the furniture looks fantastic. Definitely a little shop I would love to visit. The colors are so vibrant, unique, and inviting. I am hoping all the best of luck to you. This is such a neat idea. One in Philadelphia would be GREAT.

posted by aly16 on April 8th 2008 at 1:43pm
view aly16's profile

Excellent review, Kyle! Both the store AND the owner sound very interesting. Not only does he help place great used furniture in new homes, he also makes "new" furniture from recycled wood! What a concept in today's throw-away society.

Best of luck in the Boston finalist run - you'd be a great pick for the area.

posted by houseguest on April 8th 2008 at 1:57pm
view houseguest's profile

Oh nice! I know this shop but the fact that they deliver in the area makes it even more appealing. Thank you for the great review!

posted by kmhughes on April 8th 2008 at 3:31pm
view kmhughes's profile

I think this store looks fantastic. What a find! Thanks for the tip, can't wait to go.

posted by whaler on April 8th 2008 at 4:54pm
view whaler's profile

That's such a great place to learn about! I spend whole weekends hunting for great buys at thrift stores and goodwills around Boston ... I'm excited to learn of Eddies - a sure thing at last. thanks!

posted by ellybelles on April 8th 2008 at 5:29pm
view ellybelles's profile

this is fantastic! i live in a coop-house in boston and i know my housemates will love Eddie's! to date we've relied on parents getting rid of furniture, sidewalk shopping and harvard business school students abandoning their goods. I think Eddie's will step our warm house up several notches! thanks!

posted by porfeandamos on April 8th 2008 at 6:39pm
view porfeandamos's profile

Love your post. This is exactly the kind of store that I have been looking for. I'll definitely check it out next time I'm in the area. What a find!

posted by thehoff on April 9th 2008 at 6:05am
view thehoff's profile

Wow, I live in Somerville and didn't know about this store. I'm definitely going to check it out. It totally fits with my lifestyle and business, recycling the old and finding new form and joy in the form. Thanks, Kyle!

posted by Corrina on April 9th 2008 at 6:53am
view Corrina's profile

Have you ever run into a stumbling block on a project or idea, and then came across an article that blew the problem away with the perfect solution?

Kyle's find and assessment of Eddie's New & Used Furniture did just that for me!

I've been tooling around with an idea for an affordable custom furniture solution to compliment my media consulting work that I base out of my apartment, and the following information supplied in the article will prove invaluable, I'm certain: "Eddie ... makes custom furniture, at a fraction of the cost of competitors, without sacrificing quality. Employing a local carpenter and reclaimed wood, Eddie can create the perfect piece in whatever color you’d like."

Custom ... local ... reclaimed ... it's all good.

For me Kyle, you hit the nail on the head with this one! Many thank youz!

Not only am I going to check out Eddie's place and work, but I'm going to stay tuned for more from Kyle!

posted by The Garden Guy on April 9th 2008 at 8:48am
view The Garden Guy's profile

So what's so special about this store again? The colorful junk they have?

posted by jhy720 on April 9th 2008 at 9:10am
view jhy720's profile

Kyle -
Thanks for the wisdom. I am a recovering minimalist who is looking for places to acquire some nice stuff. I will definitely check it out!

posted by tomtom on April 9th 2008 at 3:17pm
view tomtom's profile

Where do you find these great places? Thanks for cutting my shopping time in half. -VB

posted by VBERMAN on April 9th 2008 at 6:53pm
view VBERMAN's profile

Thanks so much Kyle! This is a great find. I used to go to a shop like this some years ago and then they unfortunately closed. Now I can shop at Eddie's! Your post was so informational, great job!

posted by laney on April 10th 2008 at 3:15am
view laney's profile

Great find, especially for those of us in the lazy and clueless set. Thanks!

posted by clifford on April 10th 2008 at 7:15am
view clifford's profile

There's this fantastic place right around the corner from where I live (albeit in Brooklyn) where I can always find something fantastic. Problem is, it's quite expensive. Next time I'm up in Boston, I am definitely checking out Eddie's.

posted by eveylon on April 11th 2008 at 5:55am
view eveylon's profile

Great to know about Eddie, whose shop is less than a mile from my house! I love the fact that he's an enterprising Brazilian and could help me recover junk from our basement. I am thrilled also to check our Kyle's apartment and to see links to other projects. Fascinating. Thanks, AT and thanks Kyle, for such inventive and practical, not to say, inspiring tips!

posted by dianeh on April 11th 2008 at 7:12am
view dianeh's profile

I can't believe this store doesn't have something for everyone. What a great place - and a great article!

posted by RoomsReborn on May 7th 2008 at 11:08am
view RoomsReborn's profile

This place is great! I have 2 wing chairs that I would love to have recovered.

posted by hgtvcrazy on May 9th 2008 at 10:45am
view hgtvcrazy's profile

I was at a used furniture store in Saugus on Route 1 Today and Wow! is all i can say. 1950s modern, 60s, art deco. I HATE TO TELL THE WORLD. The owner David is so fun! Two floors huge store. Then i went to Salvation Army NEXT door to shop. OMFG crazy items, collectibles, clocks, furniture, lamps. Cashforyouritems.net is the link i just searched for it for YOU all. Damn, prepare at least a half hour to shop.
Debbie.

posted by usedfurniturewanted on February 15th 2010 at 8:48pm
view usedfurniturewanted's profile