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Area 51
Category: Shopping Home & Garden Furniture Stores Furniture Stores [Edit]
401 E Pine St(between Bellevue Ave & Crawford Pl)
Seattle, WA 98122
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
(206) 568-4782
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 12 pm - 6:30 pm
Sat 11 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Save on custom made in USA sofas and sectionals. In stock and custom in 4-6 weeks!
43 reviews for Area 51
Review Highlights
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"Love the mix of vintage and new pieces." In 3 reviews -
"...place to go get some really cool ideas if you're handy with..." In 3 reviews -
"...just to look at the new coffee table books they have on my..." In 4 reviews
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43 reviews in English
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Review from Igor K.
San Francisco, CA
6/9/2011
This place is great. I always loved to browse it when I lived in Seattle. I bought a sofa there 7-8 years ago and have enjoyed it ever since. Stylish and comfortable.
Recently it broke (a hinge wore off). I contacted Area 51 for help and after they figured out that the manufacturer has long stopped making them, they found a brand new one just like mine in their warehouse and offered it to me for free.
If that's not good service, I don't know what is. -
Review from John L.
Seattle, WA
12/13/2011
My partner and I purchased a townhouse on the hill on 2009. Both of us love classic mid-century furniture, but we could not afford the authentic pieces; and so, we end up getting most our furniture at Area 51.
We did not have too much knowledge about furniture at that time and were really impressed by the price difference between Area 51's knock-off furniture and the authentic brands. We spent more than $2,000 on getting 6 knock-off Eames molded plywood dining chairs, 1 knock-off Eames aluminum executive chair, and a glass desk. We thought we got a deal, but that is just the beginning of our nightmare.
We waited about a month to receive our furniture and, of course, we had to pay the delivery fee. About a month later, three out of the six knock-off Eames molded plywood dining chairs started to show some wear. The seat backs became loose and wobbly, and the chairs could not hold your body weight when you lean your back against the seat back. So, we called Area 51. Paul was the person who answered the phone and said he would call us back when our replacement chairs arrived. We heard nothing back. A few months later, we called again and we got the same response. In the end, we grew tired of their NEVER RESPOND philosophy of customer service, so we took the broken chairs to Ballard Refurnisher and hoped the chairs would get repaired. The guy over Ballard Refurnisher told us that these chairs were poorly assembled and their parts were cheaply constructed & made. He also pointed out the differences between the furniture manufactured from authorized companies (Herman Miller, Knoll, Cherner, Fritz Hansen, Carl Hansen, Vitra, B&B Italia..etc) & the reproduced versions from the top notch furniture manufactures and the cheap knock-off version, mostly made and imported from China. Obviously, the chairs we got from Area 51 belonged to the lowest category, and they were worthless to repair. We eventually sold the 6 knock-off chairs on Craiglist for $200--which we paid for $1,500+Tax.
A year later, the knock-off Eames aluminum executive chair began to fall apart. The fabric seat came off from the aluminum frame. We called Area 51, and once again we got no response. This damage is un-repairable, based on the chair's poor construction.
Just few months ago, a piece of glass panel from the glass office desk we purchased at Area 51 was shattered, so we called Area 51 and went to the store to find out if we could purchase the replaced part. Of course, the answer that came back was: no.
In the past 2 1/2 years, we have gained lots of knowledge in furniture and woodcraft by reading many books, visiting local woodcrafter studios, and talking to our woodcrafter friends. We started to realize how much work, effort, and time a woodcrafter, an industry designer and a furniture manufacture have to put in to make a nice looking and durable piece of furniture. So we have saved our money and purchased our new furniture piece by piece to replace the cheap knock-offs we got from Area 51.
We are really happy about the new authentic designer furniture we got. The pieces are either manufactured domestically or hand made by local woodcrafter, and we even found some from local antique shops (some pieces we got are more than half a century old and still function so well).
When you walk in the store like Area 51, you will find lots of nice looking furniture. They almost look like Eames dining chair, Eames lounge chair, Eames executive chair, Emeco chairs, Emeco tables, Arne Jacobsen swan chair, Case study sofa, Saarinen tulip arm chair, Bertoia side chair, Eames plastic armchair, Nihau side chair, Ch07 lounge chair, Cherner table, Inox Table, Tolix Marais stool....and many, many more. However, they are just the cheap knock offs, not even close to good-replica quality, and they are OVER-PRICED. They look really great at first but they only last for a very short period of time. From our experience, not even a year.
