The Ultimate Guide for Interior Designers Attending Europe's Top Design Shows in Late 2025

As an interior designer, staying ahead of design trends, networking with industry leaders, and sourcing new suppliers are essential to success. Fortunately, Europe hosts some of the most influential interior design events in the world. With the next six months packed with top-tier exhibitions, now is the time to plan your itinerary. This guide breaks down five must-attend interior design shows taking place across Europe between September 2025 and January 2026, offering practical tips, insight into networking opportunities, and a look at the professional and economic value these events can offer.

1. Maison & Objet (Paris, France)

Dates: September 4–8, 2025
Location: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre

Why Attend:

Maison & Objet is more than just a trade show—it's a cultural phenomenon. Hosting over 6,500 brands and welcoming more than 80,000 visitors from around the world, this biannual event is renowned for spotlighting lifestyle and home decor trends. From artisanal lighting to cutting-edge furniture, you'll discover products across various design styles and markets.

What to Expect:

• Curated spaces by trendsetters

• Installations that reflect macro and micro design trends

• Dedicated zones for interior design, luxury, retail, and hospitality

• Business networking lounges

Economic & Professional Value:

According to recent reports by SAFI (the event organizer), over 75% of attendees reported discovering at least one new brand or product line they went on to stock or specify in client projects. The average professional reported a 10–20% increase in project budgets due to trends and suppliers discovered at the show.

Tips for Designers:

• Use the "Maison&Objet In the City" experience to visit offsite showrooms and galleries.

• Book accommodations in advance as Paris hotels fill quickly during the show.

• Join the "What’s New?" trend talks for forecasting insights.

2. World Design Congress (London, UK)

Dates: September 9–11, 2025
Location: Barbican Centre, London

Why Attend:

Organized by the International Council of Design, this prestigious event returns to London after 50 years with the theme "Design for Planet." It attracts design professionals from more than 50 countries and focuses on sustainability, design ethics, and future-thinking practices.

What to Expect:

• Keynote speakers from top architectural and design firms

• Interactive installations on sustainability and innovation

• Roundtable discussions with policymakers and educators

• Access to London Design Festival events

Economic & Professional Value:

While not a product show per se, the Congress excels in positioning designers for future leadership roles. Attendees often secure collaborations or commissions by participating in ideation sessions. Many previous attendees report initiating new R&D projects or gaining media exposure through think tanks.

Tips for Designers:

• Prepare your portfolio or case studies in print or digital format.

• Stay on for the London Design Festival for additional inspiration and networking.

• Bring business cards and explore adjacent venues like Somerset House for additional activations.

3. Decorex (London, UK)

Dates: October 12–15, 2025
Location: Olympia London

Why Attend:

If your practice leans towards high-end or luxury interiors, Decorex is non-negotiable. With more than 280 elite brands under one roof, this show is a hotspot for bespoke furnishings, high-quality textiles, and heritage artisans.

What to Expect:

• Exhibitors include emerging artisans and legacy manufacturers

• Interior design talks from top studios

• Installations showcasing upcoming color and material trends

• Networking areas for specifiers and suppliers

Economic & Professional Value:

Attendees often report immediate ROI through direct procurement deals or supplier partnerships. According to the 2024 visitor report, 68% of designers placed orders within three months post-show, and 41% established new supplier relationships.

Tips for Designers:

• Focus on building long-term supplier relationships.

• Attend the curated talks for CEU credits (available through some partner organizations).

• Dress professionally—this is a high-caliber event where first impressions matter.

4. Dutch Design Week (Eindhoven, Netherlands)

Dates: October 18–26, 2025
Location: Citywide, centered in Strijp-S district

Why Attend:

Dutch Design Week (DDW) is a celebration of creativity and experimentation. Unlike traditional trade shows, DDW transforms Eindhoven into a living design lab. It's the largest design event in Northern Europe, featuring over 2,600 designers.

What to Expect:

• Emerging talent exhibits from Design Academy Eindhoven

• Future-focused installations on circular economy, tech, and wellness

• Citywide activations in studios, schools, and public spaces

• A relaxed, collaborative atmosphere ideal for discovery

Economic & Professional Value:

While not a sourcing event in the traditional sense, DDW offers long-term dividends through idea generation, trend discovery, and partnerships with avant-garde makers. Many designers use DDW as a think tank to evolve their practices.

Tips for Designers:

• Rent a bike for easy city navigation.

• Focus on concept installations over products.

• Attend talks at the Klokgebouw venue for industry deep dives.

5. Heimtextil (Frankfurt, Germany)

Dates: January 14–17, 2026
Location: Messe Frankfurt

Why Attend:

Heimtextil is the world’s largest trade fair for textiles, and a must for any designer working in hospitality, contract, or residential interiors. With over 2,700 exhibitors from 60+ countries, it provides a global snapshot of textile innovation.

What to Expect:

• Themed trend zones curated by international studios

• Technical textiles and sustainable materials

• Supplier meetings for linens, upholstery, wall coverings, and more

• Talks on interior sustainability and certifications

Economic & Professional Value:

Designers often lock in annual fabric contracts at Heimtextil, saving up to 25% versus post-show negotiations. Additionally, emerging suppliers offer exclusive discounts for orders placed during the event.

Tips for Designers:

• Download the Heimtextil app for real-time navigation and schedules.

• Focus a full day on the "Trend Space" to absorb key themes.

• Reserve hotel rooms early as Frankfurt accommodations fill quickly during fair season.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Trip

To extract the most value from attending any of these shows, consider the following:

• Plan Ahead: Pre-schedule meetings with vendors or collaborators via show apps or LinkedIn.

• Travel Logistics: Fly into major hubs like Paris, London, and Frankfurt, but use trains for intra-European connections to save time and carbon footprint.

• Document Everything: Photograph booths, record voice memos, and collect business cards. Use a digital notebook app like Notion or Evernote to tag themes.

• Follow Up: The most valuable connections come after the show—send follow-up emails within one week.

Whether you're sourcing suppliers, seeking trend inspiration, or planning your next collection, these five shows offer a strategic advantage to elevate your interior design practice. With the right preparation, these events can not only inspire but also transform your business for the year ahead.

Ready to pack your bags? Start mapping your route across Europe's design capitals—your next breakthrough collaboration or product line might just be a showroom away.