Sweden’s Largest Antique Store and Flea Market Is in Larv

Antikkompaniet is Sweden’s largest antique store and flea market. Located in the village of Larv in Vara Municipality, it offers everything you can imagine, from furniture to decorative and household items. If you love second-hand finds, antiques, and flea markets, this is the place for you!

In the spacious premises in Larv, visitors are first welcomed by beautifully arranged rooms showcasing furniture and objects from different eras. Oliver Ellhage, who runs Antikkompaniet, explains that the store is divided into two sections. The smaller rooms at the entrance feature carefully selected items on display. As you browse these rooms, it is easy to picture how a lamp or a sofa set might look in your own home.

Further inside the premises, visitors will find larger areas where even more items are displayed. Here, the collection is organised by category rather than by room setting, with grandfather clocks together in one section, chairs in another, and so on. For anyone searching for a specific item, this makes it easy to compare the available selection.

“Our thing is that we have masses of items,” says Oliver.

“A visit here should be worth the journey. We have Sweden’s largest antique and flea market store by floor area. Our customers come not only from the local area but also from major cities such as Stockholm and Gothenburg, and even from abroad.”

However, those interested in antiques and vintage items do not have to visit the store in person to make a purchase. Many of the items are listed on the company’s website, and Antikkompaniet regularly delivers purchases to Sweden’s major cities.

The Antique Trade: A Trend-Driven Industry

Oliver explains that trends come and go in antiques and vintage furniture just as they do in newly manufactured products.

“There was a period when we sold huge numbers of antique desks, but then interest suddenly disappeared completely. We didn’t sell a single one for perhaps eight months. Then, all of a sudden, demand picked up again and we sold every desk we had in stock.”

Oliver believes that many people choose to shop second-hand because they place a high value on creating a personal and distinctive style. Social media also plays a role, allowing a “new” aesthetic to spread quickly and reach a wide audience.

Because trends can change so rapidly, predicting the next big thing is far from easy.

“It’s incredibly difficult to know what will become popular next. If I had to guess, I’d say grandfather clocks and wall clocks could make a comeback. They’ve been overlooked for a long time. We’ve also just started noticing renewed interest in chiffoniers. It would be great to see them return!”

Oliver also notes that tastes can vary considerably from one country to another. Antique dealers from elsewhere in Europe occasionally visit Antikkompaniet to purchase large quantities of items that attract limited interest in Sweden but are highly sought after in other markets.

“An Incredible Opportunity”

Oliver purchased Antikkompaniet in 2022. The previous owner was a family friend, and when he decided he no longer wanted to run the business, Oliver took over.

“It was an incredible opportunity to take over an established business with an existing customer base. I hadn’t really figured out what I wanted to do when the offer came along, so I couldn’t turn it down. Ending up in the second-hand business was more a matter of chance, and I’m still learning every day. But it’s a fascinating industry, and there’s always something new to discover. What I love about older furniture is the incredible variety. You can truly find pieces that match your own taste and style.”

Having grown up just a short distance from his workplace, Oliver has long decided that Skaraborg is where he wants to stay. He will soon be moving into a turn-of-the-century villa in the area. But what style will he choose when it comes time to furnish his new home?

“Well, that’s the big question!” Oliver laughs. “I think I’m still in the process of finding my own style.”

This text has been translated with the help of AI.