Buying Furniture in Mallorca: An Insider's Guide

Knox is one of the big names you can't miss on Mallorca. With around 1,000 m² of showroom space the store offers a mix of indoor and outdoor furniture, textiles and accessories. What I particularly like there: there is a real design department where you can handle fabric samples, test cushion fillings and work out a tailor-made solution. When I try a sofa I always sit down in my regular slippers — that gives a more honest impression of seat height. Knox advertises fast delivery for stock items; in my case a side table arrived the next day, while a sofa took five days because of assembly. Parking is generous in the Polígono Son Bugadellas, and the staff speak English, German and Spanish, which helps a lot in the consultation process. A tip: especially in high season, book a consultation appointment so the salespeople really take the time for room planning and fabric selection. For outdoor furniture they offer robust fabrics and wicker materials that withstand the salty coastal air. And if you're curious: the designer I spoke with recommended buying fabrics in June — new collections often arrive then and the selection is largest.

Knox is one of the big names you can't miss on Mallorca. With around 1,000 m² of showroom space the store offers a mix of indoor and outdoor furniture, textiles and accessories. What I particularly like there: there is a real design department where you can handle fabric samples, test cushion fillings and work out a tailor-made solution. When I try a sofa I always sit down in my regular slippers — that gives a more honest impression of seat height. Knox advertises fast delivery for stock items; in my case a side table arrived the next day, while a sofa took five days because of assembly. Parking is generous in the Polígono Son Bugadellas, and the staff speak English, German and Spanish, which helps a lot in the consultation process. A tip: especially in high season, book a consultation appointment so the salespeople really take the time for room planning and fabric selection. For outdoor furniture they offer robust fabrics and wicker materials that withstand the salty coastal air. And if you're curious: the designer I spoke with recommended buying fabrics in June — new collections often arrive then and the selection is largest.

The Big Table Studio in Palma is a small place with a big mission: tables meant to be passed down. Marc, the founder, personally oversees every step — from the log to the oil finish test. The result are massive oak or teak slabs, each board unique: knots, irregular edges and visible growth rings. If you order a dining table here you choose width, length, wood type and the visible edge — you can also add drawers or extendable mechanisms. Lead times are usually eight to twelve weeks, which you should factor in. I once saw a handshake-finished model in a finca that fit wonderfully; the owner said he loved the tactile feel, almost like furniture with history. The studio visit is worth it because you can test surfaces with different oils and get long-term care tips (regularly refresh with hard wax, don't place hot pots without a trivet). Another plus: for every sold piece a protected plant is planted, a nice detail for eco-minded buyers. If you plan a large table, bring room measurements and chair profiles — seating comfort is crucial.

Galería Barceló in Santanyí is a treasure-hunt shop with character: antique chests, upholstered chairs, handwoven rugs and unusual small tables. Unlike austere showrooms, it's a bit more chaotic — in a good way, because you find things you weren't looking for. The owners combine pieces from different cultures: Moroccan lamps next to Scandinavian chairs, which gives the space a very personal touch. A special offering is the bespoke furniture service: benches, window seats or cushion pads are made exactly to the customer's measurements. I like that restoration still happens here — woodwork and reupholstery often take place in the back courtyard, not in distant factories. When buying, discuss shipping and customs options; Galería Barceló packs and arranges transport to holiday homes as well as international shipping. Tip for collectors: come early in the morning when the best pieces are still in their original place, and bring photos of your rooms so colors and proportions can be assessed more easily. And yes, bargaining can pay off, but stay friendly — prices often reflect the handcraft.