Header image // Courtesy of Seattle NorthCountry

Downtown Snohomish, Antique Capital of the Northwest, is a whole vibe.

Charming historic storefronts are filled with objects from different eras -- items that are like catnip for bohemians who like to upcycle, repurpose, and/or add a touch of quality vintage furniture into their homes.

My wife and I sometimes go shopping in Snohomish for vintage items for our 1920s craftsman home. We’re never disappointed in what we find. 

Frankly, there’s a lot of stuff in the antique malls of Downtown Snohomish. The stuff is separated into smaller stalls and displays, but still. It’s more than one can absorb in a day due to sensory overload. 

Some of the stuff is highly collectible, or rare. Some things are clearly pulled out of old barns or garages and marked up for nostalgia’s sake. Heads up -- the shrewd treasure hunter can often negotiate a price with the clerk.

Here are four treasures I’ve found in Snohomish. I hope you find some treasures in your antique store travels, too!

Exhibit A: Quality wood coffee table

It is a fine wooden table for setting coffee upon, or perhaps a coffee book. We put our TV on it. What more can be said? Not composite, not particle board. Just solid wood and minimal design. And the wood happens to be the exact tone of our exposed floorboards. Perfect! 

Exhibit B: Pendular light globe things

Why do these light globes exist? Who DIY’d this hanging fixture together and added gold chain? In any case, we got an electrician we know to install it as a light fixture on our porch in exchange for a beer. That’s called Everett style. 

Exhibit C: Formica side table with collapsible wings

This charming accent actually served as a kitchen table for my wife and me before we had kids. We lived in small spaces and this utilitarian table gets nice and small as needed, and can even be wheeled away. Today we use this table as a plant stand next to the front door. A bright pop of color fills the living room, sending cheery vibes.

Exhibit D: Olivetti Lettera 22 typewriter

Yep, it works! Does it make you classier somehow, if you type on a Lettera 22? Maybe. It does put you in company with Willam S. Burroughs and Joan Didion, who also used the same typewriter. Makes for some bespoke greeting cards, you know?

What have you found in Downtown Snohomish? Any treasures worth sharing? Leave a comment and let us know what you’ve found in your Snoho journeys.

Richard Porter writes for Live in Everett.