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Attica Furnishings
Categories: Shopping Home & Garden Furniture Stores Home Services Interior Design Furniture Stores, Interior Design [Edit]
1566 Barrington StHalifax, NS B3J 1Z6
(902) 423-2557
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Thu-Fri 10 am - 9 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
12 reviews for Attica Furnishings
12 reviews in English
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Review from Leslie F.
Attica is a great Hali-spot for home furnishings (or in my case, aspirational home furnishings). While the furniture is a little too high-end to be in my regular shopping rotation, they also carry a vast array of gifts, trinkets, knick-knacks and baubles that many people would be happy to be on the receiving end of. Although I've heard mixed reviews on their service, my experiences have always been pleasant.
Listed in: Shop Local Halifax
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Review from Ben B.
Once upon a time, long before Ben B ever realized his life-long dream of becoming the Yelp Community Manager he knew he could be back in the eighties (I invented the internet at age three), a certain Queen of Canadian Yelpitude asked him to describe his perfect Halifax day.
While yes, it was most definitely sprinkled with mimosa brunches, patio day-drinking and wine bars by night, the blocks in between bad behaviour were spent with a latté in hand, strolling through my multiple-floored, interior-inspirational happy place.
Audrey had her Breakfast at Tiffany's, I have my Lattés at Attica.
Ever since moving to a large, beautiful location on Barrington Street, Attica has created a beautiful venue where people with high standards for their living spaces can lose themselves for hours. From kitchen gadgets whose purpose I still can't quite grasp but feel like I must own, to ultra high-end pieces made for budgets far beyond mine, you won't leave without a new idea to make that house feel more like home.
I've only ever picked up trinkets for the kitchen or accent pieces like clocks and pillows (the ongoing joke is that my plus one furnished our entire house for the same price I paid for a single chair-and-a-half, thus leading to my loss of decorating privileges) but I've always been chatted up by staff who are eager to get excited about whatever you envision for your home, whether or not you can afford to find it at Attica.
Oh - if you're anything like me, skip the top floor to avoid the cruel realization that there are children out there in the world who have bedroom sets eight times the cost of the one you have as a grown-ass man. -
Review from Lauren J.
Halifax, NS
A few years ago I moved to Halifax, and not having much with me, had to furnish my apartment. To be honest, my budget is quite modest, but my taste and style, I believe, is quite high. I asked around for places to shop, and was recommended to take a look at Attica. I was told that I couldn't afford it, but that I should visit it because it was rated by Coast Readers as "The Best Furniture Store in Halifax".
I was thrilled! This store compares with any that I've seen in Toronto. The staff are friendly and eager to please, and were quite sensitive to working within my price range. They didn't try to up-sell me, which I really appreciated.
Yes, there are some higher priced items, but mixed in, throughout all four floors, are so many items that are quite accessible to anyone. I purchased end tables for $120 each, lamps for $90, a Danish-inspired modern bed that was just a little over $800 that was made in Canada and a sofa for $1300.00 from Montreal.
Since then, I've been back many times, and have bought small gift items and accessories. I love how the store is always changing. It's a must-see spot for any of my visiting friends and relatives, and one of the highlights of visiting Halifax. -
Review from Rhia P.
This is *the* place downtown to daydream about the stylish life you crave. Lots and lots of nifty little gadgets, geegaws and knick-knacks, but even more lovely, lovely furniture from EQ3 and similar designers.
Four floors to explore means you should leave yourself a little time - though if you're child-free you can skim the third floor pretty quickly. (Though it's a good place to shop for friends who're having babies, if you're so inclined.)
Walk up, enjoying the art posted along the stairwell, and zip back down in the elevator when you've seen what there is to see.Listed in: Downtown Gems, Kid Stuff
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Review from J M.
Halifax, NS
I've been back and the service has been much better at times.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/7/2011
I walked in and ended up spending over $3k in a relatively quick visit. The service as abysmal. I… Read more »
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7/7/2011
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Review from Colm M.
Store visited April 13th, 2011 at 5 PM.
Overpriced, over hyped, and way over the top on the "pretentious meter", visiting Attica is like a rather ridiculous but ultimately funny education in middle class affectation- and coming from a 29 year old kid at that!!!
