Inside

great lamps, great chairs, great service. for those unaccustomed to buying high quality furniture and like to throw down one star reviews for not getting things in ten minutes then its probably better to dash over to IKEA where all your needs will be met. if you want well made furniture then come here.

A little over 6 months ago, Emmet opened up his store (on a day he was closed) to show my wife and me some Modernica chairs. We were incredibly thankful for this, and he was kind and informative.
We ended up ordering 4 custom chairs from Inside, and it took about 6 weeks for them to come in. However, we got a great price and were happy that Emmet inspected them and assembled them when they arrived at the shop. He communicated with us via email to keep us up to date.
We heard of Inside SF from a coworker, and we’ve now passed on the word to others as well. Great furniture shop in SF!

Without a doubt the worst furniture store i have ever had the misfortune of dealing with. Their follow through and customer service is so incompetent it would take your breath away.
6 to 8 weeks delivery time turned into 27 weeks expressly because Inside is incapable of issuing the simplest and most straight forward ordering instructions. They failed to keep us informed, failed to communicate with the factory… fail, fail, fail
Don’t take my word for it read the other poor reviews recently posted and you will see this is not an isolated event.

Use this place as a showroom only. Go, see what you like, then order it from the manufacturer directly. You’ll get it quicker and, if you time it right, much cheaper.
We ordered six Modernica chairs from Inside. We were told they’d arrive in 4 – 6 weeks, they came in 11. Just 100% off on their time estimate. In those 11 weeks, Modernica had our chairs on sale (15% off) on their website twice. I called Modernica during one of the sales to see how quickly they could fulfill — they said it’d be 2 – 3 weeks to SF with free shipping to our house. Much better and cheaper and more convenient.
And Inside wasn’t good at answering our calls or offering explanations when we did talk. Deanna merely stated that they have no control over their manufacturer’s delivery schedule. Yet another reason to deal direct with the manufacturer.
Inside is a lovely place to browse, an awful place to buy.

By far the worst customer service experience I’ve ever had.
Once this business has your money, that’s the end of the story for them. We ordered a custom coffee table and everything that could go wrong did.
The trouble first began when the table was weeks later than quoted with zero response to emails and calls during the entire process. Finally, a couple days after the table was finally delivered, we noticed that the bottom was damaged and unfinished. We took photos documenting the issues and wrote an email requesting the defects be fixed. Again, no response for days.
Giving them the benefit of the doubt, I went in person to talk but the owners were dismissive, insulting, and rude – one of them even yelled at me, just inches from my face. They even had the nerve to ask, «Why do you even care about the bottom of the table?»
This store is solely a middleman. They have one job to do – customer service – and they fail at it spectacularly.
Do yourself a huge favor and spend your money elsewhere. Don’t just take my word for it, read all the other 1 star reviews here and make up your own mind.

Over the last year, working with Deanna and Emmet has proven to be nothing short of a delightful experience. The selection in the store is impeccable, their advice helpful in ways I couldn’t have anticipated as an inexperienced buyer, and their drive to help achieve what you’re looking for is boundless.
I consider Deanna to be the spiritual design guide to my new apartment, helping shape some of my (vague) ideas into plans and enthusiastically addressing design questions about my place way beyond the scope of what she was selling. Her passion for design is evident in her vast knowledge of current product in the marketplace, and it really shows — she gently steered me towards consistently great ideas, but also respected my opinion and helped when I wanted to make something else work.
While delivering some chairs, I remember a suggestion she made about room paint color — it was so off-​the-​cuff I didn’t think about it much initially, but as it turns out, it transformed the room. It’s just an example of a great eye for what works in a space, and one of many examples in the last year. I brought room photos, diagrams, measurements, pinterest boards of things I liked and she was happy to look at it all to help it all come together. I only wish I could get this level of involvement at any other furniture store, considering the dollar investment!
All the furniture I’ve bought (a couch, a lounge chair and ottoman, dining chairs, a bed, pendant lamps) except one item came in on time — the chairs and bed (from Modernica) actually came in early. The couch was a little late (the manufacturer, Vioski, had a delay in making it), and during that time Deanna and Emmet called the vendor on a regular basis to check on the status and let me know. Considering their control over the manufacturer (none), it was nice of them to follow up and keep me in the loop.
I’m mostly done with my place, but I still find myself stopping by the store to look at what they have and to share my latest finds/​obsessions — it’s been a true pleasure to have the advice of a team that has such great taste, practicality in approach, and the enthusiasm and willingness to share both with their customers.

