Vintage & mid-century shopping in San Francisco is an adventure like no other, and our day began with a steaming cup of coffee at Fisherman’s Wharf. With the salty sea breeze and the city waking up around us, Gary and I set off for a vintage treasure hunt in the Richmond District.
Taking a Waymo robotaxi, we explored Gaslight & Shadows Antiques, Past Perfect, and Refind Home—each offering a unique glimpse into mid-century and vintage finds. If you love antiques, autonomous rides, and great coffee, this Best Antique Shops in San Francisco guide is for you!
For those who haven’t tried it yet, Waymo is is an autonomous robotaxi that’s like stepping into the future. No drivers, no small talk, just Gary and me in a quiet, private ride. We love Waymo because it feels incredibly safe, and honestly, we’d take it everywhere if we could. Unfortunately, for now, Waymo is only available in San Francisco, but we’re taking full advantage while we can!
Our Waymo ride brought us to a charming neighborhood packed with vintage finds. We had three stops on our list in San Francisco’s Richmond District: Gaslight & Shadows Antiques, Past Perfect, and Refind Home. Each shop offered its own unique treasures, and we couldn’t wait to explore them.
Gaslight & Shadows Antiques
Our first stop was Gaslight & Shadows Antiques, and let me tell you, it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we walked in, the shop’s cozy, nostalgic atmosphere wrapped us in a warm embrace. But the real highlight? Meeting Phyllis, the shop’s owner.
Phyllis Nabhan is an absolute gem—tiny but bursting with energy and charm. With her beautiful curly purple hair and an infectious smile, she radiates personality. She told us all about how she opened her shop in the 1970s, putting a 7ft tall aluminum Christmas tree in the window during the holidays, and shared stories of her life, including being part of a local running club (which honestly made her even cooler). Phyllis made us feel so welcome, and her passion for vintage shines through every corner of the store.
Gaslight & Shadows is a treasure trove, with vintage collectibles, a selection of newer collectible items, showcases of beautiful Limoges boxes and an amazing selection of vintage Bakelite jewelry from bangle bracelets to brooches and more! I spotted stunning Josef Originals collectibles, vintage barware, and an adorable set of vintage pink bottlebrush Christmas trees that I couldn’t resist. If you’re a fan of vintage and fun retro, this shop is a must-visit.
Past Perfect
Next, we headed to Past Perfect, a paradise for true Mid-Century Modern enthusiasts. This shop focuses on true Mid-Century furniture, lighting, and home décor, and the quality of the pieces here is exceptional.
From sleek lucite items, Scandinavian-inspired credenzas, barware, chairs, desks, tables, to iconic atomic sputnik chandeliers, every piece feels like it’s straight out of a 1950-1960s design catalog. Whether you’re decorating your home or just window shopping, Past Perfect is a visual treat you don’t want to miss.
Refind Home
Our final stop was Refind Home, a small but mighty shop that punches above its weight in terms of the treasures it holds. The shop’s curated selection includes incredible Mid-Century Modern furniture, the most beautiful venetian glass chandelier I have ever seen, a huge brilliant green birdcage, and unique décor pieces that feel like hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
While the store itself is small, it’s packed with personality and charm. I found myself lingering over a gorgeous set of atomic glassware and a quirky vintage lamp that almost came home with me. If you love discovering one-of-a-kind finds, don’t miss Refined Home.
A Perfect Day
Antiquing in San Francisco is always an adventure, but this day felt extra special. Between sipping coffee at Fisherman’s Wharf, cruising through the city in a Waymo, and meeting Phyllis at Gaslight & Shadows, it was a day filled with memories and unique finds.
If you’re planning your own antiquing adventure in the city, I highly recommend these three shops. And if you get the chance to try a ride in a Waymo—you’re in for a real treat!
Have you visited these shops or tried Waymo? I’d love to hear your thoughts and favorite finds!
Discover more in my post: Mastering Mid-Century Antique Shopping in San Francisco!
