Made in the Shade Maisonette

This is one of these shops that, from the moment you step in the door, seduces you with loads of pretty things that make you coo and gasp and ‘aww’ with every new item you see.
Much of it is handmade, like the beautifully sewn and stuffed badges and dolls, and the tiny china plate earrings which are to die for! The china pigs for the staircase of your house are gorgeous, if a little expensive, and the ‘build your own’ mini ice cream vans and houses are simply adorable! I liked the cards and stationary too, as well as the special editions of magazines in a rack next to the front desk, where a lovely lady who is the epitome of classic, 1950’s style and grace sits sewing and doodling greeting us as we come and go. With Johnny Cash on in the background, I could have wandered around… and around… and around this teeny shop all day, marvelling at the treasures and trinkets on offer floating on a cloud of The Man in Black’s comfortable tones.
Beautiful, unassuming and understated, this has got to be my favourite shop in all of the Arcade.

Made in the Shade Maisonette is a delightful addition to Glasgow’s growing vintage, kitschy market. It’s the kind of place I enter with the good intentions of buying a gift — that I end up keeping myself. But I have no problem with it bringing out my selfish side as its sugary sweet awesome rolled up in a bun!
Run by two of the coolest cats in town, the girls locally sourse their stock from independent designers (while being crafty ladies themselves) and sell everything from crocheted crunk to gorgeously knitted fox cushions.
A lot of the stock in here has been reclaimed from genuine vintage items (real vintage renewal, not commercialised and exploited like it is in Urban Outfitters), so expect to find reupholstered cushions, clocks made from vinyl records, and notepads made out of old Ladybird children’s books. It’s indie and shabby chic, although to use these tired expressions detracts from how off the kilter the stock actually is.
Very unusual and pretty, Made in the Shade is full of unique treats that you won’t find anywhere else. Wonder at their gallery complete with tiny pictures of Glasgow (they’ll give you a magnifying glass if you want to look, don’t worry) and lavish yourself in all the frills and spills this store has to offer. It’s so wonderful to tumble into somewhere genuinely different, and with such talent inside as illustrator Gemma Correll, to name one of many, the girls will gladly help you make a selection as they dance away to Dolly Parton on their record player. They’re bringing back the hacyon days of the 50s in their own sweet way, and a bit of character to the west end again.

You’ll not often find me frequenting shops which charge 150 pounds for, essentially, three decorative ducks you put on your wall but there’s something infectiously charming about the Made in the Shade Maisonette.
Barely bigger than a garden shed, the business stocks everything any self-​respecting West End trendy could want; hand drawn gig posters for achingly trendy American bands most people haven’t heard of, vintage typewriters and quirky cushions designed by local artists. Basically, the sort of things most Wendies actually do have in their garden sheds.
There’s an air of contentment here, from the laid-​back 50s music to the placid, friendly staff member, possibly the owner, who seemed like she was just as happy showing off her lovingly-​assembled stock as she was selling it.
It may be a relative newcomer to the scene, but somehow the Maisonette already feels like it’s in with the bricks of the West End.

The Made in the Shade Maisonette is tucked away at the top of De Courcy’s Arcade. It sells a range of trinkets, mostly vintage or Scottish designer. The 50s music and shop assistant dressed entirely in vintage adds to the quirky feel.
There are tons I things I want to buy from this shop including a typewriter, china tea set and some illustrated gig posters. Made in the Shade is also a haven for notepad enthusiasts like myself; there are tons of beautifully designed options. Prices are in the shop are not cheap but you pay for the quality as most of the stock is handmade by Scottish designers.
If you are thinking of popping in, you should definitely check out Made in the Shade’s fabulous blog which is updated regularly.

Fairly new to De Courcy’s Arcade (it opened at the end of October), The Made in the Shade Maisonette fits in perfectly. It is classed as a shop, gallery and social space and, despite its minute size, it manages to fulfil all three categories aided by the décor which is similar to a small, cosy living room.
It’s intention is to showcase off-​beat designs handmade by many Scottish designers including Donna Wilson (who’s exhibition was very popular at The Lighthouse). Really cute and often vintage delights are littered around the teensy shop. Go and visit!