For those furniture enthusiasts like us, we really recommend you do more research or visit the local or domestic woodcraft studios (MADE Studio, SAM MALOOF Studio, CHADHAUS, McKinnon) before making any big purchases.
Or if you prefer classic mid-century or modern furniture, and you can afford the authentic pieces, here is one trick I learned. Shop at online authorized dealers (HIVEMODERN, YLIVING, SMARTFURNITURE, ALLMODERN and many more), and you will get free tax & free shipping. Most manufactures have annual or semi-annual 15%-20% off sale events. So, wait for these sales, and you will save some money while purchasing quality furniture.
You pay for what you get, and so by using authorized dealers of authentic furniture designers or buying form local handcrafted furniture studio, you will get not only quality furniture, but also excellent customer service. You also will support the domestic furniture manufacturers or the local furniture artists.
DO NOT SHOP AT AREA 51. -
Review from Cody B.
Lubbock, TX
I like Area 51. However, I do get the feeling that new items are just tossed on the shelf. If they really want their uppity prices to be taken seriously, I would like to see some effort in presentation and detail, otherwise I have no problem digging for my own vintage treasures that require a little clean up.
I hope they stick it out because the location, concept and atmosphere is great. They are just a few minor adjustments away from being something grand. -
Review from Katy H.
2/5/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Ok... so the authentic Eames chair is definitely worth thousands. But everything else? Gimme a break!
I come in here every few months to look for new pieces. Lots of the stuff I look up online later. (Thanks iPhone! Your notepad is so handy!) While some items will be reasonably priced and online prices are almost the same, other prices are way off!
The bedroom sets are great, the sofas are decent and some vintage pieces are way overpriced. I fell in love with a vinyl bench. Hoping to take a closer look (because it looked like leather) I was shocked to see that it was worth almost $1000! Especially because it was just vinyl...and dusty vinyl at that!
Area 51 is a great start. Choose wisely, ask questions, check online and take it from there. Such an inspirational store. -
Review from Thom H.
Seattle, WA
9/20/2011
I used to like this place. I have purchased end tables, a sofa and a bed frame here; both back when they dealt in a mix of new and vintage/retro/refurbished pieces. Today I went in and was completely underwhelmed. The aesthetic is great - my taste exactly. But so very overpriced. Wow. But the thing that really irks me is the fact that I was in there for about 20/25 minutes - most of the time the only customer in there. Was I greeted at any time? Any eye contact or offer of help? Did I get a 'thanks for coming in' ? No, no, and no. Will AREA 51 ever receive my business or get a recommendation from me again? No.
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Review from Katie S.
San Francisco, CA
3/3/2009
If you've never browsed Area 51, you definitely owe it to yourself to do so.
Just make sure you've got a note pad in hand. I like to meander through here, go home, and look all these lovely treasures up online where they can be found at 1/2 and some times 1/4 of the price.
In fact, I've seen a table here that resembles a table I've seen at West Elm for a fraction of the price. Sure, it might not be the exact same quality, but the exact same design for much, much less? I am far too savvy a shopper this.
If anything, head in here for some design inspiration. The space is extremely well merchandised. But if you're planning on purchasing anything from here, it might be wise to do a little online home work first.Listed in: Furniture Stores in Seattle, HomeStyle.
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Review from Matt V.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome selection of new and vintage items. The buyer has GREAT taste...or maybe I just have great taste and the buyer knows what I like? I dunno...but either way I want to buy this place...
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Review from Michelle B.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 2/15/2009
They started carrying vintage finds again!
This isn't at all exciting because you are actually going to buy any of the vintage items. No one really wants to pay over $200 for a gigantic letter "G" or $180 for a typewriter no matter how cool of a paper weight it would make. Nope, you are better off digging through the thrift stores and the flea markets for these kinds of things, but what it does allow you to do is see all the possibilities for how to mix and match new and old.
All of their clean lined furniture pops now due to the additional character in the store. And, now, more than ever I covet the dining sets, the pendent lamps, and the low slung console tables.
Apparently this review and my next credit card statement was brought to you by the letter "G."Listed in: Furniture Finds in Seattle
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/2/2006
Drool...Drool...Drool.
That is me when I walk into Area 51. I love everything in here, except the… Read more »
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Review from Stephy S.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2009
Going into Area 51 makes me wanna cry.
