Upholstery fabrics, wallpaper, furnishing fabrics, curtains, protective systems, carpets: fabrics feature on most of the surfaces that surround us, both at home and in other environments. Heimtextil, the trade fair by Messe Frankfurt taking place from January 13 to 16, 2026, offers a comprehensive overview of products from the textile industry. But the fair isn’t just about the products on display: thanks to collaborations with many experts and designers, Heimtextil showcases research on international trends and projects highlighting the potential of textiles in interior design.
Discover Heimtextil 2025
Heimtextil 2026: textile industry between tradition and AI
The research on trends in textiles, the second chapter of the analysis conducted by Alcova, presents a trendscape in which craftsmanship and digital design methods merge. The aim of this second part is to explore the relationship between craftsmanship and digital technology, which has given rise to a new protagonist: the techno-craftsman, who sees digital tools as useful complements to their creative workshop.
The Heimtextil 26/27 Trends address the current challenges facing the creative and textile industry: AI streamlines processes, but at the same time raises questions about control and project identity. The trends therefore outline the importance of craftsmanship – and how AI can intelligently support and improve it.
Alcova’s research does not focus only on materials and aesthetics: the conscious use of AI in design complements human creativity and can also be an additional source of inspiration. In brief, these are the six trends identified for 2026/27:
- Re: media
Fabrics come from the interaction between digital design and craftsmanship - Visible co-work
AI generates the designs, the craftsman completes them. The boundary between coding and manual skill blurs. Examples: digitally embroidered linen, knitted 3D patchwork, generative patterns on classic fabrics - Sensing nature
Nature is the original source. Its structures are digitally translated: the ocean’s surface becomes a textile grid - A playful touch
In an era dominated by functionality, small decorative details return to center stage—not for utility, but for pleasure - Crafted irregularity
Fabrics with knots, irregular dyeing, visible seams, asymmetrical finishes. The materials reveal, rather than hide, their craftsmanship – contrasting with the perfection generated by AI - The uncanny valley
Technical elements such as wires, connections, and coils are not hidden, but displayed. They reveal the inner workings of machines, producing a curious, almost alien aesthetic
Discover trend from Heimtextil 2025
Heimtextil Trends 2025/2026
Heimtextil 2026, a new layout for a more comprehensive offering
With the claim “Lead the Change,” Heimtextil 2026 shows how to turn challenges into opportunities. From January 13 to 16, over 3,100 exhibitors from 65 countries will present new collections and textile solutions for furnishings, upholstery, wallpaper, and carpets, featuring residential and contract interior design.
A new layout groups product clusters together for an streamlined visitor experience. The creative heart of the fair, Trends Heimtextil 26/27, will move to Hall 6.1, surrounded by the Bed, Bath & Living and Textile Design segments. In collaboration with Alcova Milano, this is where we found the design hotspot, under the motto “Craft is a verb.”
Bed, Bath & Living at Heimtextil 2025
Patricia Urquiola: sustainable textile design
Patricia Urquiola will also be back in 2026 with her immersive installation “among-all” in Hall 3.0. The work creates a multisensory textile experience that combines aesthetics, comfort, functionality, and sustainability. The installation shows how AI-driven design can meet individual needs and generate new spatial concepts for design, retail, and hospitality.
Also in Hall 3.0, Heimtextil brings together the essential products for interior design – wallpaper, carpets, curtains, privacy screens, and sun protection systems. The Interior Design Concepts: Windows, Wall & Floor area offers textile and non-textile solutions for designers, interior designers, architects, and buyers.
With Interior.Architecture.Hospitality, Heimtextil 2026 presents a comprehensive program for architecture, interior design, hospitality, and the healthcare sector. The Interior.Architecture.Hospitality LIBRARY, in Hall 3.1, will present a curated selection of functional fabrics – accompanied by a talk spot for product launches and insights.
Installation “among us” by Patricia Urquiola, Heimtextil 2025
Global Home
Halls 8.0, 9.1, 10.1, 10.3, and Halls 9.0 and 10.2 will be dedicated to Global Home and Global Home Excellence. The halls host international manufacturers and national pavilions, including China, India, Pakistan, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Heimtextil, Messe Frankfurt, January 13-16, 2026
Heimtextil is for professionals only
Size: 3,100 exhibitors (around), 50.000 visitors (around)
Visit Heimtextil website for more info
Some images from Heimtextil 2025
