The Expat's Guide to Furnishing a Berlin Apartment
You can't turn a corner or sit in a café in Berlin without hearing the murmur of American voices. Ah, the tone and pitch of the homeland. Of course many American accents come from tourists -- but an ever-increasing number come from fellow expats. Along with the political, cultural, and social topics that dominate conversation among this set is the inevitable discussion of quality of life in Berlin. At the center of this more humane lifestyle, Berlin's sanierte altbauwohnung (renovated old-construction apartment), an impressive expanse of square meterage -- vertical as well as horizontal. But how is the new expat to fill all that space?
In our first weeks back in Berlin, the apartment was furnished with little more than a heavy echo and a couple of pieces of furniture, lugged across the Atlantic on a ship. That once enormous kitchen table -- the one that was actually in the New York living room and doubled as a desk (I mean, who has room for a kitchen table in the kitchen) -- sat dwarfed by the size of the place. Likewise, the armoire that had looked so grandiose in New York stood squat and lonely in the entranceway of the Berlin apartment.
We decided to buy enough furniture to absorb the echo without imposing on that sense of space -- a bathroom in which we could practice snow angels, a living room fit for ballroom dancing, a bedroom where we could put a trampoline. (Hm, now there's an idea!) It might not be as extreme as all that, but furnishing a sizable apartment gets tricky. These shops in the former east will help you do justice to the beautiful new pad without breaking the bank.
Bric-a-Brac & Small Pieces @ Bassam's Stöberstube
Stargarder Straße 23
10437 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
Finally, you'll need to fill in the gaps. Bassam's Stöberstube is a veritable palace of miscellany. Here you'll find random stuff across the furnishing spectrum, from … old-school medicine cabinets and end tables to gilded mirrors and egg timers. Then lug it all home and add that finishing touch! [link]
Armoires @ BO Concepts
Strausberger Platz 19
10178 Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
If you're a New Yorker, you're likely already accustomed to a shortage of closet space. You'll have to adapt even further in Berlin, as German apartments almost never … contain a space resembling a closet. That said, the German schränke (armoires) range from enormous antiques pieces (for which, as you've learned, you have plenty of space) to the sleek, organized designer options (some of which are highly customizable). If you're like me, a stop by BO Concepts will be simply for inspirational purposes -- then you'll actually have to buy the cheap imitations in Ikea. [link]
Table Benches @ 3 Star
Stargarder Straße 56
10437 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
If you don't shell out in Plan 4, consider doing so in 3 Star, another furniture workshop and showroom. Pieces here are also distinctive but often also have color and a … geometric feel to them. Otherwise, choose from the selection of modern interiors, including lamps from Lampe Hinze. [link]
Kitchen Tables @ Plan 4
Danziger Straße 57
10435 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
Plan 4 designs and custom builds furniture and interiors for spaces -- including apartments -- but they also have great premade tables and shelving options on display. … All have simple, clean lines, character, and impeccable construction. Truth be told, this place could actually break the bank. But if you're willing to fork out for one piece, the kitchen tables likely last a lifetime (and that reverse transatlantic move). [link]
Kitchen Cupboards @ Kramkiste
Hiddenseer Straße 12
10437 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
Don't be surprised to find your new crib lacking in some of the essentials. The einbauküche (built-in kitchen) is a rarity that you'll generally pay for in higher … rent. As an alternative, endless used appliance places can sell you the electronics you'll need for your new life in Berlin. If you don't want to settle with Ikea-only cupboards and counter tops, take a look at Kramkiste's 1930s epochal dish cabinets with work spaces. [link]
Desks @ Zwischenzeit
Raumerstraße 35
10437 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
In my opinion, this 1960s teak desk from Zwischenzeit is the coolest desk in the world. Just the thing on which to write that dissertation on 1960s America. The desk is … no longer for sale, but you can find lots of other designer pieces from the 1960s and 1970s in addition to a collection of neat easy-to-fit-in-the-overhead stuff, such as DDR egg-cups, furry 1970s carpets, and Melitta coffee gear. [link]
Comfy Chairs @ Exklusive-Wohnen
Pappelallee 86
10437 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
Exklusive-Wohnen offers design expertise as well as stylish goods, adding to the appeal of its collection of second-hand furniture -- which includes immaculate designer … leather seating options. Imagine actually having enough space for all your friends to rest their popos. That dream is nearly a reality! [link]
Lamps @ VEB Orange
Oderberger Straße 29
10435 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
Not that the New York apartment didn't have its perks: We only had to reach up and knock on the ceiling when the neighbors were too loud. But then we couldn't have hung … these funky lamps without tripping over them. You can find them all over the eastern side of town. We've mentioned VEB Orange before, but its collection of funky, imposing lamps make it a must-stop for illuminating your new place (and filling space there, as well). [link]
