Area 51
(206) 568-4782
401 E Pine St
Seattle,
WA
98122
47.6151
-122.3266
Neighborhoods: Broadway, Capitol Hill
What People Are Saying About Area 51
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
Quantities are limited and turnover is high, so chances are that coveted objects like a pair of stereo chairs (those egg-shaped listening cocoons from the '60s) won't be around long. Sleek, retro-inspired designs prevail in the spacious warehouse, from low-rise platform beds and clean-lined dinette sets with a '50s feel, to the jet-set cocktail gear and block-printed linens.
User Reviews
Anonymous
April 29, 2008
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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toferm
October 18, 2007
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.
read full reviewAnonymous
November 09, 2005
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.
read full reviewThe Details on Area 51
The Extras:
All that funky furniture shopping got you tired? Pop in the nearby Caffe Vita for a quick caffeine fix.
Know Before You Go:
The helpful staff's design background proves indispensable for those in need of interior guidance.