Here's the scoop- your friendly little manager will attempt to make you feel "ashamed" of the fact that you are purchasing a mere $700 coffee table when, of course, speeeeashalll people with real dough spend thousands on a coffee table.
But he doesn't stop there, our little store clerk- he suggests that , although your coffee table (which has been sitting on display for months), is damaged, and chipped on the side, it is outrageous, almost shocking, that you are asking for a discount because, you know, people with real dough wouldn't even consider this coffee table. And they certainly would not condescend to ask for a discount!
"The horror, the horror"!!
Well, I know a real furniture maker in the Distillery District in Toronto, kid, and another in Prince Edward Island, kid, who both make your designers look like bubble gum manufacturers. And where are your Nova Scotia furniture makers, son? Whatever happened to "buy local?" Most of your suppliers are American!
"Well, it's only a $700 table" he says, looking at my wife and me, then glancing sardonically at his partner. Clearly he has much more important things on his mind than dealing with us plebeians. Perhaps he has a radical design for a new coffee table swirling round his genius-like mind.
He's really much more than just a store clerk ya know!! You can tell by those silly glasses he wears.
Fundamentally, the attitude is: "Hey, whaddya want for $700 bucks, a brand new table in meticulous condition?."
Well, yes please. Or is all your junk under $2000 scratched and damaged?
I'd also like a store clerk who doesn't try and pull the "we only cater to the exclusive club" attitude. What a load of hog wash!! That may fly in Soho, at a pretentious sister store catering to overstuffed fools, but let's remember where we are, shall we? Let's not forget that we are on a small street, in a small charming place on the east coast of Canada called Halifax. Our store clerk is likely from the metropolis of Truro, or perhaps from across the bridge in Dartmouth. It's a bit of a stretch for him to think of himself as the harbinger of good taste in eastern Canada.
In addition to all the attitude, the furniture in the store is vastly overpriced, and the quality is often mediocre. Tap on a $5000 table top ....only to find that it is...veneer!! Yikes. Someone is laughing all the way to the bank!
My experience at Attica reminded me of dining in Toronto twenty years ago, when there was a brief trend at all the so called "fine" restaurants-- they all began giving diners portions that would barely satisfy a small ant. And you were expected to endure your snarling silly little waiter as well, as he looked down his nose at you, then held out his hand at tip time. That didn't last long, but apparently it still goes on at a couple of places on Spring Garden Road in Halifax! People know BS when they see it. And it's flouncing around in spades at Attica.
But hey, this is just the kind of behaviour that an Irish playwright loves to chew up and spit out. And being a craftsman and designer as well, I know crap when I see it.
The ridiculous affectations of the starkly unaware are always such a fun target
And here is the end result- if we need furniture for our house in PEI, or our apartment in Halifax, or my personal tiny rented Pad in New York, we'll just flounce around somewhere other than Attica thanks. They're just tooooooo.... speeeeashall for us regular folks.
Golly, I even shopped at Macy's last week. Don't tell!!!!!!! I'm so ashamed!! But when I left the store a nice lady asked me where Gimbels was, and I said:
"It's over there Mam! They have great coffee tables!!!" And they got a real good Santa too!!!!!!
Attica?? No. Stay clear, sweety. They're kinda...funny" -
Review from Brittney K.
Halifax, NS
Having relocated to a more spacious spot on Barrington, Attica has more room to showcase its extensive collection of unique, modern furniture and home accents.
With my condo move-in date fast approaching, I realized that furniture shopping was in the works, since my resevoir was limited to some Ikea stuff I purchased during my University years.
With my sights set on something sleek and contemporary for my new dig, I was encouraged to check out Attica. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff pointed me in the right direction and helped me find the perfect Sofa for my place (sleek, comfortable and featuring ample storage and a pull-out bed; ideal for the new condo-dweller). Bought a matching chair to complete the ensemble, as well as a few decorative pieces that I though would match the "vibe" I wanted. There's a bedroom set that also looks quite inviting, but I'm still just considering that one...
Bottom line: this place is great for those who want products with modern sophistication. The prices are not for everyone, but for those willing to shell over the $, the decorating possibilities are endless -
Review from Lacey H.
