We stumbled upon this amazing establishment while walking around the UES in search of better buttons for a coat. The store functions as a well-organized library of gorgeous buttons for sale, all contained in small cardboard boxes and clearly marked with prices. There are also displays of fine museum-quality varieties covering the walls.
If you're one of those people who recognize that changing the buttons on an article of clothing, on a duvet cover or pillow, or the tufting on a sofa can have a massive impact on the overall look of the piece, then Tender Buttons is the best-imaginable place to find them. It is a Shangri-La for button lovers. A truly unique place.
Images: Tender Buttons
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Comments (14)
One single red button on an all-black shirt = heaps of compliments.
I wish my city had cool places like this. The closest I have with anything resembling is New Orleans.
I love Tender Buttons! Haven't been there in years, but it's the best resource. So glad to see they're still around.
Tender Buttons is legendary. And the name comes from a Gertrude Stein poem.
Martha Stewart led me to Tender Buttons in the early '90s. It's nice to see that they haven't moved, and are still there.
Ah yes Tender Buttons. I love this place, It's an institution. My Mom use to bring me here when I was a little girl when she wanted some special buttons for a sweater or blouse. You know I think I'll pay them a visit soon. Thanks for this.
Wow, that place has been around a long time. I remember reading an article about it in a "Victoria" magazine back in the "1980's"
Sorry to kill the happy streak but budget-wise, Tender Buttons is a killer. They do have everything, but if money is an issue at all you probably want to head to the 30's-- M&J, Pacific Trim, etc.
The best button shop you will ever go to. The ladies who work there are welcoming and so knowledgeable.
Great for hard to find, unique buttons, but at a high price.
I remember the Chicago Tender Buttons, near Oak Street. Are they still there or did they move to NYC?
looks like the layout of any button shop i've ever been to in the city.
Beautiful. I have such a hard time finding nice buttons. I think they really make or break a piece. I would love to have this kind of selection!!!
I'll be blogging about this store soon because I am using their buttons on a slipcover for my upholstered headboard. I use their buttons whenever I buy a vintage garment because I usually have to replace the old buttons if they're missing or not up to par. And I always find something appropriate at Tender buttons.