Went to this shop 3 times on 2/06/22, each time lights were on in both shops but doors were locked…read more Despite standing knocking on the doors we could not get an answer.

Shankill Furnishings is another of the businesses in this area to have benefited from a recent…read moreregenerative scheme to improve and update the shopfronts along the road. The sign has exactly the same design and lettering as Shankill Bedrooms a few doors down but as I was told by the lady in the shop, the two shops are entirely separate. It's another small local furniture outlet which is pretty squeezed for space. There is a selection of dining and living room furniture including some of the imported Mexican pine variety but basically the stock does not differ much from other outlets of a similar size.

They provide a much needed local service and have a range of products that the super markets do…read morenot. They are also often much cheaper and you don't need to waste time and a gallon of petrol getting there.

This is a gem of a place. If ever there is something you need but don't know where to get it - this…read moreis the place. you can ask for the most obscure screw or piece of DIY type equipment and the staff can put their finger on it straight away. I hope places like this don't die out as large stores like B&Q just don't have the same knowledge. They also sell other household items like rugs and lamps so its a great shop if you like a bargin, staff who know their products and a oldy world atmosphere.

When you are bored of flat pack and the idea of IKEA brings you out in a sweat, get yourself down…read moreto Creations. Looking for a chest of drawers with a friend I was dragged in on a Saturday afternoon (not my favourite way to spend the weekend), but I must honestly admit to being surprised. The place is enormous, very easy to get lost in, and while I wasn't the one buying they had so much furniture to suit most tastes and wallets. What I was most impressed by was their selection of accessories, and while before I didn't think I'd need a giant Buddha head I my living room, I'm totally considering one now.

Definitely one of the superior interior shops in Belfast. It's in a bit of a strange location so…read morethat's why I'm sure more people don't know about it. The place is absolutely huge inside with room after (fake) room of lovely furniture and other householdy stuff. The furniture seems to be off good quality and the staff are always helpful to advise on sizes and other price options as well which is nice. I bought a bed in here not so long ago and it was a pretty effortless exercise unlike my experience at IKEA around the same time where there was a massive screw-up with the delivery of a sofa. That's a rant for another day though. I really am always impressed when I visit here, the selection is second to none and the price range is right across the spectrum so you should always find something to fit the budget. Pros: Huge selection, well laid out. Cons: There's a lot to get through.

This isn't you're average charity shop, the idea behind Vintage Glow is to regenerate old and used…read morefurniture or up style it in girly terms. They are really on point with this idea as this seems to be a real trend gripping Belfast. I popped in on Monday and some of the items they had on offer you would expect to see in High Street shop windows, the beauty of this place is that all the furniture is reasonably priced and not only that but it will be a one off. Glow isn't just a great shop but it's also a great cause - the idea behind GLOW is that it provides women from both communities the opportunity to develop confidence and self-belief through creation and craft. The beauty of this place is that you can either purchase items that are donated to the GLOW team or you can bring in your own tattered furniture for a makeover. I would definitely pop in for a look next time you're on the Lisburn Road - you could pick up a bargain and help a good cause.

Ornamental Garden is a small, recently established garden centre that produces bespoke garden sheds…read moreand outdoor furniture. The small premises on the quiet lower end of the Antrim Road also displays a number of cast concrete statues mostly of small animals which are also produced by the owner. There were also a few nursery plant. It's a place to consider if you have an individual requirement for a garden shed where you will receive a more personalised service than a bigger establishment would offer.

It's labelled as a Garden Centre, and they do sell plants and saplings, and Christmas trees at the…read moreusual time of year, but I think they could do a lot better in here. It's a local family run fruit and vegetable shop, but it's a bit old and tired. I know the important thing about a fruit'n'veg shop is the freshness and quality of the produce, and I will get to that, but I think if they gave this place a face-lift it would invite people in a lot more and encourage them to spend more. It hasn't changed in all the time I've known it. As for the produce, it's fine. It's quite well-priced too, reasonable and affordable. They don't do a massive wide-range of veg, you won't see anything unusual here, which is a shame because I think they would get more custom if they branched out towards being a little more 'gourmet' in their approach. For a local Fruit'n'Veg shop, it's fine.

There always seems to be a prospective customer in this shop being advised and guided through the…read moreextensive stock of chandeliers, wall lamps, table lamps and standard lamps. From outside looking in the profusion of glass, gilt, burnished metal, feathers and twinkling crystal on display in this Aladdin's Cave of shiny wares, along with various other interiors accessories of pictures frames, ornaments and mirrors looks enticing. Closer examination shows that although the stock is brand new, House of Lights caters for very traditional tastes. There are also lampshades for sale in various colours and you can find lightbulbs of every type in here which is useful if you're flummoxed as to where to find an unusual bulb for a novel lamp from a certain Swedish furniture store. I had to exchange said light bulb three times before locating the right one but in they were most accommodating about my errors so thanks to the convenience of House of Lights and the helpful staff I got there in the end.

Its rare to find quality light fittings, certainly in the big chains where your lucky to get a…read morecouple of years use before they break, the lights inside are stylish and top quality, one of my most unusual projects I bought to restore was a 7ft tall fiberglass statue of liberty "impulse buy" it had a cheap orange flashing light on it that looked like it came off a tractor, I got a glass flame off the internet but was stuck for what type of bulb to fit, they suggested a flicker bulb which fits a normal bayonet fitting, it worked perfectly and only used a few watts electric. Great for getting inspiration on projects like desk and table lamps too.

Popped in here yesterday to pick up some electrical terminal blocks to fit a ceiling light, that…read moresounded very professional didn't it? To be honest I only had a vague idea of what I was looking for but the blokes in Castle helped me out as soon as I walked through the door. This is an old school DIY and hardware store - they seem to have everything behind that counter. The good thing about coming here rather than going to a chain shop is that I was able to walk in ask an expert and leave within 5 minutes. I also didn't have to buy anything I didn't need. They stock plumbing, electrical and decorating equipment including paint but I would suggest just going in and speaking to the guys who work there - they couldn't have been more helpful. What's more, the electrical blocks cost me under £2! Great value!

Castle DIY is an independent hardware store on the Antrim Road, just off by the Cavehill Road…read moreintersection. It's a great place for a bit of local knowledge. I'm not a driver so if something goes wrong or I need to get some paint, its hassle to go to one of the big B&Q or the other big stores. The staff have a great knowledge of everything they sell. I needed some orange paint and whilst they didn't have a certain insane colour (not my choice!), but they offered to get it delivered in withouth any extra charge. Pleasant, knowledgeable guys who will go that extra mile to help.