Singaporean elders say some things are better left undisturbed, like that dusty box of antique dolls in the corner, or the tarnished silver treasure box with the inscription “Never Open.” 

If it’s your first time buying a vintage item in the Lion City, you might want to throw that away because it might have an evil entity just waiting to possess you. 

I’m kidding! Antique shops can get a little creepy and unsettling, but that’s part of their allure.

So, if you are fascinated by forgotten times, here’s our list of vintage and antique shops you might want to explore in Singapore.

East Inspirations Shop

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Are you looking for exotic elegance to elevate your home decor? Then you must check out East Inspirations Shop!

You might like its carved wooden chests from India, floral-patterned vases, or mythological creature displays that are hand-carved in rosewood.

But one of its popular antique displays is this particular opulent pipe, which is said to have originated in ancient China during the height of the Ming Dynasty.

Crafted by master artisans renowned for their skill in metalwork and embellishment, the pipe was commissioned by a wealthy merchant seeking to display his status and sophistication.

Adorned with intricate carvings and inlaid with precious gemstones, the pipe quickly became the envy of the merchant class and was coveted for its exquisite craftsmanship. 

It soon found its way into the hands of nobles and dignitaries, passing through generations as a cherished family heirloom.

Just Anthony (S) Pte Ltd

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Can you imagine stepping into a shop overflowing with emperor sculptures and some very old-designed teacups? These are what await you at Just Anthony (S) Pte Ltd.

This antique shop’s collection isn’t from flea markets or other antique shop collectors. It is from a much more personal place: a demolished Qing Dynasty courtyard house.

Fun fact: Did you know that the Qing Dynasty was the longest ruling dynasty in Chinese history, lasting over 260 years? That’s a lot of ghost whispers to be captured in these antiques!

During its tear-down, Just Anthony’s owner collected some remarkable pieces like carved doors, gold door knobs, painted wall panels, and even sections of mosaic flooring that must have witnessed countless footsteps from the royal family.

Owning a piece from this collection isn’t just about acquiring a table or a screen–it’s a conversation starter guaranteed to impress your guests. 

Chisel and Log

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Have you ever looked at a rusty wrench and thought, “Wow, that would look amazing on my bookshelf?” If so, you should visit Chisel and Log!

How can we describe this antique shop in five words? Not afraid to get creative!

This antique shop transforms industrial cast-offs and forgotten treasures into aesthetically pleasing and functional home decor.

For instance, the shop stores some weathered factory lights that its staff artists transform into aesthetic lamps casting a warm glow over, perfect for a dining table.

But their finds aren’t limited to just industrial grit. Chisel and Log also have a stunning collection of vintage furniture, particularly pieces with rich Indian heritage.

So, how about buying an intricately carved chest, an ornately framed mirror, and a meticulously restored vintage printing press here? I’m sure these pieces can add a retro-chic touch to your home!

Junkie’s Corner

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Did you know that the oldest typewriter ever sold at auction fetched a whopping $250,000?

No, it’s not from this shop, but can you imagine stumbling with one at Junkie’s Corner? Maybe you could sell it at a much higher price. 

Anyway, the folks behind this vintage shop aren’t just retailers; they’re also passionate curators. They search Singapore’s estate sales and flea markets, acting as the modern-day Indiana Jones of the antique world.

You’ll never know what forgotten gems you might unearth in this shop—perhaps a rack of antique cameras with tales of thousand black-and-white memories, a grandfather clock, or an unfinished novel from a long-gone author.

Spiritual Antique Land

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Forget the dusty gramophones and vintage cameras – Spiritual Antique Land offers a different kind of treasure hunt, one that transcends the material and delves into the realm of the spirit.

Here, you’ll find rare and astonishing items that reflect the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Tibet, Burma (now Myanmar), and China. These include Buddhist statues and traditional Chinese medicine tools.

The most fascinating part? Some of these treasures come straight from families who have lovingly safeguarded them for generations. 

Just imagine yourself holding a prayer wheel that a Tibetan monk might have used centuries ago in a remote Himalayan monastery. The weight of history and devotion you’d feel is truly priceless!

Hungry Traveller Vintage and Antiquarian Book & Ephemera Store

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If the scent of aged paper and the promise of forgotten stories make your heart race, then visiting Hungry Traveller Vintage and Antiquarian Book & Ephemera Store is a must!

You’ll find diverse materials here, from first editions of classic novels to quirky travelogues and historical accounts that never entirely made it into the mainstream.

Unlike your typical bookstore, which has neatly categorized shelves, this one has towering stacks of books that overflow onto antique reading tables.

You may think of this antique shop as a buffet of literary works. Here, you’ll find food for your brain that will feed you with old languages and stories of the past.

