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Egypt

House shopping in Egypt

  1. A

    Beit Sherif

    Zaki Sherif is responsible for the décor of some of Cairo's trendiest bars. Here he recreates his Ottoman dreams, mixing old furniture and objets d'art with his own designs and artfully displaying the result on three floors of an attractive old house. The glass-and-brass light shades are lovely, as are the richly embroidered cushions.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Makan

    This cool housewares shop features clever applications of traditional crafts – check out the lights made from tambourines. Some items are minimalist; others, like the painted wood picture frames, have a folk-art aesthetic. Upholstery fabric is sold by the yard.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Khan Misr Touloun

    This shop opposite the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is stacked with a desirable jumble of crafts from all over Egypt, including wooden chests, jewellery, pottery, puppets, scarves and even hip T-shirts emblazoned with popular Egyptian product logos.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Loft

    In a rambling apartment, this eclectic store stocks local regional curiosities from small brass candlesticks to antique divans. Here’s where to pick up large painted tabletop trays like those in chic restaurants around town.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Mounaya

    Egyptian cotton is a badge of quality in sheets and towels, though little of it is turned into fine products locally. An exception is the gorgeous hand-embroidered sheets and robes by Malaika at Mounaya.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Tao Gallery

    Fun, not-too-pricey home-décor items, such as custom-printed window sheers, Arabic movie posters, even (terrorist-kitsch alert!) decoupage coasters featuring the bearded mug of Hamas' Sheikh Nasrallah.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Al-Khatoun

    This gorgeous store stocks an ever-changing array of very chic light-fittings, alabaster pots, tablecloths, jewellery, clothes and shawls, all designed and made in Egypt.

    reviewed

  8. H

    El Kahhal Carpets

    Located in the khan, this super-elegant shop has the finest imported stock in the city, with both antiques and new made-to-order designs.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Noubi Nabil

    Elephant sculptures guard the entrance to this corner shop, a trove of antique silk rugs, cut-glass bowls, old silver and fine china.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Galerie Hathout

    You can find decent linens for less than you’d pay at home at the frumpy Galerie Hathout.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Home & Beyond

    Arabic house-number tiles, striped lampshades and blocks of fragrant ambar - a musky moisturizer.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Nostalgia

    From framed Arabic ad prints to escargot forks.

    reviewed