Not sad tears, mind you. But jealous, wishful, please Money Gods pick me, pick me tears. The stuff in here is all amazing. Their vintage selection of odd things like shelving racks, lockers and chairs is enough to make you wanna invest in a gun and take it by force. The styles of furniture span the spectrum of design and you can find everything from clean, mod lines to whimsical creations that fall into the must own someday category. They even have glasses with little schools of etched in fish. I mean, come on. How does one go on knowing that that is out there and you don't own it!?
Definitely worth a pop in to buy or even just to saunter through and imagine what that version of life might be like.Listed in: Seattle Shopping
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Review from Brenna F.
Seattle, WA
7/19/2006
I will never understand this place. I mean, sure the furniture LOOKS cool (if you are into the whole Retro-Meets-Yuppie interior design model) but at the risk of losing 1,000,000 "cool" points....
The furniture is damned uncomfortable. And expensive. WHY THE CRAP would ANYONE want to buy a piece of furniture that makes their ass numb if they sit on it longer than 10 minutes? And mind you, I have a lot of butt padding where this is not usually a problem. Can someone explain this to me?
(There, I said it) -
Review from Caroline R.
Seattle, WA
12/20/2008
I bought a organic mattress that was on sale, spent 1000 dollars and was told that they would keep it safe and cozy for me till I was moved in my new place.
4-5 months latter....
Bring the box home....ODD this is NOT a organic mattress at all but a memory foam mattress. Oh I think, mistakes like this are so big that they just have to be fixed and I call the store. After getting the brush off from a few people who work there I finally get to talk to the owner who claims that he is sorry but they do not have any organic mattresses left and that if I find the receipt he will refund the money. Their explanation for the mix up was luke warm at best, and sounded like they were blaming me.
Angry....livid...and kind of disappointed...not to mention worrying about what I am going to sleep on, seeing that I didn't have a back up mattress....I swallowed my pride and decided that giving back the foam mattress and hunting down a organic one, while having to sleep on the floor in the meantime was just NOT my cup of tea, so i decided to just keep the bloody thing.
What did area 51 do for my troubles??? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
I will not be going back there again. -
Review from Phil E.
Seattle, WA
12/20/2008
Meh. That's my feeling about this store in one word: Meh!
When I first moved up to Seattle, I found myself looking for small furniture items - lamps, end tables, etc. And I like my furniture like I like my women - quirky and reasonably priced. I waltzed into Area 51 and found, to my surprise, very reasonably priced retro antique lamps and end tables. Perfect! I bought them, brought them home, and been happy with them every since. But somewhere along the line, the store shifted focus...
While that was several years ago, I've gone in there recently looking for furniture items and found that all the reasonably priced items are gone. Replaced, instead, with severely over priced furniture items - many of which aren't actual antiques or retro but just modern recreations. As someone indicated, a step above IKEA. The problem is how many steps above IKEA they've taken in price.
Now.. I may not be their target demographic. I'm not an interior decorator. I'm not independently wealthy. I don't get the ass-tickles over trendy merchandise. That said, I also have no love left for IKEA and understand I will pay somewhat of a premium for nicer furniture. The question is how much of a premium and can the same or similar merchandise be bought elsewhere for much less. The answer to the latter is: Yes.
There are plenty of reasonably priced retro antique stores in the Fremont / Ballard area - same cool furniture and items and at least half the price. There are also a handful of furniture outlets and antique malls in SODO that seem to have cool merchandise.
If you're looking for interior decorating ideas, then perhaps Area 51 is the place. They have some interesting ideas for decor colors, layouts, patterns, etc. But you'll get more bang for your buck by purchasing the furniture elsewhere. -
Review from Victoria T.
Seattle, WA
2/28/2009
Overpriced, ugly furniture.
There were a couple of interesting items on display that were not at all worth the asking price.
And I've seen that tree stump coffee table in my back yard. -
Review from Graham G.
Long Beach, CA
6/2/2008
The Good: Really nice store layout and displays, girl working was really nice, and the vintage items they have are pretty good.
The Bad: Overpriced, overpriced, and overpriced. $3000 for a couch that should be $1200 max..no thanks. The reason this is lame is that it fucks the market, now anybody who has a decent vintage couch will think it's worth 3K instead of the $500 it really is because they see similar items in stores like this. Price items to sell and order will be restored. -
Review from Sandie L.
6/23/2009
I love this store! I purchased my sofa, ottoman and bed frame here. The staff were very helpful and gave me a great discount when I "haggled". I was very impressed with the movers and availability for delivery. People, they will deliver for free if you ask =D
I also love the atmosphere and the mix of vintage and new. This place has great furniture for small or big spaces. I really like the clean lines of the furniture and making my home feel like its filled with art pieces. but most of all, i appreciate the versatility of the furniture because i need pieces with storage!!! -
Review from Laural B.
