Inform Interiors in Vancouver, BC

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Telephone:	+1 604-682-3868
Website:	www.informinteriors.com
Address:	50 Water Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1A4 Downtown, Gastown
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:	340 ft58125 660 ft50277 790 ft50187
Categories:	Furniture Stores Home Decor

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Bussiness info

Accepted Cards	Credit, Debit
Parking	Street, Private Lot

Wheelchair Accessible

Yes

Today

Today	10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Local time (Vancouver)	–

Business hours

Monday	10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday	10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday	10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday	10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday	10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday	10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday	–

Description

Specialties

At Inform, we believe in the value of good design, it hugely impacts the way we live. We continually source the best furniture, lighting and accessories for your home. We offer a full range of services tailored to suit each individuals needs.

History

Established in 1963.

Inform Interiors owner Niels Bendtsen has been working with contemporary furniture all his life. In 1963, he opened his first retail store in West Vancouver, Danet Interiors, focusing on well-designed and well-crafted Danish modern furniture from companies like Fritz Hansen, which the store represents to this day. After seven years in West Vancouver, the store moved to 97 Water Street in Gastown where it has stood ever since.

To further his pursuit of quality design, Niels sold the store to a Toronto retailer and moved to Denmark in 1972. He spent a decade in Europe studying and designing furniture for a variety of manufacturers.

While in Denmark, he designed the Ribbon chair, which was accepted into the permanent collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

Returning from Europe in the 80s, Niels regained control of the store and created Inform Interiors. Shortly after, he began his own manufacturing line, BENSEN.

Meet the Business Owner

Nancy B.

Business Owner

Established over 50 years ago, Inform continues to grow under the direction of owners Niels and Nancy Bendtsen. A strong belief in good design has been the backbone of the Inform brand.

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20 reviews of Inform Interiors

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Ariana L.

Place rating: 1
Vancouver, Canada

I just can’t believe why anyone would shop here. Seriously, a lamp that is $ 2600? A chair worth 10 grand? I walked in here with my husband and I was just trying not to laugh. Most of the products Inform Interiors were offering resembles something that looks like it could be purchased at IKEA or Modo Furniture.
Yes, yes, I know that it is supposed to be «high end» (not a foreigner to that either), but the designs are so disappointing I didn’t know what to say. Yeah, a basketball hoop chair. What a statement…
I saw a brush meant for scrubbing the floor at their «Gifts Under $ 50» section. Fucking funny lol.
Glory Link International, another furniture store, sells antiques from France and Imperial China, including that which has been used by Emperesses and famous people. Some of them were entirely handmade, carved and sculpted, and even then, the prices make more sense than Inform Interiors.
A place for rich people to shop in so they can brag about their knowledge of «modern furniture». Good luck to you all.

Donna B.

Place rating: 5
Vancouver, Canada

I purchased two items and received the most impressive customer service from Edward. He is the expert on everything, including assisting me and identifying a problem I had with item purchased elsewhere!
His patience and high level of knowledge and courtesy helps distance Inform Interiors from the competition. I doubt you can find better dedicated customer service and knowledge expert elsewhere.

Jules W.

Place rating: 5
Burnaby, Canada

I have bought a number of things from the store and once via their website. I love the store. It has items from small items and books to super high end furnishings, but the store is gorgeous to look at and a feast for the eyes. The service is like a upscale restaurant, and by that I mean that they are distant and polite if you are just looking, but if you ask for help, they are more than willing and passionate to help. My experience with the online ordering was that they were quick to email with the progress of my special order item. I have no complaints. Very happy with them.
The store has been around for probably 50 years. I remember going there as a kid. Even if you have no plans to purchase anything, I recommend going to both Inform stores in Gastown (they are across the street from one another) just to get a bit of eye candy.

Lady G.

Place rating: 5
Okanagan Lake, Canada

I am in love with this place.
This place is a Luxury with a capital L. Sort of furniture/lighting place.
If I ever find out that Warren Buffet wants to adopt me, I’ll actually start buying things from Inform.

Emily C.

Place rating: 4
Mill Valley, CA

If you are into contemporary interior design, home furnishings and accessories you should definitely check out Inform Interiors in Gastown. It’s a gorgeous store in a large, white, airy and open space that’s perfect for displaying the furniture and other products they sell. They carry a huge selection of European brands and have a wonderful selection of lighting. The store is definitely worth checking out whether you are in the market to buy or just browsing.

Shila B.

Place rating: 4
Vancouver, Canada

I am addicted the vinyl records and right now they are in crates. I have found the perfect shelving cubicles to display my musical gems… problem is that it is way too tall for my space, however, have passed on this information to other vinyl record enthusiasts. I looked and imagined whether my records would be stored alphabetically, by genre or in true High Fidelity fashion… autobiographically. The prices are hit and miss, however, if you find that unique gem it is totally worth it.

