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Abodeon
Categories: Shopping Antiques Shopping Home & Garden Home Decor Shopping Home & Garden Furniture Stores Antiques, Home Decor, Furniture Stores [Edit]
1731 Massachusetts AveCambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood: Porter Square
(617) 497-0137
- Nearest Transit:
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Massachusetts Ave Opp Garfield St (77, 96)
Massachusetts Ave @ Garfield St (77, 83, 96)
Massachusetts Ave @ Forest St (77, 83, 96)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
42 reviews for Abodeon
Review Highlights
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"...is full of some truly beautiful mid-century furnishings." In 12 reviews -
"The knick-knacks are goregous but pricey." In 5 reviews -
"Great mix of vintage and modern items." In 3 reviews
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42 reviews in English
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Review from Rebecca S.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
3/3/2012
I feel incredibly lucky to have this store in my neighborhood. Every time I stop in I find another treasure. Past favorites have included a beautiful 60's vintage chair for which I paid less than $200 and a set of art deco inspired plates ($50 for 4 unique designs) that were the hit of my friend's bridal shower. Not everything is as fairly priced as the aforementioned items, but I will continue to scour their store on a regular basis for the unusual modern furniture and knickknacks they stock.
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Review from Jeremy K.
10/30/2011 5 Check-ins Here
This incredible store hosts a wide range of items, from imported Scandinavian, modern-looking house items like salad bowls, cheese slicers and magnetic knick-knacks to sleek tea-infusers and quite a few other items. There is an amazing selection of stuff there, for all kinds of budgets as well.
The selection and amount of stuff there is amazing and will leave you wishing you had more disposable income. But if you look carefully, you might be able to pick something up at an affordable price. The girlfriend and I did. This is a great store for presents as most of their stuff is unique and interesting - but it can come at a price in a lot of cases.
The staff is friendly and the place very clean. This store is awesome and is essentially any interior designer's wet dream. Or any design fan for that matter.Listed in: Cambridge: Porter Square Area
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Review from daniel B.
Cambridge, MA
2/11/2012
Some great things in here, some neat Japanese and Swedish efficient designs. HOWEVER, don't expect any deals to be made on large items...something greater than $600 and with cash you expect some deal to be done. With today's economy and not a credit card sale (saving the vendor anything from 3-7%) you would expect some discount...even a token gesture. To be perfectly honest they are a bit up themselves really. So if you don't mind 'mightier than tho' attitudes then knock your socks off. Me? I won't be in there again and neither will the people I tell...v short sighted abodeon
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Review from Chronic C.
Cambridge, MA
3/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
THE PLACE to buy a gift or vintage home furnishing.
Dale and his small staff are all dedicated to housing only the cream of the crop in eames era, danish modern and german design. What some are equating to rude service I regard as "hands-off" and relaxing. Why would they just start talking to you? If you have a question they are very responsive and helpful with getting your the information you need. I applaud the no cell phone policy adding to the zen-like "experience" of shopping at Abodeon. If you need to pick up a call or make one is it really a big deal for you to hit the sidewalk so that we can carry on shopping with only whatever record Dale has spinning on the turntable and oozing from the delicious sounding massive vintage box speakers as background noise.
I have bought items big and small here and love them all!!:
vintage 20's-60's silver jewelry
knives (for my knife throwing act, with apologies to lefty)
mixing bowls
danish Modern cork screw
George Nelson stereo cabinet (mmm)
vintage machine era desk lamp
ceiling globe light
martini glasses
..and the list goes on and will continue to !
Finally, I have to say... you get what you pay for here. If you think the price is not fair, talk it through. Maybe you can work something out. -
Review from Nick G.
Somerville, MA
12/30/2010
I honestly have never felt like I was being held in contempt by a store prior to walking into this place. The employees are rude, anything but personable, and downright disrespectful. They need to take whatever Danish stick they have out of their ass, and learn some customer service. Prices are fair for what they sell, but the inventory is incredibly boring.
Take note, Yelpers: this is a recurring theme in the negative reviews for Abodeon. -
Review from Aimee G.
Brookline, MA
6/16/2011
As a current resident of Boston, I always feel MOMA design store envy when spending an extended weekend in New York. My Memorial Day time at the museum resulted in two blomus tea sticks and a wonderful German lighter.
During a recent trip across the river to Cambridge, I made it a point to visit Abodeon. My new blomus salad plate and tongs are beautiful; they pair beautifully with the tea sticks. Bottom line: If you appreciate good design, Abodeon is your source!
