Header: Courtesy of ICFF
The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) is returning to New York’s Javits Centre from May 17 to 19, 2026. Held during NYCxDESIGN, this year the fair moves away from being just a trade show and takes on a much larger role as a meeting point for international ideas. Under the theme Common Ground: A Global Dialogue on Design and Shared Values, the event focuses on how people from different cultures and backgrounds can use design to solve problems and build better environments.
By teaming up with curators and global partners, the fair is bringing more depth to its 2026 edition. One of the most significant changes is a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester. For the first time, a portion of the money from ticket sales will go directly to helping people find affordable places to live. This move shows that the design world is looking more closely at housing equity and social responsibility.
Artisanship and the return of the Bauhaus
A major highlight for 2026 is the Bespoke Salon, created by the design firm Post Company in partnership with Hospitality Design magazine. Moving away from the cold feel of mass production, the salon is built to look like the home of an archivist. It is a space where visitors can slow down and look at high-end craft and custom work in a comfortable setting.
Another standout feature is a landmark exhibition by Rarify, held in partnership with Tecta and the Bauhaus Archive Berlin. This marks the first time that museum-quality material from the Bauhaus archives will be shown at ICFF. The exhibit doesn’t just look at the past; it pairs historical drawings and objects with modern furniture from Tecta to show how Bauhaus ideas still influence the things we use in our homes today.
Fresh voices and new talent
The WANTED section continues to be the place to find new designers. This year, the Schools Showcase includes more than 20 design schools, while the Design Schools Workshop sees students from Mexico’s Centro school exploring “The Unseen Narratives.” These students will use technology, sound, and data to find hidden patterns in everyday life and turn them into new design concepts.
The Emerging Designer Spotlight has also grown. It is now a year-round project led by Amy Devers of the Clever podcast. Each month, a few new designers are featured online, and the whole program ends with five selected designers presenting their work live on the ICFF Mainstage.
Expert discussions and interactive spaces
The 2026 talks program covers some of the biggest issues facing the industry today. William Hanley from Dwell will lead a talk on the affordable housing crisis, and Amit Gupta from STIRworld will discuss how different cultures can work together without losing their unique identities. Attendees can also see the launch of a new book by industrial designer Todd Bracher or listen to editors from The New York Times and Untapped Journal talk about the future of design media.
Between these talks, visitors can spend time in several specially designed lounges:
- The Oasis: A place to sit and talk about sustainability and human-centred design, supported by Ethnicraft and Mohawk.
- Aqua Atelier by Grohe: Located in the Kitchen & Bath section, this area focuses on how we use water and new materials for the home.
- Juniper Recharge Lounge: A quiet space dedicated to lighting where people can catch up on work or meet colleagues.
- Ligne Roset Welcome Lounge: A familiar spot at the entrance featuring the latest pieces from the well-known brand.
Beyond the Javits Centre
The event isn’t restricted to the exhibition hall. On May 15, the ICFF Night Out takes the fair into the city. Showrooms and studios in NoMad, SoHo, and the Flatiron District will stay open late, allowing designers and the public to connect in a more relaxed setting.
ICFF 2026 is shaping up to be a busy three days that highlight how design is not just about making objects but also how those objects connect us all.
