A working vintage vending machine sits inside one Iowa shop, ready to hand out mystery prizes. That alone tells you the mood.
This place takes fun seriously.
The stock covers the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Think record albums, lamps, cameras, clothing, and full furniture sets.
The inventory changes constantly, so no two trips look quite the same.
The showroom stretches across two levels, and the lower floor is the big surprise. An elevator reaches it, so nobody misses the good stuff.
I appreciate a shop that saves its best reveal for the basement.
The same family has run it since 2012, under the same name the whole time. Photos are welcome, too, which makes sense in a room full of shag-era charm.
So how long could you browse before a lava-lamp kind of lamp follows you home?
The Groovy Time Machine Has A Downtown Address
Funky Finds Vintage & Retro opened in 2012, and it still carries the same name and family owners. That kind of staying power says a lot in the vintage world.
Trends come and go, but this shop keeps rolling.
The focus is mid-century wares from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. That’s three decades of bold colors, sleek shapes, and very confident patterns.
If your heart beats faster for orange and avocado green, you’re in the right place.
The shop calls itself a time-travel experience, and the name fits. Shoppers often compare it to hopping into a time machine.
You get to explore the past without needing a flux capacitor or a lucky lightning strike.
Being family-owned matters here. The people running the place are the same ones who have shaped it for more than a decade.
That steady hand shows up in how the shop is organized and stocked.
Iowa has plenty of antique stores, but this one zeroes in on the funky middle of the twentieth century. It skips the dusty heirloom vibe.
Instead, it leans into the fun side of retro living, which is exactly what a 1970s fan wants.
The Main Floor Is Only The Opening Act
Two levels of showroom space wait inside, and the upstairs is just the warm-up. Many first-timers assume they’ve seen it all after a quick lap.
Then they spot the way downstairs.
The lower level is roomy and packed with variety. Furniture, decor, clothing, and small treasures fill the space.
It’s the kind of floor where an hour disappears without asking permission.
Getting there is easy, because an elevator serves the lower level. That’s a big help for strollers, wheelchairs, or anyone carrying a lucky new lamp.
Stairs aren’t the only option, which keeps the fun open to everyone.
Here’s a smart tip. Pace yourself upstairs so you still have browsing energy left below.
The downstairs deserves fresh eyes and a patient attitude.
A public restroom also sits on the lower level. That’s a small detail, but it makes long browsing sessions much more comfortable.
Nobody wants to cut a treasure hunt short for a bathroom run across town.
Plan a real chunk of time for this visit. Rushing through two floors of retro goods is like skipping the B-side of a great record.
You’d miss half the magic.
Your Living Room Might Want A 1970s Makeover
Mid-century furniture is the headline act for a lot of shoppers. Dining sets, tables, and statement chairs show up across the showroom.
Clean lines and warm wood tones never really went out of style.
Lamps deserve their own shout-out. A good retro lamp can change a whole room’s mood in one evening.
It’s the easiest way to add groovy energy without repainting anything.
Decor fills in the gaps beautifully. Art pieces, dinnerware, and quirky household goods sit alongside the bigger items.
You might come in for a table and leave with a matching set of plates.
Worried about hauling a sofa home in a compact car? Funky Finds Vintage & Retro offers door-to-door delivery for larger items within the Greater Des Moines area.
Fees apply, but your back will thank you.
One word of warning before you fall in love. All sales are final, and layaway isn’t offered.
Measure your space before you shop, and bring those numbers on your phone.
A little planning turns a fun browse into a smart purchase. Know your colors, know your measurements, and trust your gut.
The perfect piece usually announces itself pretty loudly.
Flip Through Records Like It’s 1975 Again
Vinyl lovers, take a deep breath. Record albums are part of the regular mix here.
Few things feel more 1970s than thumbing through a crate of old cardboard sleeves.
The music is just one corner of the fun. Cameras and electronics also turn up in the inventory.
Old radios and gadgets have a design style that modern tech rarely matches.
Album art is half the appeal. Those big square covers were made to be stared at.
Even if you don’t own a turntable, a great cover can hang on the wall like a poster.
Vintage cameras bring their own charm. Some shoppers love them for photos, while others love them as shelf decor.
Either way, they’re a fun conversation starter at any party.
Because stock changes constantly, the record selection won’t look the same twice. That’s the thrill of hunting for music in a vintage shop.
The album you missed last month might be gone, but a new favorite could take its place.
Bring a short list of artists you love. It keeps you focused when the crates start calling.
Then leave a little wiggle room for a surprise discovery.
Bell-Bottom Dreams Start On These Racks
Polyester, denim, and wild prints all have a home on the clothing racks. Vintage fashion is a big part of what makes the shop feel alive.
It’s like raiding a very cool aunt’s closet.
Clothing from the mid-century decades rotates through regularly. That means fresh styles can appear between visits.
