Autumn is in full swing! The days are getting colder, the sun is setting earlier, and the pavement outside presents a bona fide slipping hazard. It’s nesting season in Chicago, folks! As you prepare your nest for the long winter ahead, keep this magic word in mind: Nadeau.
Nadeau Furniture With a Soul, located here in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, carries handmade, one-of-a-kind furniture that’s never mass produced. Searching for finely-crafted pieces fit to transform your house into a home? Look no further: their warehouse holds hundreds of unique pieces from around the globe! Find your new favorite piece — and then some. Check out their website
Want to nominate a Ravenswood business for a future spotlight feature? Email your suggestions to grace@ravenswoodchicago.org!
Tell us a bit about the story behind your business. How did it come to be?
Anna: Since 1991, we sold our handcrafted wood furniture to the trade, but nearly 20 years ago we opened our doors to the public right here in Ravenswood. What started as a way to share our love of timeless, handmade design has grown into a space where everyone can bring home quality pieces built to last. Because we don’t use a middleman or distribution center, we skip the extra markups and offer our furniture at an incredibly affordable price. We believe good furniture should be real, well-made and attainable for everyone.
What can people expect to find at Nadeau?
Anna: Handmade, one-of-a-kind furniture that’s never mass produced. Our warehouse is filled with hundreds of pieces ready to take home today — no ordering, no waiting.
What are some of your favorite items in the store right now?
Anna: We’ve got some gorgeous, glass display cabinets in stock right now! I love a piece with glass on the sides so it feels less heavy. That’s a plus in our often small, Chicago spaces. We also have a HUGE eight drawer dresser in stock that’s a favorite for couples who don’t want to negotiate space. 😉
What do you love most about having a business in Ravenswood?
Anna: We like to think of ourselves as the best treasure hunt in Chicago, tucked inside the ultimate treasure hunt of a neighborhood, Ravenswood. Around every corner there’s a great shop to explore or an unexpectedly good bite to eat. It’s a neighborhood that’s always evolving, yet still feels like a true community.
What’s the biggest challenge in running your business?
Anna: Our biggest challenge? Getting people to step inside! From the outside, we’re easy to miss, and many assume it’s just a small shop. Time and again, visitors walk through the door and say, “Wow! I had no idea this was in here.”
What do you wish more people knew about Nadeau? Any quirks or fun facts?
Anna: We keep it simple. No wait, no muss, no fuss. Just real people selling real furniture. One customer even said, “This is great! I give you money, you give me a thing. We’re done!”
What’s next for you? Let us in on some of the things you’re excited about in the coming months!
Anna: There’s always something new arriving, with each shipment bringing hundreds of pieces and a fresh wave of design to explore. This November, we’ll see three shipments: two from Chicago’s favorite suppliers of contemporary and mid-century modern furniture, and a special one from India filled with hand-carved, one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s going to be exciting!
Spotlight another local business! What are your favorite spots in Ravenswood?
Anna: That’s a tough one! We adore Hazel, the best gift shop in Chicago. Lillstreet Art Center is a Ravenswood staple and keeps us connected to our artsy roots. Spacca Napoli is just too tasty to resist. Can’t forget about Urban Pooch for pet needs!
What is your favorite neighborhood event?
Anna: The Ravenswood ArtWalk!
Nadeau Furniture With a Soul
4433 N Ravenswood Ave
Chicago, IL 60640
nadeauchicago.com / IG: @nadeauchicago