Deanna and Emmet were really helpful when I was looking for a great bedframe. When it finally arrived, the movers couldn’t fit it into my apartment — something Deanna had carefully warned me to check would not be a problem. I decided to upgrade the bed to a model which came in parts, and she worked with the manufacturer to get them to take back the original order and replace it with the new bed, something they would not normally do. Fantastic friendly service! Would definitely recommend anyone looking for nice items to pop in here and check it out, as they don’t have all their items on the website.

Love the store, but can’t seem to get even delivery date on an item that I paid for. At the time I was told it would be 4 weeks or so. It’s been 3 months. Really disappointed that I can’t get a clear answer with a firm delivery date. Hope they’ll start returning my calls.

If you read the 5 star reviews for this store, many of them are for the products the store carries and not for the store itself. I would recommend using this store for browsing, but not shopping. My browsing experience at this store was so wonderful that ordered 2 Modernica chairs from them, even though I could have ordered direct from the manufacturer.
The order took 4 weeks longer than I was told, I didn’t receive an emailed receipt until I asked for it twice, and I received no updates, check ins or apologies. it seems that once you place your order, Deanna is done, regardless of whether the order has actually been placed, shipped or delivered.
I was incredibly impressed with the service I received before placing my order and am very unhappy with the service I have received after placement.

Looking for beautiful and well made mid-​century reproductions and new modern designs? Inside is the place. This lovely store carries a thoughtful selection of well made furniture, lighting and artwork. Many pieces by local designers and manufacturers. The owners, Emmet and Deanna, are well informed on both the history, and the production of what they offer.
I’ve been doing business with Inside for years, and Deanna is my go to person for interior design. Her resources and contacts in the trade are seemingly endless. Her ability to select the perfect fabric from a sea of options is mind boggling. From ceiling to floor, she can pull together a room beautifully.
Orders have always arrived within the time frame estimated at purchase. Each experience was smooth, and Deanna and Emmet are such a pleasure to work with. They could not be more helpful. The level of customer service offered here is unmatched in the Bay Area.

Inside came recommended by trusted friends.
I will shorten a very long story as follows:
custom crafted table with chairs: $ 8,000
waiting for delivery: 8 weeks
being treated unprofessionally: priceless
Products and quality of product: 5 stars
Time to deliver: 4 stars
Customer service: 1 star
If you have money burning a hole in your pocket and you want someone else who has never even seen a photo of your home tell you why their many years of experience trump anything you can say about what you want or why you want a particular thing, this might be the place for you.
We trusted them with a significant purchase, we didn’t get what we asked for, we had to argue with them to get even a partial compromise, and we’re still not completely satisfied.
2 stars because they did compromise, eventually.
I got more polite and helpful customer service 2 hours later at the US Post Office, when I needed help shipping something overseas.

