My husband and I just moved here and hope to be in our new apartment on Calle Leganitos by the end of this week or begining of next week. Most of our stuff will arrive in a few weeks, but in the meantime we need to buy several things including: a sofa bed, tv, portable dishwasher, voltage adapters, and miscellaneous other household type furnishings. Where are the best places to shop for these kinds of things, both new and used?

Thanks for any advice,

Katrina

[ 01-14-2002: Message edited by: MadridMan ]

Katrina,

¡¡¡Bienvenida a Madrid!!!

I'd say one of the cheapest places to buy all that kind of stuff(except the TV) is IKEA , I for one love their 'diseño'. There are two stores, one in a suburb or neighborhood called San Sebastian de los Reyes, and another one in Alcorcón.

Saludos, & enjoy the 'rebajas'!!!

Pim

[ 01-14-2002: Message edited by: MadridMan ]

Well, it depends on the things you are buying and on your budget.

Ikea is a good place for some things but terrible for others (very bad quality on them). Which ones? Uhm, I guess it depends on each specific product. Sometimes Ikea is a good value for money and sometimes you'd better buy them anywhere else.

As for sofa bed, "Mak+ Sofás" is specializing in sofas and you'll find plenty of them from which to choose one. Unfortunately, all their shops are outside Madrid and it's difficult to get there by public transport.

A good starting point (one of the cheapest shops) is Menaje del Hogar . The dishwasher

As for the TV, have a look first at FNAC and at El Corte Inglés (both very near to Leganitos).

Give Carrefour and Alcampo a try. They always have some TV/dishwashers... brands / models on offer. Watch out at these supermarkets for the goods which are not on offer. They are usually more expensive than anywhere else.

[ 01-14-2002: Message edited by: MadridMan ]

Hello.

I've heard that IKEA is from Sweden and the beds they sell are 200 cm long.
Is it true?. (I'm not sure).

If it is true, maybe you'll have problems buying sheets in other places, because the standard sheets (and blankets, and eiderdowns) are for beds with 180 or 190 cm.

Someone knows something about it?.

thanks.

The Swedes are taking over ...

The friends of mine who were married in Madrid this December were also moving into a new flat. I was pleasantly surprised when he told me they had spent the day at IKEA .

One just moved into the San Francisco Bay Area last year - the store has been under siege since it opened! He said the one is Madrid was no different...

I wonder if there are other areas in Madrid to find value priced home goods (suggested neighborhoods)? Towns outside Madrid that offer well priced furniture?

I think this proves that this Swedish company knows what we all want - no matter our culture:

Cheap and stylish!

[ 01-15-2002: Message edited by: JJP ]

Ikea does have unique bed /linen sizes compared to the US. I know that can be annoying here but maybe it is standard in Spain??

Hello.

Why don't you look for furnitures in Ribera de Curtidores street?. This is the street where the Rastro is placed on Sundays. There are a lot of shops selling furnitures opened all days.

Few months ago I bought there two bedside tables, I think that it was in "La Valenciana".

Bye!

We once bought a sofa bed in the c/ Ribera de Curtidores. It was very inexpensive.

No one has mentioned used items for sale. I think the best way to buy used furniture, appliances, etc. is by buying a copy of Segundamano in any kiosko. We used to sell things in Segundamano. You can find excellent deals in it. If you have a contact in the US embassy , you may also want to see if they know of any Americans who are selling things - especially electronics - because they are leaving Spain. Lots of Americans sell furniture and electronics in late spring / early summer, but there may be someone leaving now.

Good luck.

[ 01-17-2002: Message edited by: MadridMan ]

So tell us, Katarina. I see you're interested in picara's microwave, fans, and TV at her MOVING SALE . But how did you finally find all your other things in Madrid initially?

Curious, MadridMan

Hey MM,
Thanks for touting my moving sale! (I don't know how you did that link--Katrina, you can find it under the Classifieds sale.) In addition to the big items (forgot to mention: dustbuster, iron + ironing board), we probably have a lot of small things that you would be more than welcome to, but, unfortunately, not until July 18th or 19th.

We bought most of our electrical stuff (converters, etc.) either at El Corte Inglés or at a local ferretería. The Todo A Cien or Ven Ven stores (like our dollar stores) are great for inexpensive plates, glasses, and other kitchenware.

picara