Karen S.

Place rating: 2
Vancouver, Canada

Very unaffordable for the brands they sell compared to other retailers. Service is ok, as the store is spread out it is hard to get a salespersons attention.

Taylor K.

Place rating: 4
Vancouver, Canada

#30daysofyelp ¹⁴⁄₃₀
This store is absolutely gorgeous with the high ceilings, the huge space and the rooftop outdoor space. I want to live here.
But whenever I come into this store, I get this weird sense that I don’t really belong here.
They carry various high end designer furniture items that are absolutely gorgeous and that are high quality and looks quite luxurious.
You will find everything you need to furnish your house downstairs in their show home but do expect to shell out money for these items. Their furniture is contemporary/modern style with clean and simple lines. I know there is a difference between the contemporary and modern furnishing but I think they carry furnitures that has characteristics of both. You can definitely get some good ideas if you are looking for some inspirations.
They also have home furnishing items such as home décor and small knick knacks.
If I won the lottery then I will go on a shopping spree. I will buy that leather chair that costs as much as a car.
On to our actual in store experience. We were in yesterday and bought the Herman Miller Eames table that we have been looking for. We weren’t able to purchase it at EQ3 because they told us we couldn’t buy the leg option we wanted because it was discontinued. Luckily for us, the sales associate at Inform helped us with our order and we should be getting our table in about 6 weeks. Yay!!!
All in all, a great experience yesterday. I look forward to using our new table soon.

Gary M.

Place rating: 5
Honolulu, HI

When I was a kid I remember walking into Inform’s original store (which is still open kitty corner across the street) telling myself that one day I wanted to shop at Inform and choose pieces that were simple, elegant and lovely…
I am happy to say I was able to do this a few years back when I was still in my corporate period and I was furnishing my home. I remember working with Rupert and how he helped us create the clean look I desired within the framework of my budget. I still have every piece from that time and they all look as fresh, and feel as good as they did the day I got them.
The thing I love about coming to Inform is that it’s a lovely space to partake in. The sales people are friendly and the book area is perfect for browsing and getting inspiration.
We spent about 45 minutes in here and during that time I tested out the iconic «egg chair» ($ 6995 on sale from $ 9999) as well as read a lovely book on architecture in Japan before and after the bubble economy.
cost of admission: free…
ps I now remember that Rupert helped me choose the lovely knoll chair as another option for the trendy and pricey «egg chair». I forget what the cost of the knoll chair was but I know I got 2 of them for a fraction of the egg chair’s price.

Tonik W.

Place rating: 1
Vancouver, Canada

This is cool contemporary corporate design that’s too big, too much, too expensive and saying it too loud. It’s the home depot of furniture.

Robin M.

Place rating: 4
Vancouver, Canada

Ohlaawwd, who the effing eff shops here? Let me be the first to ‘inform’ you (easy, sorry) that it is *not* me.
FACT: implicit in the act of shopping is the idea of one day purchasing. As much as I’d love — LOVE — a brand spanking new Hans Wegner wishbone chair, my pockets just don’t go that deep. No friends, I am but a reconnoiter — satisfying my need for furniture to be as functional as they are beautiful by merely perusing Inform’s modernist-loving space.
Know this: when I hit the big time, you’ll find me here, showering my riches on the otherwise surreal modern luxury that is the furniture of my parallel-universe future self.

John D.

Place rating: 4
Vancouver, Canada

I walk by this museum regularly. It’s beautiful contemporary furniture in a great space, unfortunately with price point to match. So no I won’t be buying here anytime soon, but for inspiration I love it. The one irritant has been that when I go in and spend some time looking, I am rarely greeted — maybe they have twigged I am a «Lookie-Loo». (and their website drives me nuts — it’s a little too flash, nothing stays still)

Anthony C.

Place rating: 5
Lincoln, MA

Get it out of the way early: it’s expensive. I walked in today because the bed frame in the window is beautiful. It’s solid wood and not a single nail, screw, or anything else but wood is used in its construction. All joinery, all by Italian hands. I was disappointed to find out that it costs $ 25,000, and the mattress is from Hästens, starting at another $ 25,000. I didn’t buy this bed. But it was really nice to look at.
The sales guy I talked to was happy to show me around the rest of the store to all the other beds, some of which were more reasonably priced. I wouldn’t call anything here «affordable», but that’s not to say I wouldn’t buy it. Purchases here are more like investments. They take lots of thought and careful consideration.
What I liked best is that the sales guy (named Ryan) didn’t scoff when I said that $ 25,000 is a bit more than I had in mind. I find so many salespeople in ultra high-end stores act like you should just get out if you say something is out of your price range, but not here. He showed me all the beds in the store, and then walked me across the street to the sister location to show me everything there, too. That’s what I call excellent service.
This stuff is beautiful. Functional works of art. Go to look, go to purchase. Whatever. It’s great fun either way.

