A Guide to Furnishing Your Home in Istanbul

Furnishing a home in Istanbul is a unique experience, blending the simplicity of modern stores with the excitement of exploring traditional markets. In this city, you can easily find the essentials or hunt for unique and antique pieces. This guide will help you choose the best options for your needs.

The Modern and Convenient Route

For a straightforward shopping experience, big stores and malls are the best choice.

IKEA: A Familiar Starting Point

IKEA has several large branches in Istanbul , making it easily accessible and offering services like a restaurant and free Wi-Fi. An important note is that due to relatively high import duties, prices at IKEA in Turkey are not necessarily cheap. However, IKEA is an excellent source for buying all your essential items in one place.

Koçtaş and Beyond: Domestic Alternatives

Besides IKEA, large local stores like Koçtaş are great for home furnishings and decorations, with numerous branches often found in large malls.

Additionally, Turkish furniture companies like Bellona offer high-quality furniture at reasonable prices. In these brand stores, especially for large purchases, you can often bargain.

Turkey's Major Design Hubs

If you are looking for more variety and higher quality, explore Istanbul's two large, specialized furniture districts.

MODOKO and MASKO: The Furniture Cities

MASKO and MODOKO are the two main furniture hubs. MASKO, located in the İkitelli district, has 778 stores and offers a vast variety of styles. MODOKO, in the Ümraniye district, has around 150 stores and focuses on custom furniture and interior design services.

• MASKO
  • Location: İkitelli, Istanbul
  • Main Focus: Wide variety of different styles
  • Key Services: Extensive selection and competitive pricing
• MODOKO
  • Location: Ümraniye, Anatolian side of Istanbul
  • Main Focus: Unique, custom-made, and boutique furniture
  • Key Services: Professional interior design and custom furniture production 

The Thrill of the Hunt: Old and Antique Treasures

For lovers of old items with a story, Istanbul has hidden gems in its antique and flea markets.

• Çukurcuma Antique District: In the Beyoğlu neighborhood, this area is full of old shops with items like carved doors, old cages, and ceramic dishes.
• Feriköy Antique Market (Feriköy Antika Pazarı): This popular market is held every Sunday in the Bomonti neighborhood  and is great for finding valuables like gramophone records, old photos, and Ottoman-era items.
• Horhor Çarşısı: Located in the Fatih district, this market is a permanent exhibition of luxurious antique furniture.
• Grand Bazaar: In the Cevahir Bedesten hall, you can find collectibles like furniture and copperware, but don't expect to find very ancient antiques like Roman statues.

The Online Market: Shopping from Home

For added convenience, many furniture and home goods options are available online.

• Large Retailers: Major Turkish e-commerce platforms like Trendyol and Hepsiburada offer a wide range of home goods. Trendyol is known as one of the top online furniture stores in Turkey.
• Furniture Specialists: Specialized platforms like Vivense.com  and Eurus Concept  are also great options for furniture and decoration.

Practical Tips for Easy Shopping

The Art of Bargaining (Pazarlık)

Bargaining, or Pazarlık, is a key part of shopping in local markets.

• Don't show too much interest in an item.
• Let the seller state their price first.
• Your initial offer should be about 30-50% of the asking price.
• Pay with cash.
• If you don't reach a desired price, be ready to walk away.

Delivery, Assembly, and Returns

Many Turkish furniture companies offer free delivery and assembly services in Istanbul. Products are usually insured against damage during transport.

Regarding returns, policies vary, but generally, furniture that has been assembled by the customer cannot be returned.

Summary

• IKEA: Best for quick and easy purchase of essentials.
• MASKO & MODOKO: Ideal for a wide selection of Turkish furniture; MASKO for variety, MODOKO for custom designs.
• Bazaars & Antique Districts: Perfect for finding unique pieces and a cultural experience.
• Online Market: A convenient solution for shopping from home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)