Record international participation and visitor growth

Heimtextil 2025, held in Frankfurt, Germany, wrapped up as a resounding success, with full exhibition halls, 142 participating nations, and significant increases in both exhibitors and visitors. Over four days, the event welcomed more than 50,000 buyers who experienced the latest collections, materials, and textile solutions from over 3,000 exhibitors. With a marked increase in international participation, the exhibition reinforced its position as the leading global trade fair for home and contract textiles.

Notably, the international share of exhibitors rose to 96 per cent, with leading countries such as China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium dominating the showcase. On the visitor side, international attendance also surged to 84 per cent, with particularly strong growth from markets like Argentina, France, Great Britain, India, Japan, Canada, Sweden, South Korea, Spain, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.

Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, highlighted the growing demand for trade fairs, stating that in challenging economic times, market presence and resilience were essential. "Heimtextil enabled industry and retail to access new markets and shape global competition," Braun explained. Exhibitors also reported high satisfaction, with 81 per cent achieving their trade fair goals. Visitor satisfaction hit an impressive 94 per cent, demonstrating increased engagement and decision-making among top buyers.

Patricia Urquiola’s immersive textile design

A key highlight of the event was Patricia Urquiola’s immersive installation, ‘among-us,’ which set new standards for textile-based interior design. The installation, aimed at hospitality and retail decision-makers, demonstrated the potential of textiles in architecture and interior design. The atmospheric space combined functional design with innovative textile solutions, offering a forward-thinking vision of future living environments.

Urquiola’s showcase exemplified the increasing role of textiles in shaping progressive, sustainable, and aesthetically bold interiors for retail and hospitality sectors, creating a buzz among trade visitors seeking new concepts and ideas.

Heimtextil trends 25/26: Shaping textile design’s future

The Heimtextil Trends 25/26, curated by the Milanese design platform Alcova, provided critical guidance to the retail sector amid evolving consumer preferences and restrained spending. The trend themes ‘Naturally Uneven,’ ‘Radically Restructured,’ and ‘Regenerative’ highlighted the growing consumer demand for durable, high-quality products with ethical and ecological considerations.

Alcova’s Trend Arena showcased contemporary materials, techniques, and production processes, offering solutions for the industry’s ongoing challenges. The 2025 color palette, including tones such as Revival Mud, New Green Deal, and Syntropic Forest, captured the essence of a more sustainable and conscientious approach to interior design.

AI and Circularity: Leading the way in innovation

Heimtextil 2025 also placed a strong emphasis on innovation, with a comprehensive content program featuring over 140 lectures, workshops, and guided tours. Key topics included AI-driven design, circular production processes, and sustainable business practices. The event’s focus on AI demonstrated how artificial intelligence is reshaping traditional textile production and customer care, opening up new business opportunities in the industry.

Olaf Schmidt, Vice President of Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, emphasized the importance of Heimtextil as a hub for global knowledge exchange. "With our new partnerships and expertise on circularity, we are helping businesses thrive in a changing world," Schmidt remarked.

The event's extensive program not only addressed the industry's technological advances but also provided a platform for promoting sustainable practices and economic growth within the retail, hospitality, and interior design sectors.

Heimtextil 2026: Driving textile innovation forward

The success of Heimtextil 2025 has set the stage for the next edition, taking place from January 13 to 16, 2026. Patricia Urquiola will return to further develop her innovative design concepts, setting new benchmarks for textile-based room designs. Alcova Milano will also continue its exploration of innovative materials and emerging trends, providing valuable insights that will shape the future of textile interior design.

As Heimtextil continues to drive transformation in the textile industry, the 2026 edition promises to deliver even greater value for exhibitors, visitors, and the global textile community.