A jacket you skipped might be replaced by something even bolder.
Shopping vintage clothes takes a slightly different approach. Sizes from past decades don’t always match today’s labels.
Check measurements carefully and don’t trust the tag alone.
Accessories can be the easiest win. A purse, scarf, or piece of jewelry adds retro flair to almost any outfit.
They’re also simpler to fit than a full jumpsuit.
Remember that all sales are final at Funky Finds Vintage & Retro. Look over seams, zippers, and buttons before you buy.
A quick inspection now saves a sad surprise later.
Costume parties get a serious upgrade here, too. A real vintage piece beats a plastic-bag costume every single time.
Your disco night deserves authentic sparkle, not a cheap imitation.
Wear something easy to slip off and on. You’ll appreciate it if trying things on becomes a thing.
Bring Your Camera, Leave Your Snacks
Photographers get a rare green light here. Taking photos is permitted and even encouraged inside the shop.
The owners just ask for a tag or credit when you post on social media.
That’s a fair trade for such a colorful backdrop. Retro furniture, bold patterns, and quirky decor make every corner camera-ready.
Your feed might suddenly look like a 1972 catalog.
Planning a real photo shoot? Professional sessions require an appointment and a fee.
That keeps the space friendly for both shoppers and serious creators.
A vintage vending machine adds extra personality. Shoppers have used it to grab a mystery prize.
It’s a goofy little bonus that makes the trip more memorable.
Now for the rules. Food and drinks aren’t allowed inside, so finish your coffee before heading in.
That policy protects fabrics, papers, and delicate pieces from spills.
Service animals are welcome in the shop. Other pets should stay home, so plan accordingly.
These guidelines help keep the inventory in great shape for everyone. It’s a small ask in exchange for a space this fun.
Snap away, tag the shop, and save the snacks for later.
Grandma’s Attic Could Pay Off Here
Old stuff in your basement might have a second life waiting. Funky Finds Vintage & Retro buys and sells items from the 1950s through the 1970s.
That opens a door for anyone clearing out a family collection.
The shop accepts consignment by appointment. It also buys items outright, which some sellers prefer.
Either route can work, depending on your goals and timeline.
Got a whole house full of mid-century goods? House calls are possible for large quantities.
That’s a huge relief when moving a lifetime of treasures feels impossible.
Calling ahead is the smart move. Appointments keep things organized for both sides.
Snap some photos of your items so you can describe them clearly.
Focus on the right decades. The shop’s sweet spot is the mid-century era, so newer pieces may not fit.
Lamps, furniture, decor, and household goods are all in range.
Selling vintage can feel personal. Those dishes may have hosted decades of holiday dinners.
Passing them to someone who’ll love them again feels better than tossing them in a dumpster.
Think of it as recycling with style. Your old fondue set could end up starring in someone’s new kitchen.
Your Wish List Can Do The Hunting For You
Searching for one specific item can feel endless. The shop keeps a client Wish List for exactly that problem.
Tell them what you want, and they’ll keep an eye out.
That’s a lifesaver for collectors. Maybe you need a matching chair or a certain style of lamp.
Having experts watch the incoming stock beats checking every week yourself.
Phone purchases are another handy option. You can buy items over the phone and pick them up later.
Fast action matters when a great piece might sell quickly.
Shopping for someone who loves retro style? Gift certificates are available.
It’s a fun present for anyone whose taste you can’t quite pin down.
A gift certificate also lets the recipient enjoy the hunt. Half the joy of vintage is finding the thing that feels meant for you.
Nobody wants to rob a friend of that moment.
Stay connected with the shop’s social media for new arrivals. Fresh items show up often, and photos give you a preview.
You’ll know when something worth a trip lands on the floor.
Good tools make a treasure hunt easier. These options turn wishful thinking into actual retro furniture.
Plan Your Trip Around These Groovy Hours
Timing is everything with this shop. Doors open Wednesday through Saturday, from noon until 6 p.m.
Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday are closed, so plan your weekend wisely.
You’ll find the shop at 1731 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309. It sits on the ground floor of the historic Argonne building.
The corner of 18th Street and Grand Avenue marks the spot.
The location is in Downtown Des Moines’ Western Gateway area. WHO 13 and Central Campus sit right across the street.
That makes it fairly easy to find, even for first-time visitors.
A little history adds some flavor. The entrance used to be on 18th Street before the building’s renovation.
In 2020, the shop temporarily moved to Ingersoll while that work happened.
Parking is simple enough. Paid street parking runs along both Grand Avenue and 18th Street.
Keep a payment app or some change handy before you start browsing.
Funky Finds Vintage & Retro is worth building a day around in Iowa. Pair it with other downtown stops and make it a full outing.
Just don’t blame anyone when your trunk fills up with orange lamps.