Yes, there is an alternative to Ikea. EQ3 stocks modern furniture at low prices. EQ3 is a step up in quality and style from IKEA, but the prices are still quite low. EQ3 has furniture for those with a modern sensibility. You won't find Pottery Barn type furniture here.
As far as I know, EQ3 furniture is carried at a lot of furniture stores, but there are only two standalone showrooms.
One showroom is located in SOMA on 9th Street (the furniture district) and there's a small parking lot next door that's free. There's also plenty of street parking.
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