There are many compelling reasons to shop at Inside – it’s a small, neighborhood business, owned by friendly and seemingly attentive husband-​and-​wife team Emmett and Deanna.
After moving to San Francisco with nothing more than a couple of suitcases, I desperately needed to furnish my apartment. Walking by Inside each day, I decided on two molded-​fiberglass Eames side chairs for my kitchen eating area. After reading many positive reviews on Unilocal,I felt confident about bringing my business to Inside.
I went into the showroom, where Emmett informed me that the color/​model I wanted were not going to be available until January. So, after a bit more deliberation, I chose two Eames wire chairs, which Emmett assured me would be delivered in 5 – 10 working days. I placed the order on November 22.
I was anxious to have the chairs, but I patiently waited the 5 – 10 working days until I went back into the shop to check on the status of my order. Deanna entered my name and order information into the computer, but for some reason, she was unable to find the order. She promised she would email me with an update.
Two days passed and I still hadn’t received an email from Deanna. So, I email Emmett (on December 6), asking for an update. Two days later, Emmett, with a vague response, says he expected them either that or the following week, and that he would let me know when he received the ship notice.
So, another week passes, and I still haven’t heard anything. I went back into the showroom to ask for another update. Despite not having anyone else to attend to in the store, Emmett and Deanna completely shrug me off, offering as the reason for the slow delivery the fact that they had not charged me for shipping.
Despite placing the order on November 22, and the promise of delivery in 5 – 10 working days, it was not until December 31 when I finally received an email from Emmett saying that the chairs had arrived.
Throughout this ordeal, which took over a month’s time, I was extremely disappointed by Emmett and Deanna’s inability to provide anything but vague answers («the chairs should arrive sometime this week, or early next week»), their inability to answer inquiries promptly, or at all, and their apathy at my obvious dissatisfaction with their customer service.
I sincerely hope that my experience is the exception, to an honest small business, but I can’t help but ask others to seriously consider other options when shopping for mid-​century modern furniture in San Francisco.

A really wonderful, independently owned company. I have driven past many times in the past, always ogling the chairs in the windows but I had never stepped in.
I was looking for a Eames armchair for my new office, and I didn’t want to get the typical plastic «licensed,» versions since they seem cheap and have less character. Modernica was out of the white and red, which were my two color options. Then it dawned on me to try Inside.
I emailed and received a surprisingly prompt reply from Deanna. They ended up being out of the white too, but they had one red armchair left. I went into the shop, Emmett and Deanna were immediately helpful, friendly and I had a wonderful conversation with Emmett. Who knew we had the same alma mater in common.
Red ended up being the perfect choice it’s now the center piece of my office, I don’t think any other color would have worked. I can’t sing the praises enough of Inside. Super nice, informed and it’s great to know you’re not just getting a beautiful classic piece of furniture but also promoting a local business.

So I randomly happened to ride my bike past Inside and since I had just bought a place I was of course intrigued. I locked up my bike and strolled inside and there was a lot of great looking stuff so I was thinking, man this is going to be expensive… Well, I pulled up a few price tags and wasn’t as shocked as I thought I’d be. I am totally new to interior stuff so had no idea about any styles or genres or whatever it’s called.
Anyhow, Emmett and Deanna were really nice and non-​judgemental. I later realized I like a lot of mid-​century modern stuff and they have some of that style here for sure. I loved these fiberglass rockers they had in all these awesome colors and later learned more about them.
Anyhow, I’m rambling, but i did end up buying one of them from Inside b/​c they are a local business, independent and are cool people and provide great service. I bought mine on Sunday where they have free champagne to help you shop which is a nice perk.
My rocker is now my favorite chair and I think I will be kicking back in it quite a lot — as I am right now finishing up this review!

This is one of those little gems with great service and unique furniture items. I bumped into this store with my girlfriend on a trip to another store in Hayes Valley. It just happened that the closest parking we could find was directly in front of Inside.
When we walked up, we saw what turned out to be the owner inside although the posted sign said the store was closed. We poked our head in and asked if we could take a look around. Emmett said sure! We were mostly focused on the furniture during the first pass of the store, and then we saw some art by a local artist named Christopher Stokes. Too cool! We talked for a few minutes before thanking the owner for his time and headed on our way. We planned to return.
A few weeks later, I called Emmett and told him I was coming back to get a number of pieces by CS. He setup an appointment and we headed over when the store was closed to the public. The best part, Emmett and his wife Deanna arranged to have the artist there to meet us! I don’t know about you, but I find that to be AMAZING customer service. Above and beyond!!! I ended up with a great collection of his art that I appreciate on a daily basis in my living room. I would recommend this store to anybody.

