If you’ve ever wanted to step inside the future of design, IDS Toronto 2026 is your chance.
Returning January 22–25, 2026, Canada’s leading design fair is back with its most ambitious, immersive, and idea-packed edition yet — transforming the Metro Toronto Convention Centre into a living laboratory of what’s next in interiors, architecture, technology, and how we live.
This year, IDS isn’t just about what looks good. It’s about what works, what lasts, and what changes everything — from AI-powered creativity and material innovation to radical new approaches to lighting, furniture, and workspaces.
🌍 A World-Class Speaker Lineup
IDS Toronto 2026 brings together some of the most influential voices in global and Canadian design:
- Eames Demetrios, Director of the Eames Office and grandson of Charles and Ray Eames
- Tatiana Bilbao, celebrated for her human-centred, socially driven architecture
- Fredrika Inger, Global Chief Product & Commercial Officer at IKEA
- Tommy Smythe and Brian Gluckstein, Canada’s design royalty
- Colette van den Thillart, known for her glamorous, emotionally rich interiors
- Plus special appearances and talks exploring AI and creativity and the future of design thinking
In other words: your favourite design podcasts, books, and Instagram feeds — live on stage.
🚀 Walk Into the Future of Work
One of the most talked-about features this year is How We Work — a trio of fully immersive environments created by collaborative design teams.
These aren’t booths. They’re narrative-driven, cinematic spaces exploring how our workplaces shape creativity, focus, behaviour, and mental health. Think Severance, but make it design.
🎨 Colour Is Back (And It’s Bold)
The days of playing it safe are over. Colour drenching is one of the biggest trends of 2026, and brands like Hollis + Morris are showing exactly how saturated, confident colour can transform a space — without feeling overwhelming.
🪨 The Artiest Bar in Toronto
IDS’ Central Bar: Field of Interaction is part sculpture, part installation, part social hub. Picture floating threads, sculptural forms, and a massive rock-like bar at the centre of it all — yes, you can grab a drink inside the art.
🧠 Discover Tomorrow’s Designers Today
If you love discovering talent before they blow up, Studio North and Prototype spotlight Canada’s most exciting emerging designers and makers. This is where you’ll see the ideas and products that will shape homes and spaces in the next few years.
🇵🇹 🇮🇹 European Design Dreams
Two stunning international pavilions from Portugal and Italy will showcase beautiful craftsmanship, innovation, and the latest European design thinking — expect serious inspiration (and camera-roll damage).
🍳 IKEA Is Back
IKEA Canada returns with a 600 sq ft immersive kitchen experience — complete with main kitchen, prep kitchen, dining area, and pantry — proving once again that great design doesn’t need a luxury budget.
💡 ILLUMINATE: The Future of Light
One of the most visually striking new features, ILLUMINATE is a tunnel-like lighting experience where art, tech, and design collide. It’s a glowing, immersive look at how lighting will transform the way we experience spaces.
🛋️ Furniture Forecast
IDS 2026 also hosts the global debut and Canadian premieres of some of the year’s most exciting furniture innovations — giving visitors a sneak peek at what’s coming to showrooms and homes next.
🛍️ Shop the Show
The District is basically Toronto’s coolest design market — packed with indie brands, fresh collections, and must-have home pieces you can take home the same day.
🕺 Toronto’s Biggest Design Party
Mark your calendar for January 22, 7–11 PM — the legendary IDS Party turns the entire show floor into a high-energy celebration with live performances, DJs, fashion, installations, and drinks. It also officially kicks off Toronto Design Week.
📅 When to Go
IDS Toronto 2026
📍 Metro Toronto Convention Centre
🗓 January 22–25, 2026
General Admission:
- Saturday, January 24: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday, January 25: 10 AM – 5 PM
Whether you’re a design obsessive, a casual renovator, or just someone who loves seeing what’s next before everyone else does, IDS Toronto 2026 is where the future shows up first.
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