10 Philadelphia Row Houses Filled With Vintage Finds That Add Soul
Walking down Philadelphia’s historic streets, you’ll find charming row houses that tell stories of the past through their carefully curated vintage treasures. These architectural gems have become canvases for homeowners who hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces at flea markets, estate sales, and antique shops. Let me take you on a tour of my favorite Philly row homes where vintage finds create spaces brimming with character and soul.
1. The Fishtown Time Capsule
Holy smokes, folks! I stumbled upon this Fishtown beauty last summer and nearly fainted from vintage overload. The owners transformed their narrow row house into a 1970s dream, complete with a mustard yellow velvet sofa that practically begs you to sink in with a martini.
The star of the show? A functioning record player perched atop a walnut credenza, surrounded by vinyl albums organized by decade. Even the kitchen boasts authentic Pyrex in every color imaginable.
2. Queen Village’s Victorian Revival
Prepare to be transported back to the 1890s! This Queen Village gem houses the most spectacular collection of Victorian furniture I’ve ever laid eyes on. The owners spent years hunting down period-appropriate pieces, from a hand-carved mahogany dining set to ornate gilded mirrors that make the narrow space feel twice as large.
My favorite touch? The original clawfoot tub they rescued from demolition at another historic property. They’ve balanced all this grandeur with modern comforts, creating a space that feels both authentic and livable.
3. Old City’s Industrial Loft Conversion
Get ready for your jaw to drop! A former textile factory worker’s row home in Old City now showcases industrial artifacts that would make any history buff swoon. Enormous wooden spools serve as coffee tables while vintage factory lights hang from exposed beam ceilings.
The homeowner, a retired architect, salvaged metal filing cabinets from a closing law firm and transformed them into kitchen storage. Talk about creative reuse! Even the bathroom features a sink made from an old sewing machine table – functional art at its finest.
4. Fairmount’s Mid-Century Modern Marvel
Sweet mama, this Fairmount row house is a mid-century modern paradise! The moment I stepped inside, I felt like Don Draper might offer me an Old Fashioned. The homeowners, both graphic designers, have curated an impressive collection of authentic 1950s and 60s furniture without making their home feel like a museum.
Their Eames lounge chair sits beside a sunburst clock that keeps perfect time despite being over 60 years old. The dining room features a stunning Saarinen table surrounded by colorful Eero Aarnio bubble chairs that add a playful touch to formal dinners.
5. Rittenhouse Square’s Bohemian Dream
Hold onto your hats, vintage lovers! This Rittenhouse Square row house belongs to a retired art professor who’s spent decades collecting eclectic treasures from around the world. Moroccan rugs layer upon each other in the living room, while macramé plant hangers drip with greenery from the ceiling.
The kitchen shelves display hand-painted ceramics from 1970s Mexico, used daily rather than saved for special occasions. My absolute favorite spot? A reading nook featuring a peacock chair surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with art books and literary classics with beautiful vintage bindings.
6. Graduate Hospital’s Farmhouse Chic Haven
Y’all won’t believe this Graduate Hospital row house transformation! The owners, a young couple who grew up on Pennsylvania farms, brought country charm to city living with vintage finds that celebrate their rural roots. An antique butter churn stands proudly in the entryway, while the dining room features a farmhouse table made from reclaimed barn wood.
The kitchen steals the show with its collection of cast iron cookware hanging from a repurposed ladder suspended from the ceiling. Even the bathroom has personality with an old galvanized metal tub repurposed as a unique vessel sink. Farm fresh style with urban convenience!
7. Society Hill’s Art Deco Masterpiece
Gatsby would feel right at home in this Society Hill stunner! The homeowners spent five years hunting down authentic Art Deco pieces from the 1920s and 30s. The moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by a spectacular sunburst mirror that reflects light throughout the narrow entryway.
The living room features a curved velvet sofa in deep emerald green, paired with geometric side tables and original art deco lamps with frosted glass shades. My favorite piece? A vintage bar cart stocked with crystal decanters and etched cocktail glasses – perfect for serving sidecars and gin fizzes to impressed guests!
8. Bella Vista’s Italian Heritage Showcase
Mamma mia! This Bella Vista row house celebrates the neighborhood’s Italian roots with vintage finds that transport you straight to the old country. The owners, whose grandparents immigrated from Naples, have filled their home with treasures that honor their heritage.
The dining room features an antique wooden pasta maker and copper cookware passed down through generations. Vintage Italian travel posters add splashes of color to the walls, while the kitchen shelves display hand-painted ceramic plates from different regions of Italy.
My heart melts for their collection of vintage family photographs in ornate frames, creating a gallery wall that tells their family’s American dream story.
9. Northern Liberties’ Record Store Owner’s Haven
Rock and roll heaven exists in this Northern Liberties row house! The owner, who runs a vintage vinyl shop nearby, has created a music lover’s paradise filled with memorabilia that spans decades. The living room walls showcase framed original concert posters from legendary Philly shows at the Spectrum and Tower Theater.
Vintage amplifiers have been cleverly repurposed as side tables, while a collection of antique radios decorates the built-in shelving. The piece de resistance? A fully restored 1960s jukebox that still works perfectly, loaded with 45s featuring local Philadelphia artists.
10. Passyunk Square’s Retro Kitchen Time Warp
Great googly moogly! I nearly dropped my notebook when I stepped into this Passyunk Square row house kitchen. The owners created a perfect 1950s diner-inspired space that makes you want to order a milkshake and put a nickel in the jukebox!
The star attraction is a fully restored mint green Chambers stove that the owner drove to Ohio to purchase from an elderly woman who’d had it since her wedding day. Chrome-edged formica countertops gleam alongside a collection of vintage milkshake mixers and a working 1953 Kelvinator refrigerator.
Even the breakfast nook features an authentic diner booth rescued from a closing South Philly luncheonette.
