There are a wide range of local furniture markets in India. So many, that they delight buyers with quirky vintage furnishing options as well as relieve the monetary stress of designing a new home. Whether you have a budget that’s down-to-earth or a stringent passion for classic collections, the country has a whole list of furniture shops to meet your need, right on the streets. From Victorian lampshades & Portuguese paintings to sleek western sofas, you are going to be spoilt for choice. Hold on to that wallet, you!

1. Banjara Market, Gurgaon



Named after the hippies or ‘banjaras’ who live here, this market in Gurgaon is a furniture shopper’s delight! The banjaras, who live here, have a give-and-take system of used and restored furniture. They have everything from bars, dining tables and cabinets to rocking chairs, wooden frames and even beds! The furniture here reminds you of something you'd find at Fab India or Homecentre, but you'd find it for half the price! Their clientele is spread across the city, and everyone, from diplomats, businessmen and housewives to expats, comes here looking for a bargain and a lucky find.

But don't be intimidated by the ridiculously high prices the banjaras quote. Because it's very easy to bring down a high figure, and sometimes, you don't even have to pay cash! Just an exchange of some clothes, furniture or small home décor items could also do.

Where: The road that connects Golf Course Road to the Ardee City road, in Sector 56.

How to get there: Get down at C.S.T station and take a cab to Bhendi Bazaar

Tip: Visit early morning to score better deals. Also, it is closed on Fridays.

3. Oshiwara Street Market, Mumbai



The half-a-century old Oshiwara furniture market is the best place to buy authentic wooden furniture. Each piece comes with an interesting story behind it. In fact, this is where ancient wooden furniture from old houses all over the country make their way.
Here you will find beautiful antiques, Raja Ravi Varma oleographs, chipped but dainty old china sets, painted chests and ottomans, all stacked high and low along the sidewalks.

4. Chincholi Bunder Link Road, Mumbai



There is a stretch of about 2 km between Malad and Andheri Linking road that is lined up with shops starting from Goregaon west till Oshiwara. These small shops offer great deals and house almost all varieties of furniture at affordable prices,

There are shops with intricate woodwork, cane furniture, contemporary furnishings like modular kitchens, chandeliers, statues and artifacts, upholstery, decorative items, and even made-to-order furniture. An added advantage is that they’ll deliver the furniture to your house (for an extra charge, of course). A few shops are closed on Wednesdays and most on Thursdays so do check.

Shopkeepers have expertise in ready-made as well as custom-made furniture which they deliver in about a fortnight. Bargaining is slightly difficult here, but not impossible and the rates are way lower than branded showrooms.

Where: Bangur Nagar, Goregaon, This stretch starts from Hypercity Mall going towards Oshiwara.

How to reach: Get down at Malad west Station & take an auto to Inorbit Mall, or take a bus to Bangur Nagar.