Stumasa Unfinished Furniture

I’m so sad this store is closed. I use to live in this neighborhood and would love to walk here to just see what is new and creative home accessories they had on display.
Very terribly sad this store is now closed.

STUMASA! i am saddened to hear you are closing!!! NOOOO
one of my favorite home décor stores in the city. you have been around as long as i have lived here and i don’t know what i will do now that you are going away.
this store has a cute, unique and thoughtful collection of:
home décor
gifts
furniture
children toys and gifts
baskets that made with amazing craftsmanship
milk paint (this is where i first heard of such a thing)
and my favorite purchase —
an organizer/​address book that came with stickers and was undated (SO SMART) so you could start and finish it whenever you wanted.

Since my last review, I’ve been popping into this store more and more. Some of the best accessories for my home are now from this store. They have cute Japanese imports and some great sale finds sometimes. I also am impressed with their kids section. I got a pair of cute Japanese leggings for my daughter and some awesome orange rubber coat J hangers for her room. Cute!
The last visit, the saleslady helped convince me to buy some milk paint to paint an old wood armoire at home. I’m excited to try it out.

I always walk by this place after a run at Kezar and one day I finally decided to go in. I was pleasantly surprised! They have really cute stuff for the home, for kids and cute gift ideas! I will definitely come back to look around even more! Check it out!

What’s not to love about this place?
Unique gifts, funky home stuff, cool kids clothes, and sustainable — and sustainably priced — furniture. The husband and wife duo who run this joint really know their stuff.
One of my very favorite stores to while away an hour or so at.
Thank you for making my neighborhood cute!

This in one of those stores I shouldn’t really go into because I just lose myself, and lose all track of time, going from one pretty thing to another, enjoying the cute stuff, admiring the elegant line of the furniture and other large items. But like most stores with the same vein, I usually end up going out with nothing or with one lonely items because usually I discover that I may admire something, but I don’t really need it, or worse, I don’t really need it but I really really want it, but the price is just too high, so it’s not worth it. Still, I know I’ll stop there from time to time, it’[s just too tempting and every one in a while, I’ll get me a too-​cute-​to-​resist little thing.

Cute cute cute! I always pass by this place when I’m driving to Haight St so I finally decided to stop by. This is definitely a great gift shop with lots of unique items. Some of the coolest things I found was a little trinket that plays a lullaby tune (various Beatles hits!) when you wind it, various graphic plates with different designs and silhouettes on them, and giant pencils and scissors. There’s also a nice selection of baby stuff here. Also further back in the store there is a room full of good quality unfinished furniture.
Definitely a cute store, prices were not cheap but were not super expensive at all. Also they had complementary gift wrapping!
If you’re in the need for a cute gift, come here!

UPDATE: So, it’s been almost one year since I wrote a review about Stumasa featuring furniture that was unavailable. When I checked their website to see if they were still offering the same furniture, I was surprised to see that, yes, in fact, they’re still featuring the very same furniture that tipped off my initial negative review.
Here’s one example:
Why bother? Because I really wanted to like Stumasa and really wanted to buy the furniture they appear to offer and because I’m disappointed.
Original review:
Stumasa needs to get its act together.
About one month ago, we went to Stumasa after seeing what appeared to be a nice selection of unfinished wood furniture. Their website offered, and still offers, a wide variety of wood goods that seemed like a perfect reason to avoiding Ikea.
After perusing their website, we went to Stumasa and found their actual selection disappointing. Most of the unfinished furniture in the store was the only furniture available and did not reflect what appeared on their website. I wasn’t sure if they had a backroom I had missed, so I patiently waited 5 minutes before both people at the cash register got off personal phone calls.
I explained to the guy behind the counter their website featured a particular piece of furniture I hoped to buy but that I did not see the furniture in the store. He explained that they had recently changed «stores» (vendors?) and that they would be carrying different furniture. I asked if they had any intention of carrying the furniture featured on their website. He said that the furniture on the website was from their old line. Asked if that meant they wouldn’t be carrying it any longer, he stated that item, or something like it, may become available within a week or two. Disappointed, we left.
Fast-​forward to today. I call Stumasa and explain I am hoping to see if they have a particular item in stock featured on their website. He explains they no longer carry the items on their website, but they should be coming out with new items soon. I asked if these new items would be in the store. No, he said, but they could order them for me.
I realize a lot of people rave about this place, but I can’t bring myself to give it anything above one star for the simple fact that they continue to offer items with prices on their website that they no longer sell. When asked about those items, the response the past two times has been that they recently changed their vendors and that these new items would, at some unknown point in the future, become available.
As much as I would like to buy some furniture from Stumasa – and I would like to, it seems like quality stuff, I can’t bring myself to spend $ 300 in a store that seems unable to update its website or provide customers with even the roughest of estimates as far as when their new, or old, products will become available.
Given Unilocal’s policy that allows businesses to pay to promote positive reviews, I anticipate this review will get buried. (Don’t believe me? Ask yourself why one of the highest, and older reviews appears first. Ask Unilocal.) Either way, I hope the owners of Stumasa read this and take it into consideration. Hopefully, they’ll figure out their product line and update their website accordingly. In the mean time, I’ll be going elsewhere.