I bought some really beautiful Modernica chairs here the other day. I wanted mismatching chairs and the nice owner lady helped me pick out some hip matching (yet perfectly clashing!) colors for my abode. I got the chairs a few days earlier than promised, and the co-​owner husband stayed open a little late for me as I walked each chair by hand back to my apartment ’round the corner.
Super pleasant experience!

If you’re a fan of the Eames molded plastic rocker or Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair, you’ll love the Modernica replicas you’ll find Inside. They’ve also got the collection of Nelson bubble lamps that makes me nostalgic for the one that was in my parents’ house when I was a child.
The super cute couple that owns this showroom is really friendly and although you might be afraid to sit on the furniture (because they are like pieces of art) they really encourage you to kick up your heels and have fun trying out all their furniture.
Check out the artwork for sale on the walls from local artists while you’re there. They’re great to compliment your modern home once you’ve furnished it with the cool pieces from here.
Make sure you check out this great shop the next time you’re in LOGO (Lower Gough)! The HV Holiday Block Party is on ¹²⁄₅!

I so wish I could snag a dining room table and a couple of wicked looking white dining chairs with wooden dowels to finish furnishing my apartment. However, the pricing is a bit out of my price range at the moment. Perhaps, when I move into a home, I’ll make an ‘Inside’ purchase.
To top off the great selection, Emmett and Deanna are AMAZING! They don’t just sell you the stuff. For goodness sake, the stuff sells itself. I loved talking to them about everything and anything. They’re a sweet couple that owns this killer furniture place and you just want to leave with everything. They’ve invested a lot in selling quality stuff.

Just a great shopping experience! Probably the easiest money I’ve ever spent and left the store pretty much giddy.
This was also our first foray into the nice furniture world (nice write-​up Peter S.) after swearing off Ikea. Still getting over the sticker shock that came with our choice we visited all the usual suspects in SF and were underwhelmed after about 15 or so stores. We ran into limited selection, bad staff, ridiculous pricing, bad rip-​offs and occasional snobbery. Then we went to Inside…
As soon as we walked in we were warmly greeted by the owners with champagne in hand. It was so relaxed, good tunes playing, a lively discussion over SF history and Herb Caen: we felt like we were visiting friends — friends who have awesome furniture.
Both Emmet and Deon (sp?) were extremely helpful, knowledgable and friendly. They walked us through almost every piece in the store and for the first time we actually liked more than one item. The selection wasn’t huge but the products shown were fantastic. They made the whole process so easy and gave us great design and decorating tips.
After settling on a couch E & D spent over an hour with us on fabric choices alone! They asked all the right questions to insure we would love our purchase and never once hurried us. Maybe it’s cause they were the owners… but it was all to evident how much they cared about their products and their customers.

I love Inside! The owners are truly passionate about their furniture, but you never get the sense that they are just out to make a sale. When I recently went over there with The Wife, we were looking for a fun and stylish chair for our bedroom. After describing our space, we brainstormed a bit about colors, fabrics, all the while enjoying some champagne (now that’s how to treat a potential customer). We found the perfect model, the Poppa Bear chair, chocolate brown, modern but cozy.
Inside carries everything from tables and desks, to sofas, to shelving units, all with modern, but not overt, touches. What I also like is that you could in theory buy furniture for your place exclusively from Inside and still not feel that you had created a contrived ennvironment; everything they carry seems to compliment nicely but without looking like a catalog.
I’d recommend Inside first and foremost for their line of furniture, but just as importantly for the staff’s friendly service and obvious love for the lines they choose to carry in their store.