Seattle, WA
7/3/2006
Fun fact: in 2003 a coworker and I were walking around Urban Outfitters and wondering about their cool couches for sale. So we asked a clerk, who admitted that they got them from Area 51 and jacked up the price a few hundred bucks.
So now you know. -
Review from Tyler H.
Seattle, WA
10/5/2006
I did some quick math and determined that it would be easier to move all of my stuff into the Area 51 showroom; as opposed to buying all their furniture and moving it into my apartment.
So, can someone tell the people that work there that I'll be waiting outside on Saturday to move my comic collection in. Thanks! -
Review from Meghann S.
Seattle, WA
1/17/2010
Love this place. Yes the guys who work the front desk can be a little shy, but ultimately the service and flexibility of this place won us over. Love the mix of vintage and new pieces.
Yes their sofas are more expensive than IKEA, but they are actually way cheaper than most modern low-profile sofas we've found. My fiance and I have purchased two sofas from Area 51 in the past two years and we adore them. The best part was that we could not afford the sofas as they were priced, but after we got into a conversation with the sales guy he said that the fabric that we liked was about to be discontinued and that it would go on sale very soon and that he would sell it to us for the cheap price in advance of the sale.
We loved our new couch so much that we went back to get a love seat in the same style, but in a different color. We figured based on our luck last time we might as well ask if there were upcoming sales or if they'd sell us a floor model. They sales guy told us he couldn't sell us the actual floor model, but that he'd sell us a new one for a steep discount.
They were super flexible about the delivery of the sofa, and when we abused one of the buttons and the fabric tore they gave us a button rebuilding kit with a swatch of the original fabric for free!
Bottom line: it never hurts to ask!Listed in: Resources for Hill People
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Review from Sacha M.
Seattle, WA
5/23/2009
Let me begin by saying I loved Area 51--until today.
I went in, ready to drop $1,000 on a new sofa, with my roommate who has purchased several items from there in the past. We liked several of the sofas there and they were even in our price range.
However, the staff did the bare minimum when helping us. Did I mention I had to get their attention after we had been there for 15 minutes? We tried two different guys, thinking the first was just in a foul mood. Neither of them cared about making a sale.
They also didn't seem to have much in stock. Why buy something they have to order (and will take 4 months to deliver) when you can just cut out the middleman? -
Review from jasmine r.
Seattle, WA
3/13/2008
I absolutely love this store! I have a number of pieces of furniture from here and always get props for them whenever friends/guests come over...
The only thing I would change, a bigger selection and pieces would get switched out more often. Still, it's a pretty sweet store!
and, I LIKE that they don't hound you when you're in there, they let you know they're available if needed - and that's all I need. -
Review from Lilia G.
Seattle, WA
8/6/2007
Before you lambast me (freshly graduated 23 year old with bills looming) for ranking something this expensive so highly, let me explain. I do not consider Area 51 to be a furniture solution to a barren house.
Area 51 is a museum that you can buy things in, an inspirational and entertaining way to wile away a few hours imagining yourself as a trendy asshole, a super mod hipster, or a chintzy-chic yuppie with a wad of cash burning a hole in your raw denim jeans.
Whatever.
Yes, it's expensive. But guess what? I've gone to several dozen furniture stores since moving to Seattle and I have discovered something that I think you (homeowners) know but that we (college graduates) are new to:
FURNITURE IS EXPENSIVE. This isn't Chinese take-out.
And yes, some of the stuff in there is ridiculous and I would never buy it not with a million dollars to throw away. But that doesn't matter, because I don't think Area 51 is trying to solve all of your housing needs in a one-stop-shop. It embraces a home as an expression of the individual and gives you ideas as to how you can make your individuality evident in your lime green leather sectional or tic-tac-toe cherry wood shelf.
Would it be called Area 51 if the they weren't going for "weird"? For those people who wrote negatively about Area 51, I wonder what their expectations were.
I like Capitol Hill. Area 51 is in Capitol Hill, which makes it something I don't have to go out of my way to hang out in. Sometimes I wander in just to look at the new coffee table books they have on my way to a coffeeshop. I don't feel the need to justify my meanderings to an overbearing salesperson because he's chillin' on a sofa way over there, not bothering me. -
Review from Sarah B.
Seattle, WA
2/6/2006
A wonderful place to dream up design and find unique pieces of furniture. This store carries a nice variety of 1960's retro furniture at a decent price. Now, the pieces are not one of a kind but are limited. And they have a great assortment to choose from and change regularly.