Hmmm, I have never experienced the lackluster customer service. Though, I am familiar with the store's brands and have never needed assistance with purchases. -
Review from Logan J.
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
this place has great gift ideas and always is a fun place to explore. it isnt in the most convenient location for window shopping, but if youre taking a stroll from porter to harvard, its a great place to stop.
the biggest criticism i have is that most of the items here are a little overpriced. i like some of the ideas that they have, and like i said, they have great gift ideas, but they are just a little bit expensive. most of the kitchenware is very high-end, but some of the other home goods are more reasonably priced. ive gotten a few fun picture frames or wall hangings here, and have definitely gotten complemented on the unique pieces. definitely unique and fun, but sometimes a little out of my price range. -
Review from Adriane B.
Cambridge, MA
11/21/2011
They have a great selection with price points ranging from under $5 to expensive. So if you're looking for gift ideas for young and old alike, it's the place to go. Their selection of Scandinavian and MOMA design is also more extensive than any store in Boston or Cambridge.
While all the staff is helpful, Emily is really outstanding and goes the extra mile to make shoppers happy. During the holidays, they even provide live music. -
Review from Ligaya T.
San Francisco, CA
9/25/2007
The moment I enter this place the sighs start. First because of the wondrous lamps dangling from the ceiling, then the vintage glassware, chrome home gadgets galore, teak Danish made animals from the sixties, Herman Miller and Breuer furniture, Aalto votive holders - the greatest most interesting collection of wares for your abode.
I like the layout, that there's little aisles to wander but that there are few partitions so maximum neat stuffs are included my frame. I appreciate the easy-going staff. (Makes me much less likely to break something out of nervousness; I have that whole klutz in a museum problem.) And though it can be pricey don't let that deter you. I've been surprised by the affordability of some items and even the smallest or most basic purchase is special.Listed in: The Hipster Formula
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Review from Bonnie G.
Tempe, AZ
6/26/2006 ROTD 7/1/2006
I love this place so much I don't go to it.
My weakness is mid-century home furnishings and this place has my financial noose dangling in an Alexander Calder way from their teak beams. The knick-knacks are goregous but pricey. Their "modern modern" stuff is great-got this lime green swirl mousepad and coaster set (for way too much like 14 or 20) but I can't let go and when was the last time someone actually said to you at your cubicle "Hey man, sweet coaster!". yeah. I THOUGHT so.
I also splurged on blue ceramic Russel Wright coffee mugs and saucers, an aluminum five picture large frame that I change up all the time. An assortment of odd gadgets, housewares, jewelry, furniture, mobiles, and their new stock reminds me of the Urban Outfitters basement all grown up-shucks!
I just cannot spend less than like a hundred bucks here so I have to avoid it or make someone hold my debit card while I moan over their clean lines and seafoam blenders. -
Review from Leighann F.
Astoria, Queens, NY
12/11/2007 1 Check-in Here
I could have been in this store for hours!
Knick-knacks galore, intermingled with useful kitchen and home wares, throw-back style and modern decorations, plus furniture, books, jewelry and more!
Since I am a person who honestly spends more money on interior decorating and home stuff than anything else (ok, except maybe my wardrobe...but they are pretty much neck-and-neck)...I really appreciate a store who provides such a plethora of unique items. With all those cookie-cutter home stores, Abodeon really stands out.
Minus 1/2 star for prices...everything I picked up seemed just a tad too much. So really, this is 4.5 stars. Now excuse me while I put a second coat of paint on my kitchen walls.
You think I am kidding... -
Review from Alexandra L.
Somerville, MA
6/26/2006
If only I could afford more in their store...
A great mixture of classic modern pieces (like the Wassily chair in black leather) as well as new designs in lighting and ceramics. You can get lost in this small but packed store any time. I especially love looking at the great wood furniture that they pull in at any given time.
THey have a little bit of everything here too - recycling containers featured in recent design magazines, an incredible array of lighting options, flatware, knives, storage solutions, and the full range of alessi products (a staple of any good design store).Listed in: I Love My (old) Neighborhood!
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Review from Trish F.
