Now in the Rastro there are mainly two types of stalls: clothing and accessories or decoration, furniture and antiques. But the great flea market of Madrid was divided during the twentieth century by what its stalls sold. Each street specialized in one thing – there was even one dedicated to the sale of birds – hence the name of the main artery, Ribera de Curtidores, has survived, where the skins that were tanned from the nearby slaughterhouses were sold in the old days.
La Recova
La Recova’s store on Ribera de Curtidores is small and as warm as the hygge (Danish concept of well-being) of the mid-century Scandinavian furniture they sell. Teak sideboards from the 60s, sets of kidney-shaped coffee tables, armchairs that could appear in Mad Men, sun mirrors… all classics of mid-century decoration in perfect condition.
📍Location: Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores, 10 (Downtown)
Eturel
Eturel is a bit out of the canonical idea of Rastro furniture stores. This narrow store sells Manchego lifestyle, that is to say, it focuses on typical Castilian decoration put in value. Striped tablecloths, botijos, oil cruets, basketry and other handicrafts that you could buy in a small village in La Mancha, but in the center of Madrid.
📍Location: calle de la Ruda, 8 (La Latina)
Reno
Reno also specializes in mid-century furniture, especially from Scandinavian countries. But the difference with other stores in the Rastro is that this one is bigger and you can find entire sets of chairs and dining tables, among a lot of Danish lamps from the 70’s in the Louis Poulsen style. In the back of the store they also usually have design from current brands such as Hay or Normann Copenhagen.
📍Location: Mira el Río Alta street, 7 (Rastro)
El Ocho
El Ocho or the ultimate lamp store is one of the classics of decoration in the Rastro. There are so many lamps from different eras and styles in such a small space that you need a while to process everything you are seeing. This eclectic approach has made this store a must-see destination for stylists and decor lovers since 1995. They offer personalized services such as the creation of original light fixtures and custom decorative lampshades.
📍Location: Calle de Mira el Río Alta, 8 (Rastro)
Josephine House
Casa Josephine is not only one of the most beautiful stores in Madrid, but they are also one of the most internationally praised Spanish interior design studios. Iñigo Aragón and Pablo López, the duo that created Casa Josephine in 2012, have a special eye for selecting the pieces they sell. Whether vintage, avant-garde or handmade, their store in the Rastro is a must if you like the decoration and design recommended by the great prescribers of the sector such as Cabana Magazine or the American interior designer Kelly Wearstler.
📍Location: Calle de Sta. Ana, 15 (Centro)
Es Cantó
Es Cantó opened its first antique store in Mallorca, but over the years and with good taste they also opened a space in the Galerías Piquer del Rastro. The grace of their selection is in that fresh Mediterranean touch, that mixes a simple wooden furniture, almost minimalist, with rococo gilded mirrors. This synergy in their styles makes that what they sell will enter you through the eyes and you will be interested in things that a priori you might not have had in mind.
📍Location: Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores, 29, Local 47 (Rastro)