The staff tend to let you look around but are not enthusiastic about helping you actually purchase an item. For my purchase, I found the service to be rather poor. The two people working hardly cared that I wanted to buy something and made it seem like a chore to give me the item. (this is the only reason I took off stars)
But overall, the furniture and prices make up for it. A definite stop if you are exploring Pine St. -
Review from Gloria H.
8/27/2009
I like to wander thru here and look at things, things I just might be able to make at home.
The prices are out rageous and I swear some of the stuff you really can find at target. I honestly don't know how this place survives. -
Review from Mariko G.
Bainbridge Island, WA
3/11/2009
I love this place and love what they are trying to do here. We have many artists in our family and are not easily satisfied. We moved a few years ago, and needed to fill our space with new furniture. We always look all over Seattle for nice pieces of furniture in all price ranges, but we end up coming back here to purchase almost every time.
This is not a very big place, and much of their furniture are quite unique. I think the price is very reasonable. -
Review from Jared H.
Seattle, WA
3/27/2011
Love the stuff here but not a fan of the staff. I like to go to Area 51 to get ideas and see what's out there but I'd sooner starve than spend a dime at that place. The staff seems to think that ignoring customers and being curt are the foundation for stellar customer service. Their apathy and disinterest in their customers are inexplicable to me, especially because it seems that what they are dedicating priority to, is Internet play behind the counter.
What really bums me out is that there are some EQ3 chairs that I really like for which they are a reseller and unfortunately, there isn't any other reseller in the state. I've seen these chairs retail for around $600/$625 and I shudder to think what they'll charge for them as they seem to over-charge for a lot of their items.
I'll keep coming back to check-out their merchandise but I'll be damned if I'm going to give them any business. You're better off heading up the street to Retrofit Home where the staff is AWESOME. -
Review from Paul S.
Seattle, WA
10/16/2011
A very eclectic and well chosen inventory especially if you are looking for something different.
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Review from Andreas H.
Portland, OR
12/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
Ok mix of old & new modern furniture... & stuff, but sadly the owner/ dude who works there is a douche bag. There are other places to get the same stuff without the holier that thou attitude.
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Review from Joshua M.
11/27/2006
They have really cool stuff, and the pricing isn't horrible considering that modern stuff tends to run pretty high. The salespeople aren't down your throats either, which is something I appreciate.
Listed in: Good Seattle Area Retail
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Review from Maria C.
Seattle, WA
2/24/2006
I like being left alone to shop, so I went there based on the Yelps here because I love cool retro stuff, but I don't appreciate someone attempting to make me feel like I'm the last person in the world who would appreciate their stuff. Thank God I have self esteem. It might crush a meeker person. That said, the stuff really is cool and I practically squealed at the vinyl placemats. Hmm, maybe I am uncool. Oh well. Loved the barstools too, but didn't feel like buying a thing. I'll take Collective in Ballard over this place any day.
Listed in: Accessible Antiques
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Review from Tony F.
Seattle, WA
7/18/2007
I have tried to shop at this store many times over the years, and no matter who is owning it at the moment, or which style they are trying to push on people, the people who work there just ruin the entire experience. I keep trying to see if they will actually greet me when I walk in the door, and it hasn't happened yet. I also get confused by their selection of poorly made items mostly the larger furniture items. I liked this store much much better when it dealt mostly and only in antique finds, but they weren't nice then either. Weird.
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Review from Charlie D.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2006
Followed the reviews to Area 51 and glad I did. I have been on the quest for a quality bed and I think I found it at Area 51. A major bonus is that they are currently offering 15% off till December 31of 06. Just wish I had a bigger car because they charge and arm and leg for delivery but oh well. Prices were decent since everything seemed to be of good quality. Got a few more places to check out but I am sure Area 51 is the place for me.
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Review from MP D.
King, WA
10/18/2009
I was in the store several months ago when a beautiful wooden media stand caught my eye. Regretfully, I didn't buy it that day and of course when I went back, it had been sold. The sales associate--who was familiar with the piece--put me in contact with the designer and said I might be able to request that a similar piece be made. Sure enough, Adam Hughes, for Area 51, custom built a media stand for me, even more exquisite than the one I originally had my eye on.
The best part is that Adam is local and uses salvaged, "reclaimed" wood to create his furniture. Even the finish is eco-friendly.
