Shop snoop around 2 and 4 (2&4 Cafe and Design Shop). I came across this fantastic London retro furniture shop one day when I was wandering around the De Beauvoir area of North London (N1) near Regents Canal. Situated in a stunning warehouse building, this store sells a cool collection of mid-century modern furniture. You’ll find a well-curated mix of Danish sofas, retro sideboards, glass vases, vintage lighting and much more. There’s also a great café inside selling coffee, cakes, and pastries. If it’s a sunny day, you can sit outside on one of the benches and sip your latte while you watch the world go by. This part of London is kicking off and is very buzzy at the weekends, so do visit because you’ll find plenty of interesting eateries in the vicinity. So, join me on a tour around the 2 and 4 shop.
Shop Interior
Favourite Five Pieces From 2 and 4 Shop
To give you an idea of the mid-century modern gems you’ll find in this store, I picked out five items to share with you. I’ll start with this Danish three-seat sofa which is a 1960s piece. It has the original upholstery cloth in brilliant blue colour. With three-cushion pads, it is comfortable, which I know first-hand because I sat down on it for a while. I love the teak ‘paws’ on the armrests, which give this sofa character. The frame and legs are constructed of oak – £1800.
1960s Danish Blue Sofa
If you’re after an original retro armchair, they had quite a few beauties on show. I loved this moss green 1960s small Danish chair. It’s covered in a cosy fabric with contrasting stripes for the back and seat cushions. The frame and legs are made from solid oak, so it is also very robust. A lovely piece for a small living room space – £420.
1960s Danish Green Armchair
Make sure you remember to look up when you are in the store because you’ll see an excellent selection of lights suspended from the ceiling. There are so many to choose from, but I finally plumped for this 1960s Danish pendant light which is cleverly constructed from pine. It’s undoubtedly a beautiful piece by Hans Arne Jacobsen featuring bentwood to form a circular shape – £375.
1960s Pine Pendant Light
If your home is already brimming with furniture, you might want to purchase something smaller. This cast iron candle holder is ideal for sitting centre stage on your dining table. It holds eight candles and is raised by the feet underneath. It is an original 1960s Dansk design which is a lovely item to buy – £80.
1960s Cast Iron Candle Holder
You’ll fall in love with the beautiful glass vases scattered around the shop. I picked out these ruby red flower vases, which are Swedish and made in the 1960s. Ideal for decorating your own home or as a gift for a retro-loving friend – £45.
1960s Red Flower Vases
2 and 4 Shop and Stock
This shop is situated in a fabulous Victorian warehouse building which is set back from the busy Southgate Road with a decked area at the front for coffee drinkers. Inside you are instantly greeted by an array of mid-century modern furniture, lighting and decorative glassware. This furniture and home accessories style often sits within the brown, beige and orange colour spectrum. Here, you can enjoy a visual treat of ruby reds, electric blues and tantalising turquoise to lift your mood.
Shop Interiors
Sideboards, dining tables and coffee tables are utilised to showcase decorative objects, vases, candle holders and table lamps. It’s an informal arrangement rather than being too overly staged, so you feel comfortable browsing around. There is a second part of the shop out the back which is more of an area for sold objects but do take a look so you don’t miss anything. Check out the original parquet flooring, which is just stunning. The walls are plain white so as not to distract from the 1960s furniture and home accessories.
Shop Interiors
In terms of furniture, you can pick up anything from sofas, armchairs, sideboards, dining tables and chairs, coffee tables, chests of drawers, display units and office desks. Lighting includes pendants, standing lamps and a good selection of desk lamps. Decorative objects include beautifully coloured glass vases, decorative bowls, candle holders and more. They also have framed posters, mirrors, and the list goes on. All that retail therapy has got to make you thirsty, so stay and enjoy a coffee and cake while you’re there.
2 and 4 Shop Information
Shop Exterior
The shop is located at 2-4 Southgate Road, London N1 3JW. The nearest stations are Old Street or Essex Road mainline. It’s closed on Mondays and open from 9 am until 6 pm Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am until 6 pm Saturday, and 11 am until 5 pm on Sunday. Here’s a link to their Facebook page: 2 and 4 Facebook Link.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: The lovely man at the coffee shop, for letting me take pictures and for the chat. Thanks to Homeboy for accompanying me.
