Today we're launching a new series here on Haighteration -- Where Are They Now? We're catching up with people and topics we covered in the early days of Haighteration, to find out what's new.
In our inaugural edition, we check in with Mid-Century Møbler. When we first met them, in March of 2011, Julian and Gabe were selling furniture out of a garage near Duboce Triangle. But not anymore.
Where are they now?
As it turns out, they've relocated to a huge space at 1220 Shotwell Street, between 26th and Cesar Chavez in the Mission. The new showroom has been open since late February.
Obviously the biggest change since two years ago is this new space. The former DeSoto dealership is vastly larger than their previous location (the garage), which has allowed Møbler to greatly increase its inventory.
The shop is now filled with about 400 pieces of vintage furniture, many of which Julian purchased in Scandinavia and had shipped back to San Francisco. The inventory consists of about 50% chests, credenzas and high boys, 25% dining tables, and 25% chairs. Though the focus here is clearly on larger pieces, there are also a few smaller accessories available, like lighting fixtures and clocks.
Another change -- half of the duo, Lower Haighter Gabe Magana, had to return to his TV production job full-time, so now Julian is running the operation. But that hasn't slowed the business down. In fact, in just the past couple of years, Julian has noticed that demand for mid-century furniture is higher than ever.
"There are a lot more dealers" at sites like the Alameda Flea Market, Julian notes. "Stuff is getting harder to find, as people are getting more knowledgable about the pieces they own. And that escalates the price."
Part of this is driven by the "Mad Men" phenomenon, with renewed interest in the style of that era. But Julian thinks there's another reason why mid-century furniture is so popular in San Francisco, specifically.
"The furniture of that period tended to be smaller than today's [furniture]. We have small spaces [in San Francisco], so small furniture makes sense."
As more customers have discovered Møbler, Julian has noticed regional trends from around the country.
"We have our own style [in the Bay Area]," Julian says. "Here and in Oregon, teak and rosewood are really popular, but in L.A., it's chrome and plastic." He's also noticing an influx of customers from Brooklyn lately. "They don't really have a resource out there" like Møbler, Julian says.
Indeed, the new showroom is unique -- the 5,000 square foot space is the largest such mid-century dealer in Northern California, according to Julian.
Mid Century Møbler is open Saturdays from 10am to 6pm, Sundays from 11am to 4pm, and weekdays by appointment. The only exception is the first Sunday of each month, when they close so they can spend the day hunting for new pieces at the Alameda Flea Market.
And if you stop by, be sure to tell Julian Haighteration sent ya.
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As it turns out, they've relocated to a huge space at 1220 Shotwell Street, between 26th and Cesar Chavez in the Mission. The new showroom has been open since late February.