The entire experience was positive for me and I ended up with a beautifully-built custom piece that I will have forever from this under-recognized designer. When I picked it up at Area 51, the owner even helped me work it into my car.
Who knew that all of this was even possible? Thanks Adam Hughes and Area 51! -
Review from Liv L.
Seattle, WA
2/15/2009
I went in here expecting terrible customer service - after reading all sorts of bad reviews about their horrible sales staff - but experienced excellent customer service. Upon entering the store, we were greeted - and then left alone... Which for me is a big PLUS. I cannot stand being hounded as I shop. While I didn't purchase any big ticket items, I did get a couple accessories - and they were very helpful with those.
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Review from Dennis B.
Seattle, WA
2/5/2009
I have bought a few key things here over the years and like the things I bought (some fabulous pillows, a table/hutch which I love and some other odds and ends), but overall the store is kinda static: same stuff over and over. Safe, modern, uninspired. Even clever things they sell don't feel clever there. A few steps up in sturdiness and quality (and price) than Ikea, but a few steps down in fun than Ikea.
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Review from Kim B.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 7/21/2008
Area 51 has officially broken the consumer commitment-phobe within. Just purchased a dining table, TV stand, coffee table, chair and ottoman from them. It is so nice to buy so many things in one place! (Sadly, I must continue my quest for dining chairs elsewhere.) Also, their delivery charge covers up to 10 items and the wait for delivery was only three days.
Listed in: My 5-Star Spots in Seattle
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/13/2008
Being a commitment-phobe, I was very reluctant to purchase any "nice" furniture. However, one day… Read more »
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Review from Suzie F.
Clearwater, FL
10/13/2006
If you like modern furnishings that not everyone else will have and don't like to pay a ridic amount of money, Area 51 is the place to go. Yes, some things in the store are expensive but they are not expensive just because they are at Area 51, they are expensive wherever you would buy that particular brand or item. And most likely every item is cheaper than the same item elsewhere. Example...My husband and I bought the entire Edo bedroom set then saw it the same day at Chamelion (or however you spell it) in Ballard for over 20% more. Same goes for every other item we have bought from them which includes most of the furnishings in our home.
Also, as Brett mentioned almost everything is in stock but, you don't have to take it right now if you don't want to.....we were in the process of moving and they gladly held our items in their store for several weeks while we got situated.
As far as other comments people have made about the staff being stuffy, we have never had that experience. Have you even been furniture shopping on Western? The first item we bought from them was the Edo bed...a couple months after we got it our puppy decided that the leg of the bed would make a good meal. We went back to Area 51 seeking a replacement fully expecting to pay for it...they gave us another one for free. If you want help or have a question, just ask. I'm of the same opinion as some of the others that I would rather be left alone and ask for help then be followed around by some overly ambitious salesperson and can't even enjoy browsing.
Sadly, I no longer live in Seattle and wish I could find a store in my area that had as many unique modern items as Area 51. The whole reason I found this website is because I was looking to see if Area 51 has a website.... :( -
Review from Tammy W.
2/8/2008
A wonderful neighborhood store that deals in fine modern furnishings without resort to the "Design Within Reach" marketing. New or used, it's just plain fun to shop there. I especially love my Telefunken vintage console stereo, and the "Bombo" white polypropelene stools I use outside in the summer.
Listed in: Midcentury Modern Mania
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Review from Peter L.
9/15/2008
I've stopped by Area 51 a dozen times, but for some reason, haven't purchased a damn thing. They carry a good selection of modern and mid-century modern designs, and they are a dealer for EQ3, which is sort of like IKEA but better quality. If someone is starting out with new stuff, I think that there are some decent choices here, and definitely a step above IKEA. But I've found it difficult to incorporate their line into my own set up.
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Review from Michael F.
Phoenix, AZ
3/8/2010
I wish I could carry some of the stuff that they sell here on the plane! I like this place, but not enough to love it. They carry modern and mid-century furniture by Eames, Herman Miller etc. and other odd stuff. I scored some Jonathan Adler vases here at 40% off one time. A great find.
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Review from Jeff S.
4/15/2010
Although mid-century modern furnishing are highly desired in Seattle, we seem to suffer from a lack of decent retailers. Area 51 has been around for a long time, and they do a pretty good job of mixing mid-century modern, vintage and new items. We picked up an amazing custom Pepperberry couch for a great deal, and found a complete set of vintage Russell Wright dishes. The staff have always been friendly and helpful, and the delivery service has been excellent. Sometimes their inventory can be rather bland, so you need to check back from time to time to find something you like.
