Italians are known for their incredible craftsmanship and impeccable style in all things design. One of my favorite things to do in Italy is to seek out small shops where you can meet the artisans, hear their stories, and support local makers.
On my last trip to Rome, I stumbled into the chicest pajama shop, also on this list, and ended up spending hours chatting with the store manager, trying on pieces, and meeting their neighbor’s dogs. That’s what I love most about Italy: the sense of connection.
From handmade lamps to stationery and tailored clothing, this is a curated list of some of my favorite artisan and design shops in Rome.
Design Shops in Rome
Le Tre Sarte: A small atelier focused on timeless craftsmanship and slow fashion. Every piece is designed and made in-house using deadstock, or leftover, fabrics sourced from across Italy. They sell a limited ready-to-wear collection featuring quilted vests, velvet coats, and tailored separates. Most of their work is made-to-order. You can choose a fabric and style to create something uniquely your own. Website
Chez Dede: Owned by the chicest couple in Rome, this beautiful curated concept store is one of my favorite places to shop in the city. They sell their own brand of goods alongside a selection of tasteful brands from around Europe. It’s one of my favorite spots to browse – think silk scarves, leather goods, pajamas, candles, art prints, and design books. Website
Carmelo Morello Studio: A genderless high-fashion brand with a gorgeous selection of tailor made garments, including printed silk shirts and refined outerwear. Website
Nardecchia stampe e libri antichi: An antique shop with a nice selection of prints and maps. Website
Cartoleria Pantheon dal 1910: A lovely stationary shop with a selection of leather journals, leather bags, wax seals, notebooks, and other interesting finds. Website
Fondazione Luigina e Ferdinando Codognotto: The studio of Ferdinando Codognotto showcases his striking wood sculptures. Even if you’re not looking to buy, it’s worth stepping inside to see his beautiful work and craftsmanship. Website
Babastyles Negozio Vintage and Fashion: A fantastic vintage store with a great selection of designer pieces. They have a lot of vintage designer handbags, jewelry, shoes, dresses, and more. Website
Antica Cartotecnica: If you are into fountain pens, or pens in general, this is a must-stop. They have an amazing collection of antique and vintage pens, stationary, inks, and everything in between.
Booktique: A fun bookstore with a mix of books and other small gifts, like tote bags, stationary, and ceramics. Website
Lela: A lovely home goods store selling handmade items like ceramics, cutting boards, and more. I could happily buy everything from here. Website
Schostal Originals: A sophisticated pajama store with the softest cotton sets made in Italy. Shelves are stacked floor-to-ceiling with pajamas in every color and size. The store’s manager, Shirley, is incredibly kind and helpful—we spent nearly two hours chatting and trying on different styles. A fun and memorable shopping experience, and now I have cozy pajamas that remind me of Rome every time I wear them. Website
Paralumi Luigi Senzacqua: The most magical lamp shop in the world. Each piece is handcrafted by Luigi in his workshop, just a short walk from Piazza Navona. The lamps feel more like works of art than home décor. I’ve kept his card for the day I’m ready to bring a few home. Website
Stay: I stumbled upon this shop by chance while walking around. They sell beautiful home linens in a range of soft, elegant colors. A lovely spot for high-quality pieces with a simple, modern feel. Website
Gammarelli: A historic, old world shop that has dressed popes and clergy since 1798. We saw a priest getting fitted for a Roman cassock, surrounded by piles of sumptuous brocade fabric. They’re also known for their silk socks, which you can buy in-store or online. Website
Castroni: A traditional Italian drugstore where you can find just about anything—spices, candy, wine, pastries, jams, coffee, and more. It’s a fun place to browse and stock up on Italian goodies. Website
Antica Manifattura Cappelli: A charming hat shop and workshop offering both ready-to-wear and custom-made hats. Location
Mondelliani: A stylish eyewear shop known for bold colors and modern designs. Website
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – We’ve rented a car in Italy many times, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.