Header: Ruggiero Scardigno / Salone del Mobile Milano
2026 marks a pivotal shift in the global design calendar. The industry is moving away from purely transactional trade fairs toward immersive, culturally rich festivals that blur the lines between art, commerce, and sustainability. For professionals, the challenge is no longer just attending these events, but also decoding the distinct personalities and business values of each. From the historic grandeur of Shanghai to the experimental streets of Copenhagen, the upcoming year offers a diverse roadmap for sourcing, networking, and creative renewal.
Here is your curated guide to the six essential interior design destinations of 2026.
Maison & Objet
Paris, France | January 15–19, 2026
Paris opens the year with a profound exploration of time and memory. While many fairs chase the futuristic, Maison & Objet has chosen to look backwards to find the path forward. This January edition is not merely a display of products but a philosophical statement about the industry’s direction, grounding itself in the continuity of craft rather than the disposability of trends.
For the 2026 edition, the overarching theme is “Past Reveals Future.” This concept is expressed through four distinct narrative threads: Metamorphosis, Mutation, Revisited Baroque, and Neo-Folklore. These trends explore how historical references and traditional craftsmanship can be remixed to create “soulful” modern interiors. A major highlight will be the scenography by the 2026 Designer of the Year, Harry Nuriev, known for his transformative “transformism” approach. The fair remains divided into two main hemispheres: “Maison,” dedicated to interior decoration worlds, and “Objet,” serving as a concept store for retailers.
By the time you leave Paris Nord Villepinte, you will have a clear sense of the year’s emotional and aesthetic temperature. This is the fair for spotting the “why” behind the design before the “what” hits the mass market.
IMM Cologne
Cologne, Germany | January 20–23, 2026
If Paris provides the artistic inspiration, Cologne delivers the commercial reality. IMM Cologne serves as the practical backbone of the European furniture market, stripping away the theoretical layers to focus on sellable, market-ready solutions. It is the definitive business platform for retailers and volume buyers who need to secure their inventory for the coming year.
The 2026 show operates under the banner of “World of Interiors,” a theme designed to streamline the sourcing process. Over 300 exhibitors from 25 countries, including major players like Kuka Sleep and Man Wah, will present collections tailored to entry-level and mid-range price points. To aid navigation, the floor plan features dedicated country pavilions for nations such as Japan, Taiwan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing buyers to efficiently scout regional manufacturing strengths. The atmosphere is professional and efficient, prioritising logistics, pricing, and distribution over installation art.
IMM Cologne remains the industry’s most reliable engine for commerce. It is where contracts are signed, partnerships are forged, and the practicalities of the global furniture trade are settled for the year ahead.
Design Shanghai
Shanghai, China | March 19–22, 2026
Spring brings the design world’s focus to Asia, where Design Shanghai is staging a triumphant return to its roots. After several years away, the fair moves back to the historic Shanghai Exhibition Centre, a venue deeply loved for its architectural character and central location. This homecoming signals a new chapter for the event, characterised by a higher standard of curation and a deeper integration with the city’s cultural fabric.
The visual identity for 2026 features a silver metal dragon entwined with green moss, symbolising the show’s dual focus on technological future and natural equilibrium. The exhibition is organised into four key pillars: Furniture & Lighting, Kitchen & Bath, New Materials, and Living & Lifestyle. Beyond the booths, the “TALENTS” section and the “Made in JDZ” (Jingdezhen porcelain) showcase will highlight the fusion of Chinese heritage with contemporary innovation. Parallel to the main fair, the “Collectible Design & Art” exhibition will offer a gallery-style experience for limited-edition works, bridging the gap between functional design and fine art.
Design Shanghai 2026 is positioning itself as the primary bridge between East and West. It is the essential destination for understanding how Asian aesthetics and manufacturing power are reshaping the global luxury market.
Salone del Mobile.Milano
Milan, Italy | April 21–26, 2026
Milan in April is the undisputed centre of the design universe. The Salone del Mobile is more than a trade fair; it is a city-wide phenomenon that sets the global benchmark for quality and innovation. For its 64th edition, the event continues its evolution from a furniture showcase into a cultural laboratory, where the future of living is prototyped in real time.
The 2026 edition is particularly significant due to the return of EuroCucina, the biennial exhibition dedicated entirely to kitchen design. This is where the world’s top manufacturers unveil the latest in smart appliances, sustainable cabinetry, and the “kitchen as a living space” concept. The fairgrounds at Rho Fiera will host thousands of exhibitors covering every sector from outdoor living to technical lighting, while the “Fuorisalone” events will transform downtown Milan into a sprawling festival of open showrooms and architectural installations.
Attending Salone is a rite of passage and a professional necessity. It is the only place where you can see the entire ecosystem of design – from the wildest avant-garde prototypes to the most refined luxury furniture – operating at its absolute peak.
3daysofdesign
Copenhagen, Denmark | June 10–12, 2026
As summer begins, the industry shifts gears to the relaxed, human-centric atmosphere of Copenhagen. 3daysofdesign has rapidly grown into a major fixture on the calendar by rejecting the traditional convention centre model. Instead, it invites visitors into the actual workspaces, showrooms, and historic courtyards of the Danish capital, offering an intimate look at the Nordic way of life.
The festival is defined by its “exclusive yet inclusive” ethos. It is free to attend, fostering a sense of community and transparency that is rare in the high-stakes design world. Visitors can explore the city by bike or boat, visiting over 400 exhibitors that range from legendary Scandinavian heritage brands to scrappy experimental studios. The 2026 edition will continue to emphasise presence and experience, with a program of talks and workshops that feel more like conversations among friends than corporate presentations.
3daysofdesign offers a necessary counterpoint to the intensity of Milan and Shanghai. It reminds professionals that design is ultimately about people and well-being, providing a refreshing and inspiring environment to connect with the values of craftsmanship and simplicity.
Dubai Design Week
Dubai, UAE | November 2026 (Dates TBC)
Dubai Design Week returns in November as the region’s key creative event, offering a close look at the ideas and talent shaping design across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Held mainly in the Dubai Design District (d3), the festival has grown into an international meeting point where designers and visitors connect, share perspectives, and explore how design can influence the way we live.
Each year, the programme highlights work from the Global South, with a strong focus on voices from West and South Asia. While the full 2026 lineup will be announced later, the fair typically brings together installations, exhibitions, talks, workshops, a marketplace, and two major fairs.
Downtown Design is the commercial centrepiece, gathering well-known international brands and independent regional studios to showcase contemporary design. Editions, the first fair in the Middle East dedicated to limited-edition art and design, offers a closer look at collectable pieces and fresh approaches to craftsmanship.
A large part of the week looks toward the future, with experimental installations and workshops that examine topics such as extreme climates and sustainable materials. With its rich programme and broad reach, Dubai Design Week continues to show why it is the leading design festival in this part of the world.