Boston, MA
4/7/2008
Abodeon gives me ideas for projects I can make instead of buy. haha.. Like they have this bulletin board type thing that uses recycled paper. It's basically a bunch of gathered paper wrapped tightly so that you can stick reminders, business cards or sticky notes in between the sheets. Of course their paper pieces are more organized and colorful than mine would be. hehe
This place is super fun to look through. From fun photography stuff to kitchen and housewares to things for your desk and pieces of furniture. A lot of it is too expensive for me, but it's appropriately priced. I love love that it's a cell phone free store. In small open stores like this, it's so much easier for conversations to echo. Of course my companion that day happened to get a couple calls while we were in the store, but the workers were nice about it when I kind of pushed her out the door as I pointed to the sign. haha.. -
Review from Zac S.
4/24/2009
Surly service & no less than 2 signs with the "no cell phone use in store" message.
Since when do signs replace customer service?
Dude didn't say a word to us the whole time.
whatever. -
Review from Julie A.
Arlington, MA
3/23/2007
Another love it & hate it shop.
love it...
great lamps, nice cocktail and kitchen stuff, jewelry and everything is pretty good quality. Fun to walk around and desire owning most of the items. I am a sucker for mid century modern!
I love the old freezer turned into a mini record shop section.
hate it...
too many new (MOMA store) items, too expensive and the employees and owners totally suck -
Review from Lauren E.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
5/11/2009 2 Check-ins Here
Think: good design. That's the theme of this store. You can tell that it's all gathered by someone with impeccable taste and knowledge of the field. Turns out, when we talked to the owner, he told us that he was once a furniture designer, and his partner also had a long-time career in the arts, at a modern art museum.
As you walk through the store, everything just keeps getting better and better. Some incredible finds--Eva Zeisel, Iitala, and many more! Most is new, but a couple were second-hand but in great condition. Around every corner there's something else--bamboo cutting boards, bowls made of chopsticks, a kneeling chair, incredible dressers, brightly designed tea towels.
Step inside this museum of design aka the store: abodeon, and you'll have a hard time coming out without a purchase and a few more in mind for the future! -
Review from Charlie S.
Somerville, MA
11/2/2010
I have a habit of liking to buy things I'm going to keep. Much of the mid-20s young professional crowd is in love with the Goodwill and craigslist for all of their furnishing needs. Me, I like having a few things in my house that I'm really proud of, and enjoy looking at every day. Abodeon is full of some truly beautiful mid-century furnishings. It will cost you, especially if you're on a budget, but you'll come home with a well-made, beautiful piece of something that you can take with you everywhere you go.
I've been back here a couple times now, finding a cool hanging lamp, an end table, and then a table lamp. People visiting my apartment for the first time without fail make comment on these items. If you're looking to invest a little in a beautiful item or two to have around your house, this is the place! -
Review from Miriam L.
Manhattan, NY
3/25/2009
I may be a little in love.
It's really too bad I can't afford much here, but the place is an amazing mix of vintage MidCentury and Danish Modern furniture and glassware and very mod new household items. There are a few things I desperately want, and their stock has been new and interesting every time I've gone in.
Maybe I can find someone else to buy things for me... -
Review from E B.
Cambridge, MA
4/24/2007
Great music and a fun place to go for shopping or a fun experience.
All of the merchandise is listed with bits of info so one can really learn a thing or two. There's no pressure and the selection of vintage modern in near perfection. The store changes a lot every time I go in and so it is always interesting.
Vintage modern furniture as well as currently made beautiful items for home and office. And a lot of other fun things too, elegant comes to mind.
I am just constantly reminded how much I love this store every time I go in. I read the other comments and wonder why they think the prices are high, has anyone ever been to Charles Street or NYC? The prices here are to die for!!! I also totally appreciate the sense that the staff just lets me browse to learn with no pressure to buy, it is sooo nice. -
Review from steven f.
Boston, MA
2/15/2009
This is one of my favorite places to window shop and imagine i have a beautiful home to furnish with a sugar daddy's credit card, cause this place is a little pricey (which was the only reason it's not getting five stars)...
my favorite type of home furnishing is modern 50's/60's style...this is the place for all that.
i will always take gifts from here...just send me an email and i will send you my shipping address. -
Review from molly f.
Cambridge, MA
8/28/2008
What a rad shop! Stumbled upon it while driving up Mass to Davis Square and decided to pull a quickie U-turn and check it out. Such great, ecclectic wares! From mid-century furniture, to housewares, and fun little tchotchkes, Abodeon has stylin' stuff for your abode.
Many of the items are unique & one of a kind, and all will give your pad a fresh, modern edge...I particularly was impressed with their wide array of gift items that weren't really that expensive compared to other stores in the area. If you're in the area be sure to stop in...just make sure you note the sign at the front of the door (which I may have missed, oops!) that warns all who enter that Abodeon is a cell-free shopping zone! -
Review from Heather B.
