Happy New Year—and just like that, the fair season is officially underway, led by textile heavyweight Heimtextil. The halls were packed with everything from bathroom to bedroom, carpets to curtain fabrics, and no shortage of inspiration. But the big question remains: did we actually spot any trends?
On paper, Heimtextil 2026 looked very much like last year. Roughly 3,000 exhibitors and 48,000 buyers—almost identical numbers, officially at least. Familiar scale, familiar buzz.
What was new, however, was the layout. Like many fairs these days, Heimtextil has embraced a reworked floor plan. I’m not against change—done right, a new layout can lead you to unexpected brands and pleasant surprises. That said, it did feel a bit disorienting at times, with more wandering than discovering.
Carpets and rugs, which came strong in the previous editions, were noticeably dialed down. They were still present, of course, just not with the same confidence or impact as in 2025. Hard flooring was almost entirely absent, which makes it clear that Heimtextil is doubling down on textiles rather than drifting into flooring territory. And wallpaper? Once a major player here—still little to be seen.
As for trends, yes, we’ll get into those. There was plenty to look at: a wide mix of colours, textures, and finishes. But one thing everyone seemed to agree on—the trend installation curated by the Alcova team was… not great. Bold idea, unfortunate execution.
Halls were busy with buyers. Not overcrowded but the exhibitors I talked to were happy.
I think in conclusion I would give Heimtextil a strong 3 of 5. Maybe 4. But I think I will stick to 3 because of the bad trend exhibitions.
More on the good, the bad, and the colourful below.
The trend installation by Alcova. Cold, distanced, no explanaiton, no context. Terrible.
One of the themes from the Alcova team was to talk about the influence of AI.
A second installation was done by Patricia Urquiola which combined AI with sustainability. Made from waste material and given organic AI shapes…
Tactility
If we should look into more details for the trends, then we should start with the obvious.
A lot is happening on the texture of the fabrics.
It is layered and pretty complex.
It can be part of the weaving or sowned on.
The picture just above is silk with woven “pimples”.
Rose, ocher and pink
As a trend expert I of course work with colours and colour charts. One of my colour trends is based on pink with a bit of “dirt” with it. This bready, darker yellow can be called ochre or even almond, but I saw a lot of this.
You can of course focus on a colder and more grey colour scale, but I really think that this warm ochre is nice.
It felt like almost everyone at Heimtextil had a version of this ochre.
It could be stand alone of with other colours.
Absolutely with proper brown.
Beautiful carpet.
With grey
But of course a lot of these more pink tones.
The chequered pattern
When it comes to patterns I am certain we will see experimentation with chequered versions. A play with tartan and nostalgia. Here a pattern from my dad’s shirt from the 80s.
I also think we will see attemps for a more “premium” or luxarious chequred print.
Same here. Is it related to the Louis Vuitton print??
Nostalgia
There was some – not a lot – of Mediterranean nostaglia. Some…
You could see it in colour combination. And I think this turquoise with orange is nice.
Beige and blue
Finally there was also a bit of blue. It is blue together with a dusty green, powder pink and fudge.
thanks!