Lichen in Brooklyn: Start With the Montrose Showroom

Lichen FF&E Brooklyn Showroom, located at 109 Montrose Avenue in Williamsburg, offers a focused destination for those interested in contemporary furniture and spatial design. Founded by Ed Be and Jared Blake in 2017, Lichen operates as both a design incubator and a retail studio, with its Brooklyn showroom maintaining a distinct identity and schedule from its Ridgewood, Queens counterpart.

If you’re planning a visit, it’s essential to distinguish between the two locations. The Montrose Avenue showroom is open Thursday and Friday from 2pm to 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Ridgewood’s showroom, on the other hand, is not in Brooklyn and operates only on weekends. For Brooklyn-based design shopping, focus your plans on the Montrose address.

Define Your Shopping Goals

Before heading to Lichen, consider what you want from your visit. Are you seeking a specific piece of furniture, or are you browsing for inspiration? Lichen’s catalog includes seating, tables, lighting, storage, accessories, literature, and their own In-House Designs. The FF&E Exclusive collection features furniture, fixtures, equipment, and a rotating selection of home objects, glassware, and fragrance. Since inventory can change, it’s wise to check the current FF&E Exclusive collection online or email info@lichennyc.com to ask about availability.

Identify the Right Showroom

An online listing is a starting point for a showroom inquiry, rather than proof that an object is on the Montrose floor. If you have your eye on a particular object, confirm which showroom currently has it. For example, if you’re interested in a specific chair or lighting fixture, ask whether it’s on view at 109 Montrose Avenue before making the trip. This is especially important if you’re considering larger pieces or want to see materials and finishes in person.

Prepare for Practical Details

When shopping for furniture or home goods, dimensions and materials matter. Bring measurements of your space and, if possible, photos to help visualize how a piece might fit. If you’re considering a table or shelving, ask about dimensions, weight, and recommended maintenance. For those with specific material preferences or sensitivities, inquire about finishes and cleaning requirements.

Understand Costs and Transport

Lichen’s prices vary by object. To avoid surprises, ask for the total cost of your selected items, including tax and any delivery or transport fees. If you’re considering a large or fragile piece, clarify how transport works—can you arrange your own pickup, or does Lichen offer delivery? For those on a budget, it may help to set a spending limit before browsing.

Accessibility and Visiting Logistics

The Montrose Avenue showroom is accessible via public transit; use the MTA trip planner to check the best route for your visit. If you have accessibility needs, such as entrance access or aisle clearance, contact info@lichennyc.com in advance to discuss accommodations. Since the showroom’s hours are limited to four days a week, plan your visit accordingly and leave enough time to compare your shortlist before closing.

Give Your Shortlist a Purpose

A useful design-shopping visit can end with a clearer brief for your room. Record what you liked about an object: its proportions, finish, material or function. That is more useful for a later decision than an unlabeled photograph. For a small apartment, compare the object’s footprint with the space it leaves for walking and opening doors. Ask permission before taking reference photographs, and write down the exact item name so you can follow up about the same piece. For those who enjoy comparing different types of specialty retail, you might also be interested in Yun Hai’s Taiwanese pantry selection or the Brooklyn General Store’s fabric and fiber collection.

Before You Go

Double-check the showroom’s current hours and any holiday closures on the official website. If you have questions about a specific item, accessibility, or transport, reach out to info@lichennyc.com before your visit. For those planning a group outing or hoping to see a particular collection, ask if advance notice is helpful. Bring your room measurements and keep your preferred object’s name handy for a focused follow-up.