Albuquerque, NM
6/3/2010 2 Check-ins Here
If you love Danish modern, this is the shop for you. The furniture and some of the home decor items are vintage, and the prices certainly adjust for inflation. But, have no fear about purchasing used furniture here. Every single vintage item they sell is in superb condition.
Abodeon also curates an adorable selection of new house wares, books, jewelry, gifts, and knick knacks. The prices are on par for the goods. And this isn't stuff you'll find at Ikea, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc. Shop here when you want something unique. -
Review from Meredith K.
Somerville, MA
5/27/2008
ohhhhhhh what a find! I can't believe I haven't gone in this store before this weekend. Maybe it's a good thing, or I would be even more broke than I already am!!
The store has lots of goodies ranging from vintage glassware and furniture, to funky new recycled items (like old confetti mashed into plastic bowls - super cute!), to cool jewelry, and all kinds of home gadgets in between. The merchandise is placed in a way that it's easy to see everything and it's not too over-crowded with stuff. It's a really nice and inviting space.
I had to laugh though, my bf inherited all his parents old teak furniture when they moved - furniture I wasn't totally loving, but liked enough (saying no wasn't an option anyway). Looks like it's back.... this place is packed with vintage teak! And I have to say some of the teak tables bf got are in better condition than a few I saw here. If anything it makes me feel better about the teak we have.
Definitely on the pricey side for goods. I looked at a bamboo decorative/ centerpiece mat kind of thing and it was almost $100. But I liked that this wasn't the same old shit I see in every store - everything seemed pretty unique and well made. I am definitely going back to get some of the items for my house. First I need to save up some cash! -
Review from k w.
Boston, MA
3/9/2010
Abodeon is a great store for anyone who likes mid-century design. Items range from pricey, gorgeous furniture to lighting to ceramics and glassware. I've stopped in a few times and the stock has always been different. My only purchase so far was a lovely footstool which was a splurge but is an essential contrast to the other student-priced items (cough, cough, ikea) in my apartment.
Today I was tempted by some simple, beautiful danish wood corkscrews (in the $20 range) and beautifully-hued teacups ($8 each). The staff is helpful if you approach them but they also let you have your space if you want to take your time browsing the hundreds of unique items in this outstanding shop. Abodeon also offers gift certificates, so consider getting one for the design-minded Cantabrigian in your life! -
Review from Courtney C.
Somerville, MA
8/10/2008
I love popping in here. The gf and I usually chow down sweet potato fries and fried pickles at Cambridge Common, walk up to Greenward, and then hit Abodeon on the way back to our bus stop. There are so many amazing little bits in there. So worth it... there's a bit of everything. A great mix of gorgeous, hip housewares and mid century furniture finds. There's lots of expensive stuff, of course, but also some really worthwhile finds and fun smaller purchases to be made. Not to mention being a great source of inspiration. The staff is friendly, too, and I've never been made to feel like a nuisance because I'm not older or waving around my credit card.
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Review from hope r.
Middlesex, MA
1/10/2011
If I won the lottery, I'd spend all my money at Abodeon. This store is a treat to visit -- I like to browse the aisles and imagine all the items living on my shelves at home. It's colorful, vibrant, and a wonderful mix of old and new. It's the perfect place to look for a one-of-a-kind gift for a friend or relative, or for a present for yourself. This store makes me fantasize about my dream home. In Abodeon, you'll find everything that makes a space unique, charming, and homey.
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Review from Kathleen M.
Cambridge, MA
5/19/2007
I do a lot of browsing here, but haven't purchased much. Very cool things that you never knew you wanted. Also a great place to get gifts for the person who has everything. Everything is on the pricier side, but you can't find most of these things anywhere else.
Listed in: My neighborhood rocks!
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Review from patty b.
Somerville, MA
4/12/2008
Abodeon is an invitingly laid out, pleasant place to browse of buy hip vintage furniture, jewelry, appliances and knick-knacks as well as modern (Japanese and European design) kitchenware. The owner is kind and courteous and has a great eye for mid-century wooden (especially authentic Danish design) furniture, and hip modern fixtures. I like to shop there when i need a moment of calm- sort of like Holly Golightly's response to Tiffany's. I have to say, I treasure each piece of furniture I've bought there!
Listed in: My Neighborhood, Born to Shop
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Review from howard g.
