KILLIAN MCNULTY IS the founder of the Killian McNulty Gallery on Dublin’s Francis Street. Here he tells Ruth O’Connor about his business and offers readers advice on the best pieces of vintage furniture to invest in.

The Killian McNulty Gallery in Dublin's Francis Street.

How did you get into this business? 

My father is an antique collector and he loved spending his weekends driving far and wide in search of hidden treasures. I’m not sure how old I was when I first joined him, maybe four or five, but that’s when I became his little sidekick. We mostly headed west towards Mayo or north to Cavan hunting for antiques, and, without even realising it, I received an education in the world of antiques.

You have two different locations – your gallery/ shop on Dublin’s Francis Street and a warehouse in Lusk. Can you tell us a bit about each location and the difference between the two? 

The shop on Francis Street showcases the very best of what we do – a curated blend of American, French, Italian and Scandinavian design. More than just a furniture store, it’s a lifestyle destination where you can envision how each piece would fit into your own home. Laid out like a spacious apartment, the shop features carefully styled room sets – a dining area, a workspace and more – so you can see the furniture in context. 

Our warehouse in Lusk, meanwhile, holds our additional stock but also maintains its own distinct aesthetic. Here, the focus is on mid- to high-end Scandinavian and British mid-Century furniture. While the sheer volume of pieces – many stored on shelves – might require a bit more imagination, visitors often love the thrill of exploring such a vast treasure trove.

The warehouse is dedicated to a very specific Scandinavian style – one that resonates deeply with Irish sensibilities, perhaps because many of us grew up surrounded by its influences. Walk-ins are welcome, but we always suggest giving us a heads-up so that we can ensure someone is on hand to guide you and make your visit even better.

Antique and vintage furniture seems to be enjoying a resurgence in popularity at the moment.  Why do you think this is? 

I started buying vintage furniture around 1995, so for me, it’s been wildly popular for over 30 years. I think people love it because it blends the charm of the past with the aesthetic of the present – effortlessly fitting into both modern and period homes.

Unlike true antiques, which, in my opinion, often struggle in contemporary spaces, vintage is far more versatile. It also has much more personality than most modern furniture, helping to create a home that feels unique and full of character. That’s why I think it really resonates with creative people in particular – people who care deeply about their surroundings and want a space that reflects their individuality.

Name some personal favourites when it comes to furniture designers both past and present? 

Our favourite designers are Milo Baughman from America and Willy Rizzo from Europe. We adore Baughman for his exceptional seating, while Rizzo’s work captures the joy of gathering – his pieces are all about living life to the fullest.

Rizzo designed bars, sideboards, cocktail tables, lighting and dining sets, each with a chic, luxurious appeal. His furniture invites you to imagine lively evenings with friends and family – every piece feels like a celebration waiting to happen. 

At the warehouse, we champion two standout designers: Niels Møller for his exquisite dining room furniture and Tom Robertson of Scottish makers McIntosh for his sideboards, bars, coffee tables and dining sets. Both resonate deeply with Irish tastes.

Møller’s chairs are the epitome of timeless style – so sought-after globally that they now command a premium and are increasingly hard to source. As for Robertson’s McIntosh designs? They offer superb craftsmanship and practicality at more accessible prices.

There’s something nostalgic about Robertson’s work, too. Many of us grew up seeing McIntosh pieces in homes around Ireland and I believe we’re drawn to designs that subconsciously remind us of the past even if we don’t always realise why they feel so familiar.

Tell us about your current product offering? 

At the warehouse you’ll find Niels Møller chairs, Arne Vodder dining tables, Børge Mogensen sofas, Karl Ekselius office chairs and G-Plan and McIntosh pieces. You’ll find exceptional desks, coffee tables and more with prices ranging from around €250 to €5,000. 

In the shop in Dublin’s Liberties you’ll find Willy Rizzo designs, affordable period art, bronze sculptures, stunning dining sets, and sofas from America, Europe and Scandinavia. Every piece is fully refurbished, ready for immediate purchase and can usually be delivered within a week. Prices range from €295 for a painting up to €20,000 for a dining set, with select items beyond that.

If you were to name one entry level pieces for an aspiring collector and one high-end piece for a vintage connoisseur in your current collection what would they be? 

For the aspiring collector, I’d say G-Plan’s Astro coffee tables offer incredible value. There’s a round and an oval version, both excellent, though the oval just edges it for me.

For the high-end collector, pieces by Niels Møller or Arne Vodder are solid choices right now. But let me be clear – we always encourage buyers to choose what they truly love. The real value isn’t in future resale, it’s in the joy of living with these pieces. Think of it as investing in yourself, not like stocks or property, but more like driving a car you adore. After all, great design should be lived with, not just looked at.

A Jørgen Bækmark is a treasured possession.

Name a favourite piece that you’ve sourced and kept for yourself. 

Our current favourite is the Jørgen Bækmark armchair in our home. I discovered it at a Welsh auction – the catalogue photo was dreadful, and I barely knew what I was bidding on, but something told me it was special. The price was fair, but its true value lies in how perfectly it balances rustic charm with modern sensibility. It’s more than furniture – it’s a sculptural statement. My wife, Niamh Barry, and I adore it and that’s what really matters.

Any advice for readers on how to successfully incorporate older furniture/ accessories/ lighting alongside new items into their homes?

Take your time. Look at everything then mentally edit down to the pieces that truly excite you. If everything excites you, you haven’t looked enough. If you’re unsure of your style, start saving images of interiors you love. Study them to discover what ties them together. That’s how you’ll discover your taste. But the most important thing is to be unapologetically you. When your space reflects your genuine self that’s when it feels right.

How important is collaboration to what you do?

We’re fortunate to work with exceptional restorers and upholsterers. My approach with experts is simple: they tell me what they can do and if we need to adjust, we have an open discussion. Mostly, we just agree on the desired outcome, address any challenges and get to work – it’s all very straightforward.

That said, I’d love to collaborate more with interior designers. So many schemes are based on what’s immediately available, even when projects have months until completion. Imagine sitting down with a designer, hearing their vision for a client, and then using our expertise to scour the market and elevate that idea with the very best options. That kind of partnership, where creativity meets curation, could produce something really special.

What’s next for you and your business? 

Big changes are coming to the shop this September. While these aren’t purely commercial moves, we hope they’ll spark fresh ideas for how you see your own space. We’ll be launching our first-ever own-brand product in mid-to-late September. It’s the same passion for pieces – just with a new twist!

Address Book:

Follow Killian McNulty Gallery on social media on Instagram and on TikTok.

killianmcnulty.com