I have very, very mixed feelings about Stumasa.
Part of me would like to give it 5 stars because I do adore their very fragrant soy candles (particularly the green tea that would do well in a guy or lady’s apartment, and the guava that is sweet but not overpowering), their moleskin notebooks (that one pays a pretty penny for anywhere), the alphabet rubber stamps (where is the xxs size?), and the assorted sundry goods from Japan (stickers, keychains, plates, hashi pillows, hashi-​chopsticks, and much more)…
But the other part of me can barely manage to give them 1 star because I know how much they are marking up many of their items from Japan (hello, stationary and stickers can be bought for like $.99 while Stumasa is charging $ 3 – 10). True, Maybelle has to fly to Japan and pick up all this stuff so maybe the mark ups are in part to make up for travel costs, I get that. But I have a feeling that the Japanophile in her would go either way. Also, charging $ 36 for rubber alphabet stamps that can be bought for $ 15 online? Another low blow.
The furniture is okay but you could go to Barewoods Petaluma and get custom made stuff or choose from a huge variety of pieces available in-​store that are just as nice or nicer as any furniture you can find in Stumasa. And at least you’ll find parking there too.
All in all, I will give Stumasa 3 stars because I appreciate the selection of stationary and gift items, the free wrapping paper, and the overall laidback feel of the store. However, because I can’t jibe with the rest of what I mentioned, I can’t give more than 3 stars even if the inventory begs for more

My dad and I stumbled upon this great little shop last year, just a few days before Christmas. If I hadn’t already done most of my holiday shopping, I could have easily found something for everyone on my list: Design– and wine-​related items for my dad, jewelry and all sorts of housewares for my mom and other female friends and relatives, and toys and books for the little ones.
While the shop appears, from the front anyway, to be only a gifty store, they specialize in wooden furniture that can be customized to your specifications. The woodworking is simple but elegant and there is a wide variety of paints and stains from which to choose.
I wouldn’t go out of my way just for the gift section, as I can find many of the items elsewhere, but if you need furniture, it’s definitely a good place to look. That said, if I’m in the Haight/​Cole Valley area, I always stop in.

Stumasa was recommended to me as a local business making great wood products, a sweet store filled with excellent stuff, great prices, lgood people. Who needs Ikea? ew.
I ordered bookshelves with a custom stain and between the time I placed the order and they were delivered (1 month) I had shoulder surgery. When the shelves arrived I had a helper here, but it turns out I didn’t need one… Greg took one look at my slinged up arm and carried them in without question.
Now that I have use of my arm again, I got to spend the weekend filling three new shelves from Stumasa full of books and stuff. I am in love with these shelves!

I have a huge «elephant ear» plant, which sits right by my window. My sister named him «Franko.» Though Franko’s leaves have grown considerably, making him lean towards the floor, he still commands attention.
The first day that I brought Franko home, was the same day that I stumbled upon Stumasa.
I had picked out Franko from a mass of green at the Robert’s Hardware store on Haight Street (they carry the best plants). I swaddled his potted bottom in plastic bags, and carried him out of the store.
I was determined to get him home safely, but as soon as I passed Stumasa, I knew I had to go inside. Franko — on the other hand — just sat outside. Keeping a watchful eye on him, while I perused through Stumasa, I couldn’t help but get lost in all of the little knick nacks which Stumasa carries. Like Wishbone, their selection is adorable and pricey, but unlike Wishbone — Stumasa is usually pretty empty, so you can take your time looking around. They also carry some great, natural wooden furniture.
I decided to cut my Stumasa trip short that day, due to Franko’s unsettled leave expressions, but I’ve been back since and have bought some really wonderful things: including a gorgeous broom (yes a broom can be gorgeous), and some stationary.
I wouldn’t necessarily consider Stumasa a destination spot, but if you’re walking by, I would strongly recommend leaving plants, dogs (they may actually allow them to come inside) outside, and checking them out.

Gorgeous, kitschy, intriguing, surprising, affordable and entertaining delights await you at Stumasa. They do custom furniture, but the real appeal for me is all the little bits and pieces that they sell. Design-​forward objets d’art, knickknacks, toys and gizmos for your kitchen, office, children, self and hard to shop for friends and family line the walls, shelves, counters, bins, hangers and racks.
It’s like Valhalla for design dorks, and it’s right across the street from my laundromat, so I get to go exploring during the spin cycle.

