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Nanovo is a Prague-based online platform specialising in original mid-century design from the Czech Republic and beyond. Founded in 2011, it set out to spotlight furniture and home decor that had long been overlooked in the Czech market and remained largely unknown to collectors abroad. The focus is tight and deliberate: only pieces from the second half of the twentieth century, each one carefully selected for its design merit and condition.
What separates Nanovo from a conventional secondhand dealer is its commitment to restoration. Every item arrives partially or fully renovated before it goes on sale. The aim is straightforward — buyers should be able to use what they purchase immediately, without further work at home. The Czech word nanovo translates roughly as "anew" or "fresh again", and that idea drives the whole operation.
The inventory spans a wide and browsable range of object types. Shoppers can expect to find furniture, armchairs, cabinets and coat racks alongside clocks, lamps, lighting fixtures and industrial design pieces. Smaller objects — carpets, statuettes, decorative bottles and more — fill out a stock that rewards patient browsing. Each listing reflects the piece's age and history rather than papering over it.
Although Nanovo operates primarily as an online store, the experience does not have to stay on-screen. Buyers can arrange a visit to the warehouse and workshop in Prague by appointment. Seeing the pieces in person gives a clearer sense of scale, patina and condition — useful for anyone making a significant purchase.
Customer service is a conscious part of the offer. Nanovo provides advice on fitting and transport for buyers who need it, and purchases carry a one-year warranty. For collectors outside the Czech Republic, that practical support removes some of the friction that often comes with sourcing vintage pieces from abroad.
The platform draws on Czech mid-century design as its backbone, but it also carries original pieces sourced from other countries. That breadth makes it relevant for buyers who are interested in the broader European postwar design scene, not only distinctly Czech objects. The curation stays consistent regardless of origin: original, restored and ready to live with.
Nanovo suits collectors, interior designers and anyone drawn to well-made objects from the postwar decades. It works equally well as a starting point for a first mid-century purchase or as a resource for experienced buyers who know exactly what they are looking for. The warehouse appointment option makes it a genuine destination for visitors to Prague with an interest in design and vintage objects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to buy online, or can I see pieces in person?
A: In-person viewing is available at Nanovo's warehouse and workshop in Prague, but visits must be arranged by appointment rather than dropping in. It is worth contacting them in advance, especially if you are planning a trip to Prague around a specific purchase.
Q: Are the pieces sold as found, or have they been restored before sale?
A: Every item is partially or fully restored before it goes on sale. The aim is that buyers can use what they purchase immediately, without needing to carry out further renovation work at home.
Q: What kinds of objects does Nanovo stock?
A: The inventory covers a broad range of postwar design: furniture, armchairs, cabinets, coat racks, clocks, lamps, lighting fixtures, industrial design pieces, carpets, statuettes and decorative objects. All pieces date from the second half of the twentieth century.
Q: Is there any buyer protection if something goes wrong after purchase?
A: Nanovo offers a one-year warranty on purchases and provides advice on fitting and transport. Check their current terms directly before buying, particularly if you are ordering from outside the Czech Republic.
Q: Does Nanovo only carry Czech pieces, or is the range wider?
A: Czech mid-century design forms the backbone of the stock, but Nanovo also sources original pieces from other countries. The selection is relevant to anyone interested in the broader European postwar design scene, not only collectors focused on Czech objects specifically.
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