International furniture industry gathers in Cologne from 20 to 23 January 2026 for imm cologne, the reconceptualised Interior Business Event that will feature more than 300 exhibitors from 25 countries across approximately 18,000 m² of exhibition space. The trade fair will present furnishing solutions under the central theme “World of Interiors,” establishing itself as a clearly positioned B2B sourcing platform for the consumer-oriented furniture market.
Addressing the current market landscape, Bernd Sanden, imm cologne’s director, states: “The current market situation poses immense challenges for many companies, making it all the more important to have a platform that responds to this reality and presents tangible potential. That is exactly the kind of forum that we’re creating with imm cologne 2026: internationally oriented, clearly B2B-focused and closely geared to the needs of a consumer-oriented market.”
Reshaping German furniture industry presence
The German furniture industry views imm cologne’s new concept as a strategic response to evolving market conditions. Jan Kurth, chief executive officer of the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM), emphasizes: “It’s not just the furniture landscape that has changed – the trade fair landscape has evolved as well. With its new concept, imm cologne covers the currently highly price-sensitive market, while idd cologne represents the premium segment. Our intention is for German-made furniture from the mid-range and high-end segments to be as broadly represented as possible in Cologne.”
Global exhibitor representation
Asian companies will be particularly well represented at the fair, with China emerging as the clear leader among international participants. This development reflects significant shifts in supplier relationships, as Asian producers increasingly target European sales markets while many distributors reassess their sourcing strategies. The fair will function as the crucial intersection where global procurement meets range design.
To further expand international offerings, imm cologne will host national pavilions from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Japan, Romania, Taiwan and Turkey, presenting selections of national brands to the gathering.
Expected visitor profile and hall layout
Major retail decision-makers and purchasing specialists have confirmed their attendance. Expected visitors include Begros, emob, Fabrics, Furniture Row, IKEA, JYSK, Next, OTTO, porta, Segmüller, Westwing and XXXLutz, representing purchasing associations, retail chains, the wholesale and specialist retail trade, e-commerce companies and mail order businesses.
The hall layout reflects market conditions: European home and upholstered furniture will be displayed in Halls 10.1 and 10.2, while international sourcing specialists and OEM producers focusing on seating furniture, tables and compact furnishing solutions will occupy Halls 4.2 and 5.2. This carefully structured arrangement serves different trading structures, from large-scale brick-and-mortar retailers to online-only operators.
Networking opportunities
Participants are invited to the interior after-work event on the first day of the trade fair, running from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Passage 10/11 on the exhibition grounds. The event welcomes exhibitors, visitors and media representatives, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas and establish new contacts in a relaxed atmosphere with DJ sounds and complimentary refreshments.