Who knows, you might unearth a dusty account of a daring expedition through the Amazon rainforest or a whimsical journey across Asia on a rusty old motorcycle model.

A Vintage Tale

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Unlike the chaotic charm of some vintage stores, here you’ll find a meticulously chosen selection of garments from the 1940s to the 1990s.

It features silk scarves from Parisian flea markets showcasing European and Victorian elegance. 

When you see these pieces, I’m sure you’ll think of a scene where the past wearer of these fabrics walks on a late afternoon with their maid.

There is also an exquisite selection of kimonos sourced directly from Japan with intricate embroidery and silk fabrics that speak to the rich history of Japanese textile art.

The team behind A Vintage Tale believes that vintage fashion isn’t just about clothes; it’s about giving a second life to garments steeped in stories waiting to be retold.

The Née Vintage Store

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Have you ever wondered what happens to those iconic Fendi Baguettes carried by celebrities after a season ends? Well, some of them find their way to a vintage shop like The Née Vintage Store.

The name “Née” (pronounced “Nay”) is French for “born.” Smart name, I must say, for it houses designer pieces that are being reborn into the modern world of fashion. 

As soon as you enter this shop, you’ll see pre-loved designer handbags displayed like museum artifacts.

We’re talking Chanel classics that could have graced the arm of Jackie O herself, or vintage Dior saddle bags that might have been spotted on a runway icon like Kate Moss.

But unlike some vintage stores that offer a jumble of pre-owned items, The Née Vintage prides itself on a carefully chosen selection. Its owner and staff work with private collectors and accept high-quality consignments. 

Each piece undergoes a rigorous authentication before gracing the store’s shelves, ensuring you get the real deal.

Cheong Ann Watch Maker

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Think of this watch repair shop as a time capsule – a place where history whispers through the ticking of antique clocks and the whirring of gears in vintage watches.

Rumor has it that the oldest clock the owner of Cheong Ann Watch Maker ever repaired once belonged to a famous pirate captain. Whether this is true or just a tale-telling by the shop owner, the story is part of its charm.

The shop has been a family business for three generations. It was founded in 1947 by the self-taught watchmaker Lim Gee Lam.

Unlike most kids who dream of becoming astronauts or rockstars, young Gee Lam was fascinated by the intricate workings of timepieces.

Today, his son David and grandson Shawn continue the tradition, meticulously restoring and repairing the clock’s tick.  

Shang Antique Pte Ltd

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Forget scouring flea markets and trawling online marketplaces! Shang Antique Pte Ltd is your gateway to an extraordinary collection of old sculptures and mini Buddha statues.

It sells genuine Southeast Asian antiques meticulously selected from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, India, Burma, and Gandhara. Talk about a world-class collection!

If you’re into pottery, you’ll like its ceramic jars collection. You might encounter a hand-painted celadon vase from Thailand that was once used by royalty to hold precious liquids. 

And if you have a garden, a stunning bronze sculpture of Vishnu riding his mythical Garuda bird, or a detailed figurine depicting a scene from the epic Hindu Ramayana might be a good decoration.

Hock Siong & Co. Pte Ltd

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For eco-conscious furniture hunters who feel Mother Earth needs a little saving, you must check out Hock Siong & Co., a haven for sustainable vintage furniture that is also stylish!

You’ll find furniture and decor like vintage armchairs, table displays, and mid-century modern coffee tables with clean lines and pops of color.

But Hock Siong’s team isn’t just about saving the planet (although they’re pretty awesome at that). They also give pre-loved furniture a new lease on life by repurposing and redesigning them.

Many pieces come from residences, hotels, and businesses undergoing renovations or clearouts. Instead of ending up in landfills, the store’s team carefully curates them, like giving a vintage armchair a fresh coat of paint.

Singapore Trading Post

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Ever wonder what your grandma’s kitchen looked like in the good old days? 

Why don’t you feed your curiosity and visit the Singapore Trading Post? It’s your one-stop shop for a time capsule of the Lion City’s soul!

Did you know kerosene lamps were once the primary light source for many Singaporean households? 

Singapore Trading Post features a fascinating collection of these vintage illuminators, meticulously restored to their former glory and made as functional home decor items.

What’s more commendable is that this vintage shop doesn’t just celebrate the past; it bridges the gap to the present.  

Its owner collaborates with local artisans to create unique homeware pieces, like intricately woven baskets.

Owning one of these handcrafted treasures is a way to support local communities and celebrate the enduring spirit of Singaporean craftsmanship.

These shops aren’t like your ancestral house’s dusty attics – they are treasure troves waiting to be unearthed, each a portal to a bygone era.

If I were you, I’d ditch shopping malls and visit one of Singapore’s vintage and antique shops.

Who knows, you might find a singing telegram from the 1950s or a life-sized cardboard cutout of a forgotten 80s pop star.