From 20 to 23 January 2026, the imm cologne will bring the international furnishing industry together in Cologne under the main theme 'World of Interiors' - with a clear profile, always focusing on furnishing that is ready for the market, close to the consumer and efficient sourcing. At the centre are international sourcing markets, new trade partnerships and products that meet current consumer trends.
Companies from 27 countries have already pledged their participation. Particularly strongly represented are suppliers from China and other Asian importing countries - a clear sign of the growing importance of global sourcing markets. According to official foreign trade statistics, meanwhile, some 60 per cent of furniture sold in Germany comes from abroad. Imports from China alone rose by 25 per cent to €1.7 billion in the first half of 2025.
"In a situation of economic challenges, a platform is needed for efficient sourcing. You will find exactly that at the imm cologne," says Bernd Sanden, director of the fair. "The strong presence of Asian suppliers makes Cologne an important meeting point for the international furniture trade - a bridge between continents."
© imm cologne
Global versatility meets market-oriented themes
The hall structure reflects this development: halls 4.2 and 5.2 are the focus of Asian suppliers - from living and bedroom furniture through upholstery to smart living concepts. Halls 10.1 and 10.2 present mainly European manufacturers with ranges for living, upholstery and mattresses. With this clear concept, imm cologne positions itself as a central sourcing platform for the European furniture trade. Large volumes, competitive prices, clear quality standards and reliable partnerships take centre stage.
"Many dealers and production companies are currently looking for new supply chains, to become more independent and flexible," Sanden said. "Cologne provides the ideal stage to strengthen existing networks and find new partners from Asia, Europe and beyond."
A trade fair that understands the market
The imm cologne 2026 stands for market-relevant products and consumer-oriented furnishing solutions. The main theme 'World of Interiors' focuses on real living and consumer behaviour - from functional living ranges, through comfortable, soft furnishings to attractively priced series for the mass market. Desired are products that are readily available, economically attractive and focused on real life. To this end, the fair provides an efficient framework in which trading companies and manufacturers come together in a targeted way to competitively put together their range of products.â
© imm cologne
Cologne as a bridge between markets
Especially now, in a phase of economic and geopolitical changes, the fair is gaining strategic significance. With its strong international exhibitor base and clear content structure, imm cologne acts as a hub of global furniture hands - between Europe, Asia and emerging markets from the Near East. "We see a growing dynamism in international trade," Sanden said. "The imm cologne 2026 is creating an environment in which new global value chains are being formed."
Prelude to the new furniture year
As the annual inaugural fair on the international furniture fair calendar, imm cologne 2026 offers the ideal start for trade, procurement and production. The four days of the fair offer a compact overview of assortments, trends and sales opportunities. Cologne thus offers an efficient platform that is much more than a pure purchasing fair: a place for exchange, knowledge and orientation.
imm cologne 2026 - World of Interiors
20 to 23 January 2026, Koelnmesse Köln
Tickets: www.imm-cologne.com/tickets
