i don't know why people had problems with the customer service. my girlfriend and i had a great time with the sales person and the warehouse people. the salesperson was patient and knowledgeable,... More

i don't know why people had problems with the customer service. my girlfriend and i had a great time with the sales person and the warehouse people. the salesperson was patient and knowledgeable, and when we decided we wanted what was in the window, he told us he could get us a new one at floor model price. the warehouse people were quick at the loading zone, and also very friendly. when my dad and i had trouble loading it into our apartment (our own fault), they even gave us some replacement parts at no cost. very helpful. the furniture is catchy, and reasonably priced. if it fits your style, i'd highly suggest shopping here. my experience with the staff was stellar (and we're young, so we're used to being ignored at pricier stores).
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I found Area 51 to take a step aside from the homogenized design you see at many other furniture stores. Contemporary furniture, clean lines, rich wood and metal pieces. Whenever I walk the floor,... More

I found Area 51 to take a step aside from the homogenized design you see at many other furniture stores. Contemporary furniture, clean lines, rich wood and metal pieces. Whenever I walk the floor, I never leave without finding at least a few pieces that I wouldn't mind owning. Prices seem to range from reasonable to higher than expected, but if you find a piece that you truly appreciate instead of filling a space, then it's worth it to me.
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With modern furniture design at an affordable price and a hip location to boot, Area 51 has found its niche. Its market consists of those who have graduated from the IKEA school and want products... More

With modern furniture design at an affordable price and a hip location to boot, Area 51 has found its niche. Its market consists of those who have graduated from the IKEA school and want products that are a little more distinctive, but who aren't willing to pay high-end prices. One can find new and used products here, ranging from Dwell bedding to the occasional Eero Aarnio Ball Chair as well as modern sofas, tables and rugs. However, where Area 51 provides in product selection, it takes away in service. This change has happened recently because when it first opened, the service was outstanding. Two years ago, I purchased a chair from this store and got a great deal on it, as the owner knocked the price down significantly because the product had a negligible defect. Naturally, this kind of situation promotes repeat business. Yet, subsequent trips to Area 51 have proved its service completely inadequate. Last time I visited the store, which was about a month ago, I was looking for a specific type of bookcase. The employee was extremely unhelpful and would not even come up with alternative ideas on where I could find something similar; he just said, We don't carry anything like that, and turned around. That's deplorable and it's why I'll be taking my business elsewhere. Unfortunately, the lack of options in this market make Area 51 just about the only place to go for affordable, non-mass produced design in Seattle. If anyone wants a money making idea, open a store similar to Area 51 and provide better service, which isn't hard to do.
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Area 51, located in Capitol Hill, is a very trendy, very retro, very mod furniture store. Lots of plastic and plexiglass and chrome and geometry. THink Barbarella... At any rate, they do have... More

Area 51, located in Capitol Hill, is a very trendy, very retro, very mod furniture store. Lots of plastic and plexiglass and chrome and geometry. THink Barbarella... At any rate, they do have interesting furniture and accessories but hooo doggie are they way expensive. I saw a couch in there that I SWEAR my uncle had in his living room in the mid 70's that he got from JC Penny for no MORE than $500 for the whole living room set, and Area 51 is selling it (just the couch) for $2500?? Oi vey. Their stuff is neat for sure but it is terribly unaffordable. However jealous I am that my pad will never look as striking and chromey as it would if I could afford to shop at Area 51, I still enjoy going there just to look around at all the stuff. It really makes me hate my parents for throwing out all the ugly 1970's furniture I grew up around. If they hadn't thrown it out, I could have easily sold it to Area 51 and be a billionaire by now. Thanks alot, mom and dad....
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I often seek out new furniture shops around town whenever I need a new piece and no matter what, I always find what I'm looking for at Area 51. They have a great selection and the value is as good... More

I often seek out new furniture shops around town whenever I need a new piece and no matter what, I always find what I'm looking for at Area 51. They have a great selection and the value is as good or better than what you can find on the web. I've been impressed with their quality and style and I have 2 rooms full of Area 51 furniture to prove it.
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this place has some of the coolest home furnishings you can possibly imagine, it is ultra retro and sometimes ultra spendy. it's too bad that to buy an egg-chair like Mork's (from Ork) is going to... More

this place has some of the coolest home furnishings you can possibly imagine, it is ultra retro and sometimes ultra spendy. it's too bad that to buy an egg-chair like Mork's (from Ork) is going to run you a thousand dollars. when you find a deal at this ultra trendy shop, buy it and don't look back. PROS: CONS: $$$$$!!!
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I wandered into this store one weekend and was very impressed with all the different unique items they had.. but when I looked at the price.. I was stunned.. 600 for a small bedside lamp.. way out... More

I wandered into this store one weekend and was very impressed with all the different unique items they had.. but when I looked at the price.. I was stunned.. 600 for a small bedside lamp.. way out of my price range.. I'll stick with IKEA
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Compared to neighboring used furniture store, yes, Area 51 does seem a little pricey. But compared to all of the other modern furniture stores in Seattle, their stuff is actually a prett good deal.... More

Compared to neighboring used furniture store, yes, Area 51 does seem a little pricey. But compared to all of the other modern furniture stores in Seattle, their stuff is actually a prett good deal. For only $200 more than you would spend at Ikea, you can get a couch that it 10 times more interesting (and already put together). The store is also good for smaller items such as frames or creative shelving.
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I know that I'm having trouble coming to grips with the new overpriced shops that are popping up on Pine Street on Capitol Hill, and I am a bit poor, but sweet Lord is this store overpriced. $1,400... More

I know that I'm having trouble coming to grips with the new overpriced shops that are popping up on Pine Street on Capitol Hill, and I am a bit poor, but sweet Lord is this store overpriced. $1,400 for a simpe couch, yikes. $400 for a plastic floor light, ouch. To Area 51's defense, however, the couch and the lamp look awesome! I especially like the steady style of their furniture pieces, very modern with a retro feel, and definately classy and interesting. They also have a great collection of non-furniture items, like bedding, clocks, plants, table settings, etc. I come here regularly to browse, and if I had lots of money, I would definately buy furniture here. PROS: Great furniture, great style selection, great smaller items for sale. CONS: Very expensive.
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Located on Pine St., Area 51 is the only modern furniture store still open on Capitol Hill. When Area 51 first opened its doors a few years back its inventory mainly consisted of modern used vintage... More

Located on Pine St., Area 51 is the only modern furniture store still open on Capitol Hill. When Area 51 first opened its doors a few years back its inventory mainly consisted of modern used vintage pieces. I purchased a great coffee for $400 table that was made in the early 70s and is one of a kind. Now the stock mainly consist of newly made modern pieces in the price range of $00-$2,000 price range. I still like the store but I preferred it when I would come across pieces that were one of a kind.
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