Heimtextil 2026 Opens with 3,000 Exhibitors and Focus on AI and Design

Heimtextil 2026 has opened in Frankfurt as a key global meeting point for the home and contract textiles industry, bringing together around 3,000 exhibitors from 66 countries. Amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, the fair underlines continuity and international engagement while introducing a redesigned hall layout aimed at improving visibility and business efficiency.

The opening programme highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and future-oriented design approaches, with architect and designer Patricia Urquiola sharing insights on how textiles are evolving as intelligent, adaptive materials in modern interior environments.

As the world’s leading trade fair for home textiles, contract textiles, and textile design, Heimtextil 2026 reflects an increasingly international exhibitor base. The event showcases a broad spectrum of textile and non-textile interior solutions, ranging from decorative and upholstery fabrics to bedding, towels, wallpaper, carpets, and flooring solutions. A newly structured hall layout across 17 levels has been introduced to streamline navigation and strengthen the connection between suppliers and buyers.

The current market landscape is shaped by global economic shifts, geopolitical developments, and rapid technological change. In this context, Heimtextil positions itself as a reference point for strategic orientation, offering companies access to best practices, expert insights, and emerging business models—particularly in relation to artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

During the opening press conference, Patricia Urquiola presented her immersive design installation “among-all”, created exclusively for Heimtextil. In conversation with Rosa Bertoli, Global Design Director of Wallpaper magazine, Urquiola explored the role of AI, innovative materials, and sustainable processes in shaping the future of interior design. The installation demonstrates how textiles can function as interactive interfaces between people, materials, and machines, incorporating regenerated nylon, textile waste, and bio-based materials.

The redesigned fair layout groups complementary product segments to improve efficiency for visitors. Textile and non-textile interior design offerings are centralised in Halls 3.0, 3.1, and 4.1, while Bed, Bath & Living spans Halls 5.0, 5.1, 6.0, and 6.1. The Smart Bedding segment is anchored in Hall 4.0 with the new Sleep & Meet area, serving as a meeting point for the mattress and sleep industry, alongside the German Mattress Industry Association.

Knowledge exchange and networking are supported through multiple content platforms, including the Texpertise Stage in Hall 6.0, the Talk Spot in Hall 3.1 for interior design and hospitality, and a dedicated Talk Spot in Hall 12.0 focused on flooring and carpets. The Carpets & Rugs segment expands to four hall levels, incorporating machine-made and handmade carpets as well as non-textile floor coverings.

A key highlight is Heimtextil Trends 26/27 in Hall 6.1, where the Trend Arena curated by Alcova examines the interaction between artificial intelligence and craftsmanship under the theme “Craft is a verb”, presenting forward-looking material and design concepts.

Heimtextil 2026 runs from 13 to 16 January 2026 in Frankfurt.