The recently concluded January edition of Maison&Objet in Paris marked a strategic shift in direction. Under the theme 'Past Reveals Future', the fair returned to its foundations: high-quality design and authentic craftsmanship. With more than 67,000 visitors and notable growth from the Benelux countries, the platform reaffirmed its role as the leading barometer for the international interior design sector.
© Maison & Objet
According to the organisers, the figures for the January 2026 edition highlight the global appeal of the Paris event. A total of 67,286 professionals from 148 countries attended the exhibition, where 2,294 brands, including 543 newcomers, presented their collections. The strong presence from the Low Countries was particularly striking: the Netherlands ranked fourth among visiting countries and fifth in terms of exhibitors. Belgium even recorded a 10% increase in visitors.
Quality over quantity
The organisers have deliberately chosen to re-emphasise craftsmanship, partly through close collaboration with Ateliers d'Art de France. The 'Fine Craft' sector occupied a central position this year. 'Exhibitors have invested heavily in their presentations; they are not creating a product display, but an experience,' said Philippe Delhomme, chairman of the board of SAFI.
This focus on quality translated directly into commercial success. According to the organisers, the fair has evolved into a trading platform where decisions are made more quickly. The January edition generated nearly €200 million in direct and indirect revenue for the Paris region.
New impulses
Maison&Objet 2026 introduced several new segments responding to current market trends:
- Pet Square: A new village within the Gift & Play sector, aimed at the growing market for luxury pet accessories.
- Manufactures d'Excellence: A collaboration with twenty French craft companies targeting the contract market.
- Outdoor Living: Fifty international brands showcased outdoor furniture whose refinement is now barely distinguishable from interior design.
The fair is at a crossroads. With the appointment of Vincent Lhoste as the new CEO of SAFI, a new phase begins for the entire Maison&Objet ecosystem. Lhoste emphasises that the platform is more than a twice-yearly event: 'The combination of the physical fair, the city programme In The City and the digital marketplace MOM forms the strength of this concept.'
Attention is now shifting to the autumn edition, which will take place from 10 to 14 September 2026. Whereas the January edition focused strongly on hospitality and contract, the September fair will place the emphasis on the retail sector. In March 2026, the organisers will unveil the full programme and new themes during a press conference in Paris.
More information:
Maison&Objet
www.maison-objet.com
