Heimtextil 2026 opened its doors with a strong signal of stability in an otherwise volatile global market. The world's leading trade fair for home and contract textiles launched with around 3,000 exhibitors from 66 countries, underlining its growing international reach while reinforcing its role as a central European platform for the industry. With the fair having started yesterday and still being underway, Heimtextil is positioning itself as both a marketplace and a knowledge hub for future-oriented textile and interior design.
© Heimtextil
The 2026 edition brought together a broad spectrum of textile and non-textile interior solutions, ranging from decorative and upholstery fabrics, bed linen and terry towelling to wallpaper, carpets and flooring. A newly introduced hall layout was improving visibility and market overview across 17 hall levels, while also connecting supply and demand more efficiently. Complementary segments were being placed closer together to streamline visits for retailers, specifiers and contract professionals.
Against a backdrop of economic and geopolitical uncertainty, Heimtextil is addressing the need for adaptation and innovation. Artificial intelligence is emerging as a key theme, recognised as a force rapidly reshaping business models across the sector. In this context, the fair is offering orientation through best practices, expert insight and concrete examples of how new technologies could be applied.
"In a dynamic market environment, the global textile industry relies on Heimtextil. We are delighted that the mattress and carpet industries have also chosen Frankfurt as their business hub. While AI is transforming markets, Heimtextil shows how companies can benefit from this technology. As a strategic partner, it highlights business opportunities and future prospects, laying the foundation for potential growth," said Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt.
A central highlight of the opening programme was the presentation of among-all, a new immersive installation by architect and designer Patricia Urquiola. Introduced at the opening press conference in conversation with Rosa Bertoli, Global Design Director of Wallpaper magazine, the installation explored how AI, innovative materials and spatial experimentation were shaping the interiors of tomorrow. Visitors were invited to actively influence the space, with their movements becoming part of the AI-driven staging.
"I'm very happy to continue this collaboration with Heimtextil for a second year. 'among-all' is the second chapter of our research on textiles, developed through objects, processes, and spatial experimentation. Rather than a container, the exhibition takes the form of a temporary ecosystem bringing together installations made from regenerated nylon, textile waste, and bio-based materials," explained Patricia Urquiola.
Beyond the installation, knowledge exchange remains a core focus. Expert talks and networking opportunities are taking place at the Texpertise Stage, the Talk Spot areas and the expanded Carpets & Rugs section, which for the first time also included non-textile floor coverings. Heimtextil 2026 is continuing in Frankfurt until 16 January 2026.
More information:
Heimtextil
www.messefrankfurt.com
