Welcome to The Old Curio
Our showroom, aptly named The Old Curio, is one of our most unique features and we’d love to share some of the history of our building with you. No matter if you’re a history buff with a passion for local heritage, an interior designer with a particular interest in vintage furniture, or whether you’re just looking for a furniture shop in Durham to inspire your imagination, our showroom has something to offer everyone.
The history of our showroom
Located just a stone's throw away from the historic city of Durham, our stunning Edwardian showroom can be found atop Sherburn Hill. Once a pit village that serviced the hardworking mining community, Sherburn Hill is an area known for its appreciation of North Eastern history and heritage. The building which is home to our wares was originally a Cooperative Department Store built in 1913, a thriving arcade which served the local community, hosting a bank, butchers, greengrocer, hardware store, and more. Not only did this store serve the locals, it also acted as a regional hub which supplied all of the surrounding Cooperative stores with wares, an incredible feat for a small mining village.
We’ve aimed to preserve these features and showcase them in a way that reflects our passion for both antique furniture and local history. Upon entering our building, you’ll be greeted with period features such as art deco terrazzo flooring, high ceilings, a beautiful glass sky dome, and snippets of hidden history in every corner. From the original tracks of the cart house to the remnants of vaults that served the bank, there’s a historic secret waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking for a vintage furniture shop in Durham that can give you an authentic and almost immersive experience, the Vintage Sofa Warehouse is the place to be. To learn more about the exciting history of our building we invite you to read our dedicated blog.
Our deep connection to the past is what drives our reinstatement of this historic building as a thriving community hub, with plenty of new exciting additions on the horizon including a cafe tearoom and cosy garden space. The building has over 100 years of retail history, and we don’t intend for it to stop anytime soon, only to build upon the legacy that was left behind. By visiting our antique furniture shop in Durham, you’ll be able to find an impressive array of vintage pieces, as well as contemporary additions and artisanal products made by the local community. The majority of our products are British-made and created using sustainable and fair production methods, this helps to ensure that we can continue championing local history and heritage whilst offering premium quality and exceptional customer service with every purchase. Even better, you don’t have to be into interior design to feel at home in our shop, history enthusiasts will be able to take a step back into a bygone era and get a glimpse of early 20th century life, as our carefully designed showrooms have been curated to seamlessly integrate with the historic architectural features and overall feel of the building itself.
Where can you find us?
We are located in Sherburn Hill, County Durham. Look out for ‘The Old Curio’ on Front Street or use the postcode DH6 1PA. For full instructions, opening times, and an interactive map to plan your route, please refer to our ‘visit us’ page which contains all of the information you’ll need.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is plenty of on-street parking available to accommodate those who are driving. There are also spaces directly in front of the shop, so whilst we don’t have our own dedicated car park, you will not have trouble finding somewhere to park and will not have far to carry your new furniture far.
Do I need an appointment?
No, you don’t need an appointment to come to our showroom. The building exudes history from every corner and has a truly unique atmosphere, and we feel that everyone deserves to come and experience it as and when they can. We also believe that visiting the store in person is the best way to view our pieces so that you can choose the right one for you.
If you want to visit, simply pop into the shop anytime between 10am and 4pm. We are open every day except for Wednesday. The showroom offers a relaxed atmosphere and is full of new, antique, and one-of-a-kind artisan pieces, and we’re confident you’ll find what you’re looking for and more.
Is the showroom fully accessible?
Unfortunately, the second floor can only be accessed using the stairs. The first floor has ample space and boasts flat ground to accommodate those with mobility issues, however due to the nature of the building we are unable to provide alternative access to the second floor where the antiques are stored. That being said, we will always do our best to accommodate you where possible and you can call ahead of your visit on 07904253699, or email vintagesofwarehouse@gmail.com with any queries.
Come and visit The Old Curio
Acting as an emporium for all things vintage, our showroom is a dynamic and exciting exhibition of history as well as a place to buy one-of-a-kind sustainable pieces. No matter if you’re looking local to the Durham area and are shopping for unique furniture, or if you’re coming from further afield to shop for inspired pieces to create your dream interior, we encourage you to come and experience the historic atmosphere of the Old Curio and view our range. Alternatively, if you want to learn more about us as a company and our origin story, you can visit our about us page which details how we started and what we do.Discover an array of unique and upcycled vintage sofas at our showroom located in the heart of Durham.
Nestled in the charming village of Sherburn Hill, The Vintage Sofa Warehouse offers an inviting space for you to explore our bespoke furniture collection.