Katie F.

Place rating: 5
Vancouver, Canada

I initially reviewed Inform a year ago when hubby and I were in the midst of shopping our house… now that my furniture has arrived, it’s worth an update (most of the reviews are window shoppers).
I love Inform/B&B Italia for their style and because their pieces are all authentic… I hate «inspired» crap — if you can’t afford it, don’t fake it. Nothing turns me off more than walking into a place filled with Arco/Eames/Noguchi/Van der Rohe knock-offs.
I would say it’s hard to furnish an entire place with this look (unless you’ve got a very large penthouse) since it can be cold and the pieces are quite bold/statement-like, but a smattering of pieces in the home is fabulous.
Lead time was about 14 weeks. Smooth process from ordering to delivery. The salespeople can be a bit aloof but I was happy with the product knowledge — we dealt with Edward for most of it. Great style, knowledge about leathers/materials, and how to work with our existing pieces.
Can’t wait to come back — one room left to do! Only downside is the price, but that’s never stopped me before :)

Justin B.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

This is a must stop for anyone interested in Design. I spent a lot of time browsing their fantastic library of books and walking around their numerous huge showrooms. When I hit it rich with my Taco Truck franchise I will be back to buy.

Richard J.

Place rating: 5
North Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver’s best source for contemporary décor. The best international designers and helpful «informed» staff. Just a visit is a treat. The recently built new store (across form their old location) is spectacular. Don’t miss the roof in the summer. Sure it’s expensive… but it’s the BEST. You get what you pay for and this is the #1 place for fine living interior (and outdoor) furniture in Vancouver. Don’t miss the B and B Italia showroom across the street and the amazing kitchen designs.

Victoria R.

Place rating: 4
BC, Canada

Walking by Inform, I feel like redecorating everything in my apartment and living the good life. I don’t even like decorating or interior design, but this place makes me want to be an interior designer. it’s very contemporary, low-slung couches, flat and minimalist silhouettes in interesting colours. The lamps are really unique and they carry a lot of different standing and hanging options. From pillows to accessories, everything is for the discerning palette. It’s also expensive, but most good furniture should be-it’s not Ikea or the Brick.

Nadine N.

Place rating: 4
Vancouver, Canada

Walking through Inform feels like visiting a museum or an interactive instillation art show. The layout is spacious and the furniture is artfully displayed. The furniture is sleek, sexy, and expensive. You don’t have to pay to enter, but like a museum, you probably won’t be able to afford to buy these pieces or maybe I should just speak for myself. I especially enjoyed lounging on a sofa the size of a bed. Ahh, luxury, you are fun to visit. It’s too bad I can’t bring you home.

A C.

Place rating: 3
Vancouver, Canada

The inform Interiors aesthetic is really not my thing; I find it excessively spare and neutral. Sometimes even, dare I say soulless? However, if you appreciate a clean line and a modern, minimalist yet tasteful aesthetic, you might fall in love with this place. They carry some top line designers, so you can be sure that the home furnishings (furniture and accessories) that you will find here are high quality and terribly au courant. You should come here if you are in the market for, say a new sofa or dining room table, and if you have a lot of money earmarked for high end, stylish furniture.

Shain r.

Place rating: 5
Vancouver, Canada

«Inform Interiors features the latest in contemporary furniture, lighting, accessories, and design books. For over 20 years, Inform has been committed to providing the best quality and design excellence.»
Every time I walk by I fantasize that I live in this store, and many times I have heard «Sir! …sir… SIR! stop drooling on the glass I just cleaned it!» this is a little piece of design heaven plopped right in the middle of Gastown. They carry everything you could possibly want from such design gods as:

* Niels Bendtsen
* Marcel Breuer
* Campana brothers
* Achille Castiglioni
* Antonio Citterio
* Charles & Ray Eames
* Eileen Gray
* Arne Jacobsen
* Poul Kjaerholm
* Piero Lissoni
* Jean-Marie Massaud
* Ingo Maurer
* Jasper Morrison
* Marc Newson
* Isamu Noguchi
* Eero Saarinen
* Philippe Starck
* Patricia Urquiola
* Olé Wanscher
* Hans Wegner
phewf. the list is long.
A little hidden gem about this establishment is in the summer they feature their summer collection in an outdoor setting located on the roof. Just take the elevator up to the roof and you will discover a little oasis filled with molded plastic loungers, sun shades, and little gnome stools. Enjoy!