Mumbai is a bustling city where finding quality furniture at the right price can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re setting up a new home or looking to revamp your space, the city offers an array of furniture markets catering to different budgets and styles. Here’s a guide to the top furniture markets in Mumbai to help you find the perfect pieces for your home.
Buying furniture from Malls can be an expensive affair. I have put together a list of places you can check out. Better to have some basic knowledge of wood before making the buy or you may end up buying low-grade furniture made of low-quality wood. Below I have also mentioned how to check the quality of wood.
1. Chor Bazaarhttps://mumbai7.com/chor-bazaar-mumbai/ (Antique and Budget Furniture)
- Overview: Known as one of the oldest markets in Mumbai, Chor Bazaar is a haven for antique and vintage furniture lovers. You can find everything from retro chairs and colonial-style cabinets to quirky, restored furniture at unbeatable prices.
- Highlights: Bargaining is key; unique, one-of-a-kind items.
- Best for: Antique enthusiasts, and budget-conscious buyers.
- Location: Mutton Street, Bhendi Bazaar, South Mumbai.
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed on Fridays).
- Tips: Inspect items thoroughly for quality; visit early to avoid crowds.
2. Oshiwara Furniture Market
- Overview: This market in Jogeshwari is a hotspot for wooden furniture, offering everything from classic sofas to custom-made wardrobes. It’s particularly popular for refurbished furniture and replica designs.
- Highlights: Wide range of styles; options for customization.
- Best for: Homeowners seeking quality wooden furniture.
- Location: Near SV Road, Jogeshwari West.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Tips: Bring measurements of your space to get items customized.
3. Crawford Market (Multifunctional Furniture)
- Overview: Located in South Mumbai, this iconic market offers more than groceries and decor—it’s also great for affordable furniture. Look out for small furniture pieces like shelves, chairs, and coffee tables.
- Highlights: Compact, modern designs; affordable prices.
- Best for: Space-saving furniture for apartments.
- Location: Dhobi Talao, Fort, Mumbai.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Tips: Compare prices across stalls before purchasing.
4. Navi Mumbai Furniture Market
- Overview: For those in Navi Mumbai, this market provides a range of modern and traditional furniture options. Vendors often specialize in made-to-order furniture, ensuring your pieces fit your needs perfectly.
- Highlights: Customization; proximity for Navi Mumbai residents.
- Best for: Customized designs for homes or offices.
- Location: Near Vashi Station, Navi Mumbai.
- Timings: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Tips: Ask for delivery options and lead times for custom orders.
5. BKC Art District (Designer Furniture)
- Overview: Located in the Bandra Kurla Complex, this area features high-end stores and boutique showrooms selling designer furniture. While pricey, the quality and style are unmatched.
- Highlights: Luxury designs; premium quality.
- Best for: Buyers with a larger budget or looking for unique pieces.
- Location: Bandra East, Mumbai.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- Tips: Look for discounts or end-of-season sales to save money.
6. Lamington Road (Office Furniture)
- Overview: This market is a great option for those setting up a home office or looking for functional furniture like desks, ergonomic chairs, and modular workstations.
- Highlights: Affordable prices; durability.
- Best for: Office furniture and study setups.
- Location: Grant Road, South Mumbai.
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Tips: Check for warranty details on chairs and desks.
7. Khar Furniture Market
- Overview: Situated near Bandra, the Khar market offers a mix of modern and traditional furniture, including eco-friendly bamboo and cane items.
- Highlights: Trendy designs; environmentally friendly materials.
- Best for: Contemporary furniture lovers.
- Location: Khar West, Mumbai.
- Timings: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Tips: Try to negotiate prices for bulk purchases.
Additional Tips for Furniture Shopping in Mumbai
- Bargain Wisely: Most street markets allow bargaining, so negotiate to get the best deals.
- Measure Your Space: Carry the dimensions of your rooms to ensure the furniture fits perfectly.
- Check Delivery Options: Many vendors offer home delivery for a fee—ensure this is arranged.
- Inspect Quality: Look for signs of wear, tear, or poor craftsmanship, especially in vintage or refurbished items.
Guidelines for Checking the Quality and Type of Wood Before Buying Furniture
Buying wooden furniture is a long-term investment, so ensuring the quality and type of wood is crucial. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
1. Know the Types of Wood
- Solid Wood: Made from a single piece of wood; durable and high-quality but expensive.
- Examples: Teak, Sheesham, Mango wood.
- Best for: Long-lasting furniture like beds, dining tables, and wardrobes.
- Engineered Wood: Manufactured wood like plywood, MDF, and particleboard; more affordable but less durable.
- Best for: Budget-friendly furniture like shelves and cabinets.
- Reclaimed Wood: Upcycled from old furniture; eco-friendly and stylish but requires thorough inspection for damages.
2. Check the Grain Pattern
- Uniform Grain: Indicates high-quality, well-finished wood.
- Knots and Imperfections: This can add character but may weaken the structure if excessive.
- Tip: Rub your hand along the surface to feel for smoothness and consistency.
3. Test for Strength and Durability
- Solidness: Tap on the furniture—solid wood will produce a deep sound, while hollow or lightweight materials may indicate particleboard or MDF.
- Weight: Heavier furniture often uses solid wood or good-quality engineered wood.
4. Look for Termite Resistance
- Inspection: Check corners, joints, and undersides for signs of termite damage, such as tiny holes or sawdust.
- Prevention: Ask if the wood has been treated with anti-termite solutions.
5. Verify the Finishing
- Smooth Surface: Ensure the furniture is free of splinters, cracks, or dents.
- Polish or Paint: High-quality furniture will have an even coat of polish or paint.
6. Test Joints and Stability
- Check the Joints: Ensure screws, nails, and adhesives are properly applied. Mortise-and-tenon or dovetail joints are signs of excellent craftsmanship.
- Stability: Shake the furniture gently to ensure it doesn’t wobble.
7. Inquire About Moisture Content
- Why It Matters: Wood with high moisture content can warp or crack over time.
- Tip: Ask the seller if the wood has been kiln-dried to reduce moisture.
8. Assess the Finish
- Glossy vs. Matte: Decide based on your preference, but ensure the finish is uniform and scratch-resistant.
- Water-Resistant Finish: Especially important for furniture like dining tables or outdoor pieces.
9. Ask for a Warranty or Guarantee
- Quality furniture often comes with a warranty or guarantee. If the vendor refuses, proceed cautiously.
10. Test for Odor
- Smell the wood—natural solid wood has an earthy aroma. Strong chemical smells may indicate the use of low-grade materials or poor finishes.
Common Types of Wood in India
- Teak Wood: Known for durability, termite resistance, and water resistance. Ideal for premium furniture.
- Sheesham Wood (Indian Rosewood): Durable, rich in texture, and resistant to decay. Great for heavy-use furniture.
- Mango Wood: Affordable, lightweight, and eco-friendly. Suitable for budget furniture.
- Pine Wood: Softwood, lightweight, and good for decorative pieces.
- Plywood: Budget-friendly but less durable. Check for high-grade options like marine plywood for moisture resistance.
Pro Tips When Shopping for Wooden Furniture
- Do Research: Understand the characteristics of different types of wood before visiting the market.
- Compare Vendors: Check multiple shops to get the best quality and price.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to inquire about the wood’s source, age, and treatments.
- Use a Moisture Meter (Optional): If you’re serious about checking moisture content, bring a small meter with you.
