Formex returned to Stockholm this January. Since the furniture fair is closed (for this year), this is the only design fair in Sweden for spring and summer. With 267 exhibitors and just over 7,200 visitors, the numbers are modest by international standards, yet notable for a fair that has deliberately tightened its format. Looking at my notes from 2025 is see an increase. Compared to last year’s 238 exhibitors, the growth is tangible, if careful. The decision to shorten the fair to three days feels accurate: the programme is leaner, the pace sharper, and the experience more contained.
This year, I attended without official assignments — no curated walks, no stage talks, no formal favourites to select. My calendar is increasingly filled elsewhere, in Paris, Frankfurt and across Europe, but Formex remains my hometown fair.
Aesthetically, the fair mirrors broader international currents: retro colours, floral motifs and a kind of retro optimism dominate the halls. Yet the most compelling moments are found away from the expected. The real pleasure lies in discovering smaller, distinctly Swedish voices — a Sámi woven throw, emerging studios still finding their place, designers working close to material and place.
This is where Formex can play an important role. My only advice for Formex would just that. Lean further into these unique, local perspectives — and small-scale, characterful design.
I give Formex a 3 out of 5.
Sami throws from Sami Stories produced by Klippan.
What’s not to love?? Small dog vases by Wikholm Form. Love.
Flowers
Handpainted flowers were seen everywhere. Affari, Miljögården and Olsson Jensen.
And of course these ceramic vases we have seen at other fairs.
Embroidery
I saw a lot of embroidery on everything from napkins to tablecloth. It signals Mediterranean retro. Here from Chamois, but also seen at Axling. And of course at Miljögården.
Are olives the new lemon?
In this Mediterranean retro trend, we have seen a lot of lemons and various kinds of citrus. I still see that, but also olives now. Here at Miljögården.
Paddywax at Hippie De Luxe.
Karl Fredrik Gustavsson
But there is also a hint of cherry tomatoes. Are they the pattern for 2027?