Somerville, MA
1/31/2009
big up to the owners...this place has a super vibe and always a quirky selection of fine pre loved pieces, as well as, the bits and bobs of design fetish new blasts not over priced market value style
dont sleep on the vintage stereos they have around sometimes in the far left corner - they have some fine old school taste for vinyl and beautiful stereo gear - we have one of the all in one systems in our kitchen so we can listen to records radio and have the airport express plug into the aux so we send the airtunes that way
be awesome if they got a website together finally even a simple blog with pics of new pieces that came in - that kind of thing and some insights into the designers they like - lets keep asking for that and maybe they will hook us up
this place is always a joy -
Review from Jessica B.
Cambridge, MA
6/11/2011
I've been here many times, love the products, but bought something that wasn't very good (a magnetic knife bar that turned out not to be magnetic enough to hold my knifes safely) & tried to return it in perfect shape. They have a no returns policy it seems. They only give store credit. There is a sign at the front desk, but I do think they could make this clear at the time of purchase. If I'd shelled out for a piece of furniture, I'd be really upset. I can find something that I want to spend $70 on, but what upset me was the rudeness of the guy who seemed to be in charge. At this point, I don't want to give them my business.
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Review from Morgan T.
Los Angeles, CA
9/27/2007
I just want to add to the praise for Abodeon. We just relocated from Philadelphia where mid-century and quality vintagey furniture is pretty scarce. We bought a super cool fiberglass lounge chair from 70's here in great condition. it wasn't a steal, but it wasn't overpriced either. I love the mix of new and old here, and it's all solid quality. It seems like they get new stuff in all the time, so it's worth a repeat visit as well.
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Review from Tessa C.
3/11/2006
Excellent store for mid century and modern design savvy shoppers. Furniture, housewares, tools, gadgets, and jewelry - both vintage and new. I'd agree with other reviewers that the prices are high for the vintage stuff, but if you don't have time to rummage at antique shops or at brimfield - this is a good place to go for the authentic thing. Always fun to browse and a great place for a cool gift.
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Review from Kelly S.
Concord, MA
9/12/2005
Contemporary styles meet retro mania. Some unusual and off-beat items. Like a great yard sale but with a hefty price tag. Not the most friendly customer service.
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Review from Courtney Q.
Cambridge, MA
5/31/2008
Great furniture and helpful owner. He seems to have some good sources for furniture.
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Review from Jessica R.
Somerville, MA
7/19/2005 2 photos
Abodeon: because you know who Alvar Aalto and you think he is damn sexy.
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Review from Megan T.
Jamaica Plain, MA
12/16/2010
so i completely understand a no cellphone policy most of the time. but it is right before christmas, and i'm clearly visiting after work on a wednesday - i'm busy, everyone is busy this time of year. so really, if you, the staff, are going to go out of your way to shush me and tell me its a no cellphone store, i'm going to leave and consider it a no purchase store. especially since there really weren't any other shoppers in the store, so you were asking me to be quieter for your (the staff's) own good. get over yourself, abodeon.
additionally, you prices are high, and your items are over-curated. and i think that anyone who appreciates mid-century design has seen a tulip chair or an eames lounger. yawn. -
Review from N B.
North Bay, CA
9/23/2009
Such a great store. They carry a wide variety of mid-century and modern furniture and housewares, and it's the perfect place to pick up a unique house warming present or host gift. I bought a set of walnut and marble side tables here; they weren't cheap, but they are something I know I'll have forever, and they are unique and won't be in everyone else's home. I stop by every once in a while, since their inventory is constantly changing.
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Review from Young K.
Middlesex, MA
7/8/2009
Wonderful store. This is perhaps one of the few places in the Boston area where you can find a wide array of Danish design items. Not only are there Danish items but other Scandinavian, and European wares as well.
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Review from Patrick F.
Boston, MA
6/14/2010
Great mix of vintage and modern items. There is always new stuff everytime I visit. I like the detailed description of items and the staff let you browse at your own pace. The vintage items can be a little pricey. I have seen the same items at Brimfield or elsewhere for about half the cost. Nevertheless, you can get a great unique gift for a wide range of recipients.
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Review from Heather S.
Boston, MA
10/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
this is a mid-century design lovers wet dream. lots of cool design pieces that make great gifts or good additions to my home (vertical ice cube trays!) and lots of design pieces that I don't have a hope and prayer of ever buying (herman miller chair). still, it's always worth checking out to see what's new
