We have just furnished our sales office and moved into a new house. As a result, I am an expert at furniture shopping in Panama and this post serves as my download. There is an abundance of cheap furniture stores here that lack the style and quality that we are used to. If you don’t mind particle board, ornate gold-painted detailing, white suede couches, I suggest you head to one of these places that are often found on main thoroughfares and have neon signs with giant pictures of said furniture on the sides of their building. Or, if you are willing to pay a 400% mark-up on familiar US brands, you’ll come across several places that would love to have your business. But, if you’re searching for something a little more special without taking out a second mortgage (which they don’t do in Panama), here are the top places:

1. Natalias – Natalia has a gorgeous collection of Modern and Antiques. Shopping in her store is a joy as there is always something around the corner to discover. Her and her husband do a lot of importing stuff from Africa and Asia, so there are some very unique pieces. It’s not the cheapest, but you’ll find great stuff. She also makes a killer Frozen Tea. Location: in San Francisco.
2. Conway Design Outlet – Hands down the best place for furniture in Panama if you’re trying to balance cost and style. They have a lot of inventory and prices are reasonable. A lot of their furniture is made of heavy dark woods, which work well for a tropics feel. You have to dig through a lot of crap, but there are great accessories and linens. Location: go to the Milla 8 Outlet near the Corredor Norte which is huge and has 15% off everything.
3. Banyan Leaf – one of the more popular upscale furniture stores in Panama. Most of their stuff is imported from Asia, so if that look interests you, you’ll love Banyan Leaf. Not the cheapest, but high-quality. Location: Bella Vista
4. Tropical Design – This store leans more toward the traditional and carries mostly US items. Location: San Francisco.
5. Raffia – This small store has a decent selection of quality goods that are mostly imported from the US. The buyers have a good design eye. Location: San Francisco.
6. Bali Design – This is a warehouse filled with stuff import from Asia. Again, it’s definitely a distinct look, but the prices are worth the 45-minute drive if you’re into it. Location: On the Interamericana in Chame.
7. Breebart – If you love the Kuna Yala Molas but think they lack the design savvy you are looking for, seek out Helene Breebart who employs many Kuna women to sew custom pillows, blankets, etc. The color palletes look a bit more modern and you can choose your favorite pattern and customize sizes. Location: Obarrio
8. Filamento – A new branch of the popular Guatemala business, this store offers goods on the masculine, old-English side. You’ll find oak woods, leathers, animal hides, etc. Location: San Francisco.
9. Antiguades en Capira – I’m not sure of the name of this place, but you can’t miss it. They have quirky antiques and amazing prices on natural wood furniture. They are skilled craftsman and will custom make something for you. Location: On the Interamericana in Capira (30 minutes from Panama).