Heimtextil will strengthen its position as the global platform for home and contract textiles with a comprehensive restructuring strategy for its 2026 edition. Taking place from 13 to 16 January in Frankfurt, the fair will welcome more than 3,100 exhibitors from 65 countries under the motto ‘Lead the Change’. The event responds to current industry challenges with an optimised hall layout, progressive design collaborations, and AI-driven innovations.
The restructuring addresses global challenges, economic uncertainty, and rapid digital transformation affecting the textile industry. According to Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles and Textile Technology, “With the new hall layout, we create a business tool that increases visibility, strengthens synergies, brings supply and demand together in a targeted manner and opens up new markets. This enables strong leads, new business potential and industry exchange.”
Strategic hall concept creates targeted synergies
The new hall layout bundles product areas to serve target groups more effectively. The optimised combination positions textile providers in strong sector groupings, creating visitor synergies and shorter routes. A hands-on content programme on the Texpertise Stage in Hall 6.0 will provide expert insights on customer engagement, differentiation, and AI-driven design.
Hall 3.0 combines Wall Decoration, Window & Interior Decoration, and Digital Printing, creating strong synergies with direct connection to Decorative and Furniture Fabrics. The area Interior Design Concepts: Windows, Wall & Floor brings together essential segments including wallpaper, carpets, curtains, privacy screens and sun protection, targeting interior designers, architects, decorators, and planners. Key exhibitors include Forest Group, Höpke, Linder, Marburger Tapetenfabrik, Paulig, Sarlas, Tanriverdi, The Wallfashion House and York Wallcoverings.
Trends merge traditional craftsmanship with AI technologies
The Heimtextil Trends 26/27 will relocate to Hall 6.1, surrounded by Bed, Bath & Living and Textile Design segments. In collaboration with design platform Alcova Milano, the curated Trend Arena will showcase progressive megatrends under the motto ‘Craft is a verb’, connecting traditional craftsmanship with AI-driven technologies. The interplay generates impulses ranging from natural influences and handmade materials to AI-generated colours.
World-renowned architect Patricia Urquiola will present her immersive installation ‘among-all’ in Hall 3.0, creating a textile experience combining aesthetics, comfort, functionality and sustainability. The installation demonstrates how AI-driven design addresses individual needs and enables innovative spatial concepts for design, retail and hospitality.
Expanded segments for specialized markets
Heimtextil introduces Sleep & Meet, a new brand area in Hall 4.0 developed with the German Mattress Industry Association. Leading mattress brands including Auping Germany, Bettwaren Stendebach, Dormiente, Ergomed, EuroComfort Group with Badenia, Brinkhaus and Lück, Femira, Frankenstolz, Hüsler Nest, Rummel Matratzen and Schwarzwald Schlafsysteme will showcase their portfolios. The area connects bedding retailers, hospitality and volume buyers in an exclusive setting.
The Carpets & Rugs segment expands across four hall levels, complemented by the new product group Flooring & Equipment featuring non-textile floor coverings. Together, these segments form the central hub for the global carpet and flooring industry, accompanied by a tailored content programme.
Halls 3.1 and 4.1 will showcase the world’s largest range of upholstery and decorative fabrics, including European weaving mills. International manufacturers such as Dickson Constant Sunbrella, Edmund Bell, Manuel Revert, Vanelli Tekstil and Vescom Velvets will present collections. The preliminary stage offer Fibres & Yarns creates additional synergies, with industry leaders including Angles Textil, Indorama Ventures Fibers and Korteks Mensucat.
Contract business strengthened with specialized programme
The Interior.Architecture.Hospitality programme presents an extensive offering for architecture, interior design, hospitality and healthcare sectors. The Interior.Architecture.Hospitality LIBRARY in Hall 3.1 features a curated selection of functional textiles, complemented by a talk spot for professional exchange and product innovations. The programme brings together manufacturers, planners and decision-makers to demonstrate how textiles create differentiation and business potential.
The Global Home sections in Halls 8.0, 9.1, 10.1, 10.3 and Global Home Excellence in Halls 9.0, 10.2 will be optimally positioned. International producers and country pavilions from China, India, Pakistan, Taiwan and Vietnam will present solutions for global demand, benefiting from high visibility and strategic connection to complementary product ranges.
