World of Interiors chosen as the central theme for imm cologne 2026

The team behind imm cologne has selected its central theme for 2026: World of Interiors. Under this banner, the reconceptualised Interior Business Event will present home lifestyles and interior design in all their diversity in Cologne from 20 to 23 January 2026. The showcase will be closely geared to market needs, international and packed with inspiration, strengthening the trade fair’s profile as the focused B2B platform for the consumer-oriented interior design market.

“Our central theme, World of Interiors, sums up what the reconceptualised imm cologne stands for: It brings the entire spectrum of home interiors together at a single event. The trade fair reflects the latest developments, drives trends and serves as a central marketplace, making it the leading business event for the consumer-oriented furniture industry,” says Bernd Sanden, imm cologne’s director. 

A comprehensive market overview
The new central theme encompasses the full array of high-demand, market-ready products – from entry-level price points to lifestyle furniture, from high-volume vendors to established brands. The trade fair provides guidance and orientation for decision-makers from the industry and the retail and wholesale sector: Interior professionals who want to understand the trends that will define interior design, the products that will captivate purchasers worldwide, and how consumer needs are changing will find well-founded insights and market-oriented inspiration at imm cologne. 

International business platform
As a clearly focused B2B event, imm cologne is the ideal platform for initiating strategic exchanges of ideas and sustainable business relationships. The event is centred around fostering face-to-face discussions – conversations that close deals, establish partnerships and harness market potential. The world of interiors meets the world of business at imm cologne. As an international hub, the trade fair brings decision-makers from all the relevant markets together, attracting players from both the bricks-and-mortar sector and e-commerce. It serves as the central sourcing platform for companies looking to target the German and Central European markets. imm cologne is the place where negotiations begin, contracts are signed, and the industry’s future is shaped.  

Established gathering for the interiors community
imm cologne has been the go-to destination for the international furniture and interior design industry for more than 70 years. Manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers, stakeholders from the fields of design and architecture, as well as media representatives, head to Cologne for the annual gathering of the interiors network. But the trade fair is much more than just a business-only event: It is a trusted forum for exchanges of ideas, inspiration and face-to-face conversations. With a diverse and welcoming ambience that resembles a family get-together, the event is steeped in the distinctive “Cologne spirit”, giving the unique format a strong identity.  

Tradition meets future
imm cologne combines continuity and change like no other event of its kind. While its roots as the world’s first furniture trade fair extend far back into history, it always keeps its finger on the pulse. The event balances decades of experience with a mission that aims to give new ideas greater visibility. imm cologne’s track record at spotting both social and aesthetic developments has established it as a sounding board for innovations. With its blend of home lifestyle trends, commercial impetus and insights into new cultural directions, the trade fair presents a fresh and crucial overview of the international interior design scene. 

Kicking off the 2026 interior design year
The furniture world has traditionally looked to Cologne at the start of the year. imm cologne is a firm fixture on the calendar for the international interiors scene. As the first significant industry platform of the year, it is a reliable catalyst for the furniture business. From new product launches to trends and market developments, the concepts and themes that will define interior design in the coming year are revealed in Cologne. Any companies with a presence at the trade fair benefit from strong momentum, visibility and direct market access as they kick-start the new design season.  

From 2026, the trade fair will return to its annual schedule and usual January dates. The next edition will be hosted in Halls 4, 5 and 10 of the Koelnmesse trade fair grounds. 

Further details on the trade fair and information on how to register are available at: www.imm-cologne.com/for-exhibitors/become-an-exhibitor/

Save the dates: 20–23 January 2026 – Welcome to the World of Interiors!