Love it!
I bought a coffee table there about four years ago. It’s a great piece that I still love as much as I did when I purchased it. Since then, I’ve purchased a few other things over the years — some stools, a file cabinet, a crate… Love them all. Really great quality, inexpensive (some stuff is hit or miss on price) and they have a lot of cute home accessories and such, as well. I’m thinking of having them build an armoire for me.
They are a local small business (which is always nice to support) and I’ve found that the quality is much higher and more authentic than the pre-​fab stuff.

A truly charming little store. Maybelle’s good taste and eye for design married with Greg’s custom made, affordable wooden furniture have led to a perfect union. Without Maybelle, Stumasa would be a boring wooden furniture store, one that I wouldn’t think of going to. Maybelle scours the world for stationery, jewelry, kids toys, office supplies, vases, greeting cards, candles, etc. She’ll bring things back from trips that you can’t find in other stores. And she loves wrapping gifts. Gifts come with complimentary gift wrap.
I come here to look for «objects of desire» featured in InStyle such as little porcelain birds, umbrellas, etched drinking glasses, etc. It’s amazing how often I find these things at Stumasa. Maybelle has a great eye and a sense of whimsy (e.g., canned bread from Japan).
And she’s the best calligrapher too. Her work has been featured in the Martha Stewart weddings magazine.

I’ve jogged by this place dozens of times and I never had a clue what they even sold until this past weekend. Finally checked it out and I was so impressed. This place has the most interesting array of trendy little knick-​knacks. My sister is one of those hard-​to-​shop for NYC girls who is really into unique one-​of-​a-​kind stationery and non-​ikea, über-​cool office gadgets. To get a good gift for her, I used to have to drive down to Hayes Valley for her… now I can just walk down the street to Stumasa… very, very nize.

Great place to buy gifts for your friends with good taste. They carry an unusual assortment of things, in addition to the furniture, but all with a certain hip urban flavor. Every time I’m in there for someone else I end up w/​a thing or two for me, even if it’s just an exquisite letter-​pressed card. Many of the items have a sense of humor about them — one of my fave finds was a set of porcelain dixie cups (I keep wanting to have a fancy-​dress kegger). Also, a killer market bag by Shawn Parks; I get sooo many compliments on it, even though it’s just made of that orange industrial webbing they use to keep folks out of newly planted areas in the park. Great place for baby or kiddo gifts, too.
The owners seem like really nice folks, as well.

Really cute store for unfinished furniture, toys, and baby accoutrements. A bit on the pricier side (for someone po’ like me). If I had enough money, I’d buy the baby grand piano with stool. This is where I purchased my nephew’s wooden lion toy with a bell.
They gift wrapped the toy for me with brown wrapping paper, ribbon, and a monogram gift tag («I» for Isaiah). The staff who works here are also super nice and allowed me to use their quaint and cute restroom when I had to emergently pee.

This is the go-​to place for unfinished pine furniture now that busvan for bargains is gone. Much smaller than busvan, but they pack a great selection in there, and the owners are very helpful.
Milk paints and stains are available, and I believe they’ll finish things for you at an additional price. Toys and curiosities from all over the world are for sale here too.
Bear in mind though that if you’re like me, you’ll buy the furniture and never actually get around to finishing it, and you’ll feel like a failure every time you look at it. Opt to have them paint or finish it unless your sense of self-​worth is unshakeable.

Let me explain why this is a wonderful store:
We needed a coffee table. But, life has been expensive lately as we are getting married, just bought an apartment, and have about 10 weddings this year to go to, all out of town. So our cashflow wasn’t exactly great.
We went to several stores – from Macy’s to boutiques – in search of the right table. Well, we just weren’t finding what we were looking for. At least not in the affordable range. Then, something horrible happened. We found the exact table we needed at Pottery Barn. I was pissed. I hate pottery barn. I live in San Francisco so I don’t have to buy things from Pottery Barn. But I couldn’t deny that the coffee table was wonderful.
Well, enter Stumasa, stage right. We live about 4 blocks away. My fiancée mentioned that they made furniture… and were inexpensive. So we go in, describe our quandry with Pottery Barn, and ask for help. Guess what? They helped.
We described what we wanted in a coffee table. They drew a picture for us. We toyed with the specifications until all parties were satisfied. Then they went to work. They built us, in just a few weeks, a perfect coffee table and stained it black. It looks wonderful and it was completely affordable. I am now a Stumassa fan.

Bargain hunters furnishing a first apartment needn’t cross the bay to IKEA to find reasonable prices — not only are those here comparable, but nothing requires assembly and everything is guaranteed to last a lot longer. Husband-​and-​wife owners Gregory Stukuls and Maybelle Imasa, whose surnames were blended to christen their shop, either build the mostly pine or alder wood pieces or import them from Oregon. While most of the stock is sold in its natural state, professional finishing is available at an additional cost. Do-​it-​yourselfers will find a supply of paints, stains, and acrylic coats in a wide array of colors on hand. Accessories such as colorful ceramic bowls and baskets in various sizes are also for sale.