I've been craving grandiose, splashy home decor lately. There's something rousing about luxurious materials and lavish angles; something that makes me comprehend the scarcity of my own funds in a palpable and humbling way.
I wander in. I note dogleg coffee tables, textured oatmeal sofas, and umbrella lighting. I breath. I continue. The prices here aren't altogether inaccessible, perhaps targeted more toward the young professional, moving into their first theatre loft, thinking about buying a pug.
There are tangible goodies here, like lamps and shower curtains, complete bathroom sets (including toothbursh holders) as well as floor mats and the like. The employees at Attica are relatively friendly, greeting patrons and offering assistance.
Unlike Statement Design, Attica doesn't move me to operatic singing, fused with wistful daydreams of donning a flowing house robe draped over a lush white sectional. However, it is an airy space, ripe with libidinous furnishings and grand lighting. A great place to float into if you're taking in Barrington's finest. -
Review from Laura P.
Attica's lofty downtown space offers a blustering collection of high end, swanky furnishings. They cover a modern and stylized range of the basics (couches, beds, chairs, etc) to the smaller household accessories and decor as well. Whether its a few finishing touches or a larger investment you are after, Attica covers all ground with attention to class and style.
Attica's price point is generally pretty up there. Its a spot for the folk with a cash flow and the means to use it. However, I've scoured this spot many-a-time and have come across some moderate pricing for smaller items in the decor & accessory genre. The store also has a permanent sale shelf towards the back of the store (towards the left, by the cash) where I've found some great deals. During one visit, I picked up 2 excellent red wine glasses 70% off. Another time I purchased an exquisite set of candle holders for 50%. Although it can be hit or miss, checking in could forfeit some great deals!
I like browsing through Attica even if its just a browse and not a buy. Its a great space with a clean cut, modern approach to furnishings and accessories.. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
I love Attica. Just can't wait to afford it!
Attica is a great store. Sometimes their pricing is worth it. But it is still a bit frustrating that they can be fifty to a hundred or even a few hundred dollars more than similar, less stylish versions of the same item elsewhere. I still can't quite hold it against them however. I can't wait for the day I can say, "this piece of furniture or that piece is from Attica," because people know what that means.
Lets say, hypothetically speaking, you have about five thousand dollars to spend on home furnishings. Well Attica is in your price range. But if it is under two thousand and you want to refurnish an entire room in your home, you'd either have to be very smart with your shopping at Attica or buy one or two items there while buying everything else, elsewhere. So you have some options. But if you do have a budget for them, head there now! The store is filled with modern looking furniture. Some are practical and stylish and some are just stylish and not as practical as others. I personally love their office furnishings. They are meant for very basic office use but are extremely stylish and fashionable while still being a bit functional.
Their lighting is stylish and functional. Some are retro style while others seem to come from the future. So its a lot of fun looking for the lights that will fit with your apartment or home at Attica.
So pricing aside, the store has a nice, wide variety of home furnishing items to choose from. It also has some nice accessories for you home like bartending sets and other Knit Knacks. The staff are also quite nice and don't seem to judge the customer's or play the game of, "do you look like you can afford this stuff." They are respectful and knowledgeable. So four stars for having great home furnishings and staff but one less than five for pricing. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
Attica is one of those shops that I walk into and actually want to buy one of everything. The problem is, I can't afford to buy one of ANYTHING. Beautiful home furnishings, decorations, accessories, and all of it priced maddeningly out of reach.
"Why can't the poor plebes like me have nice things too?" I want to cry to the staff. Alas, they would have no sympathy for my woes, or the woes of my kind.
Still, four levels of honkin' nice stuff. And it is fun to walk around pretending some of it could some day have a spot in my teensy little living room. -
Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
Four floors of homey goodness mean you are bound to find something to coo over here at Attica. Since I am not shopping for any big-ticket items like beds or sectional couches I usually stay on the ground floor, where you will find more of the accessories. Our shower curtain and trashcan came from Attica, both on sale at reasonable prices. Attica is a store for those who like design, so if you are just looking for basics beware: things can be a bit expensive. Sales people were nice, though, despite our interest being restricted to items under $20. They generously offered advice on other home-good stores in the area where we might find the rest of the items on our list.
