M.O.W. 2025 concluded with renewed optimism and strong international engagement, signalling the sector's resilience amid challenging macroeconomic conditions. Held from 21 to 25 September at Messezentrum Bad Salzuflen, the trade fair drew 558 exhibitors from 39 nations, maintaining an international share of 60 per cent, while visitors from 61 countries marked a significant increase in global interest.
© M.O.W.
"This year, the trade fair conveyed an atmosphere of optimism and confidence," organisers stated. "Because: No effort, no sales!" The event served as a hub for networking, exchanging ideas, and generating concrete orders, exceeding pre-show expectations. Key visiting markets included the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, and the Scandinavian countries. Major associations, online retailers, and independent specialists were all represented.
Covering 85,000 square metres across 17 halls, M.O.W. offered a complete overview of furniture ranges, from DIY products to upper middle-class collections. Exhibitors highlighted trends such as new cashmere white and earthy tones, accent colours in terra cotta, blue, green, and yellow, rounded fronts for organic forms, and curved sofas for open-plan living. Materials and finishes drew inspiration from retro aesthetics, featuring chrome, mirrored elements, corduroy, and bouclé.
Sustainability remained a central theme, with FSC- and PEFC-certified wood, recycled materials, pollutant-free substances, and a focus on local manufacturing. Digitalisation of sales tools also advanced, with configurators, video consultations, and QR codes enhancing the customer experience.
A new highlight was the Outdoor Living segment, featuring over 20 exhibitors. The launch of "olé – Outdoor.Living.Event" for 2026 drew strong interest and pre-show inquiries, signalling the expansion of integrated indoor-outdoor lifestyle offerings.
The trade fair underscored the importance of the East Westphalia-Lippe furniture region, Europe's largest furniture cluster, and confirmed M.O.W. as Germany's only major furniture trade fair combining a broad price range, multiple sales channels, and a mix of established brands and niche suppliers under one roof.
"The M.O.W. 2025 demonstrated that this industry, despite uncertainties, stands together, provides impulses and breaks new grounds," organisers noted. "Future living is individual, multifunctional, sustainable, and digital, and it is being created in East Westphalia."
The next M.O.W. will take place from 20 to 24 September 2026.
More information:
M.O.W.
www.mow.de
