It's rare that we find a store that not only has a selection of furniture and accessories that remind us of an awesome flea market stall but that also has prices that remind us more of craigslist than an LA showroom. Well, ladies and gentlemen, this sure isn't Ikea, but we still smell a bargain:
TINI or This is Not Ikea, has been around for a while as a great online store and a series of storage spaces filled with treasure. Vintage accessories like typewriters, chrome lamps, pop art posters along with industrial style chairs and tables, mid century chairs and regency style lamps are all on file at TINI. But no longer must we all bug Alexis, proprietor and man with an eye for a bargain, every time we see something we like.
Now we can stop by the storefront on Fairfax (right next door to Mani's) and search out our own treasure. The space is large and packed. And if you're worried they'll run out, don't worry, they've got more in storage. We would recommend, however, that if you're interested in something you've seen on the website that you call the store and make sure it's still there (we've been disappointed a couple of times).
They've been called the best of craigslist and we wouldn't disagree. They have a surprising selection of items in good condition and when you don't have time to make it to the Rose Bowl, this is your place!
| Location: |
515 S. Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles,
CA
90036
|
|---|---|
| Phone: |
323.938.9230
|
| Website: | www.thisisnotikea.com |
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
TSIFA.
view no accounting for taste's profile
Wonderful, would love to visit
view Haunted_Studio's profile
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME. I was so excited to visit this store, but when I finally did, it was a disaster. Everything looks like garbage. The furniture is filthy and broken - like stuff at a flea market you would never buy. Which would be fine, if it was cheap -- but it's way, way overpriced. Way more than anything comparable on Craigslist. A rusted table with missing leg for $200? You've got to be kidding.
So not only are the goods overpriced and not-as-they-appear-on-screen, they also are buried under piles and not findable in the store. In fact, the one thing I wanted, they didn't even know where it was! Instead they pointed me to the computer IN the store and STILL couldn't find the piece. Why did I drive over there and pay for parking then?
A complete disaster experience. I can't overexpress how disappointing it was. Hence this review.
view jenjenjenjen's profile
I bought a credenza from TINI before they had their storefront. They have a ton of great stuff. Like with any vintage purchase, be sure to thoroughly examine your item before you bring it home.
It's like going to a flea market where every item is interesting.
view JulieLeanne's profile
I have a different idea of TINI. I recently visited the store, and was really surprised by how inexpensive I thought the items were. Yes, most things need to be reupholstered and cleaned, but they had some design icon pieces floating around in there. I spied a Noguchi bench, a Saarinen tulip chair, and many other labeled designer pieces for under 200 dollars. For a new store on Fairfax those lower prices felt like a surprise. Sure you could search through the Rose Bowl flea market and find most of the same things, but if you don't have time, TINI is great. It's just fun to look around even if you don't have time to buy.
view miniminx's profile
They're selling wooden craft-store eggs for $12 each. Do you guys have a Hobby Lobby out there in L.A.?
view tmoore's profile
I was just browsing on their site and they appear to have lots of great stuff.... I'd love to see it in person as photos online can be deceiving. But nevertheless, the website was definitely making me wish they were in NYC instead of LA!
view CallDoctorBison's profile
I recently stopped by and was disappointed...i found it difficult to see any of the product since most of it were in color coded stacks in the middle of the floor. The one piece i was interested i couldn't get a good look at and wanted to b/c 80 bucks for what it was seemed excessive. I love the idea of this store just wish the merchandise was presented better to the public.
view Bridget212323's profile
i have to agree with bridget and jen. it was a bummer on my end as well.
view ggsix's profile
The way that their "online store" works is that you look at things online and then go to the physical store??? Guess what, guys, that's not an online store!
view Antonine's profile
This place is so crazy overpriced. You will find comparable stuff and WAY better deals at the Pasadena swap meet. I bought a decorative Army piece for $2 at the Fairfax flea market. This place was charging $20 for the exact same thing. They also charge about 7 to 12 times more for globes than I have found for BETTER globes at the Pasadena swap meet.
view dre.k's profile
OMG, I can't wait to go. I've been coveting their stuff on Craigslist for quite a while now!
view Tobyacts's profile
this place is a GREAT find. you might have to dig a little, but i purchased a beautiful lane coffee table for $145, which is a steal. i have also purchased some gorgeous wood sculptures for a great price. i am an interior designer and am ecstatic i have found tini..... and the owner, alexis, is an absolute doll. i am saddened by the negative reviews, especially since some of them are so mean spirited. tini is a welcomed addition to the neighborhood. i wish the owners all the best.
view jaytee's profile
TINI's prices are absurd. The place just just pisses me off. Sorry.
view rosenatti's profile
WOWZERS!!
I wasn't sure exactly what this place was about but my first impression once there was "RAAD!" lol
Whether your into vintage furniture, random records or even extremly-hard-to-find Madonna dolls (desperatly seeking susan barbie...not even kidding! )
This place has it!!
TINI rocks and I've thus become a fan!!
view Jaz_wildly's profile
they are a store, and therefore have to pay rent every month. it's absurd to compare their prices to a flea market.
view jaytee's profile