apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


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

Address: 95 Elm Street
City: Somerville
State: MA
Zip: 02144
Phone: 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:

Comments (79)

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 2008-04-07 13:15:59
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 2008-04-07 13:48:39
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 sulako on 2008-04-07 15:26:21
view sulako'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 2008-04-07 16:22:08
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 2008-04-07 16:23:05
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 2008-04-07 16:36:56
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 2008-04-07 16:38:08
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 2008-04-07 16:39:34
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 2008-04-07 16:41:51
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 2008-04-07 16:45:05
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 2008-04-07 16:53:33
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 2008-04-07 16:57:02
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 2008-04-07 17:00:59
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 2008-04-07 17:06:26
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 2008-04-07 17:20:22
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 2008-04-07 17:20:45
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 2008-04-07 17:33:20
view aam3's profile

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

posted by mudhudhud on 2008-04-07 17:35:41
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 2008-04-07 17:35:51
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 2008-04-07 17:38:32
view mayqueen's profile

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

posted by madaket on 2008-04-07 17:42:32
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 2008-04-07 17:48:44
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 2008-04-07 18:18:32
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 2008-04-07 18:22:41
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 2008-04-07 18:42:44
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 2008-04-07 18:53:12
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 2008-04-07 19:11:31
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 2008-04-07 19:34:54
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 2008-04-07 19:38:28
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 2008-04-07 19:41:58
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 2008-04-07 20:15:49
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 2008-04-07 20:18:58
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!

<3Alex

posted by CJ<3alex on 2008-04-07 20:51:32
view CJ<3alex's profile

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

posted by Amazake on 2008-04-07 21:32:32
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 2008-04-07 22:17:57
view boston_kyle's profile

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

posted by lotus31 on 2008-04-07 22:32:05
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 2008-04-08 00:34:39
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 2008-04-08 02:41:05
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 2008-04-08 07:38:04
view mconley's profile

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

posted by Magyar on 2008-04-08 08:29:18
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 2008-04-08 08:49:11
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 2008-04-08 09:05:23
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 2008-04-08 09:08:23
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 2008-04-08 09:30:07
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 2008-04-08 09:34:00
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 2008-04-08 09:44:26
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 2008-04-08 09:44:37
view Kona love's profile

I loved the slide show. Thanks!

posted by revelry1 on 2008-04-08 09:46:43
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 2008-04-08 09:49:38
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 2008-04-08 11:22:23
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 2008-04-08 11:30:26
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 2008-04-08 11:32:01
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 2008-04-08 11:44:56
view jillann's profile

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

posted by ncd on 2008-04-08 11:56:54
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 2008-04-08 12:05:54
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 2008-04-08 12:45:35
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 2008-04-08 13:14:30
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 2008-04-08 14:16:57
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 2008-04-08 15:38:24
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 2008-04-08 16:21:52
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 2008-04-08 16:33:45
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 2008-04-08 18:43:11
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 2008-04-08 18:57:44
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 2008-04-08 20:31:22
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 2008-04-08 21:54:24
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 2008-04-08 22:29:23
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 2008-04-08 23:39:29
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 2008-04-09 11:05:30
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 2008-04-09 11:53:10
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 RichiePSE on 2008-04-09 13:48:07
view RichiePSE's profile

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

posted by jhy720 on 2008-04-09 14:10:53
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 2008-04-09 20:17:34
view tomtom's profile

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

posted by VBERMAN on 2008-04-09 23:53:43
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 2008-04-10 08:15:58
view laney's profile

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

posted by clifford on 2008-04-10 12:15:56
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 2008-04-11 10:55:51
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 2008-04-11 12:12:41
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 2008-05-07 16:08:58
view RoomsReborn's profile

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

posted by hgtvcrazy on 2008-05-09 15:45:17
view hgtvcrazy's profile
Buy Text Ads