A shop full of the unexpected actually!

Via dei Conti is a hidden gem of a street that you may just walk past if you are in a hurry.  Sandwiched between Via de’ Cerretani (the main street leading from the Santa Maria Novella train station to the Duomo) and Via de’ Zanetti (which takes you to the San Lorenzo markets), this quiet street is an immediate calm escape from the busy, touristy border streets.

Situated in the very lovely Via dei Conti, surrounded by other vintage and interior stores, ub catches the eye of the discerning as they pass by.   Named after it’s owner, Ubaldo, with its beautiful entrance decorated with vintage wallpapers and the customized metal door, to the fantastic doorbell on the right, you can’t help but look beyond the door to see what treasures are hidden within!

UB don’t just sell vintage furniture and decor.  All pieces are carefully hunted down, selected and restored, then given a new lease of life in an unconventional and surprising style.  Here you can find that special piece you didn’t know you had been missing until your wandering eyes laid upon it.  Amazing retro furniture, vintage signs and pre-loved sports equipment are merchandised beautifully alongside fashion bags and unique designer lights.

One incredible discovery when Ubaldo moved into the building was the amazing archive of wallpaper from the historically famous Florentine company, Gambetti.  Walk through to the back of the store and find yourself surrounded by a vast collection of vintage wallpapers from 1966 onwards.  Unfortunately the great flood of 1966 destroyed everything and so that is why there is nothing available for the dates prior to this tragic event.

‘Carta Da Parati’ – Italian for Wall Paper

Not only vintage wallpaper is available. Ub also stock many new designs and even offer a service of hand-painted wall papers custom designed and made to order.   Textile designer and artist Valentina also hand paints a small collection of t-shirts and aprons available in the store. In fact, they have quite a few local artisans as suppliers who have designed the many scarves, cushions, vases and rugs – all one-off original pieces.

Another hidden delight is the courtyard which doubles as a workspace and is often hired out for events and fashion parades.

If you are looking for something very original and unique in Florence, then you must pop in to ub and see if your treasure is there to be discovered.

Be warned however, if you are just visiting,  you may need to buy a larger suitcase !

ub

VIA DEI CONTI, 4R

50123 FIRENZE

TEL. 055 214 884

WWW.UBFIRENZE.IT

INFO@UBFIRENZE.IT