A Day at the January Furniture Show 2026
Last Tuesday, our team spent the day at the January Furniture Show 2026, held at the NEC Birmingham. For those who may not be familiar, this UK furniture show brings together furniture designers and suppliers, giving retailers and industry professionals the chance to view collections in person, set up accounts, and have real conversations with the people behind the brands.
While this show may feel more understated compared to some of the larger international fairs, it is still a valuable UK furniture trade show for getting a clear picture of where the market is heading and what suppliers are focusing on for the year ahead. For us, these events are less about spectacle and more about connection, trend spotting, and seeing products properly rather than through a screen.
Why We Attend Furniture and Home Decor Shows
The home interiors industry is constantly shifting, and attending a home decor show like this allows us to stay informed and grounded in what is actually happening across the market. It gives us time to slow down, touch fabrics, study finishes, and speak directly with suppliers about materials, lead times, and design direction.
These shows also help us build a realistic view of trending furniture and understand which ideas are likely to translate into everyday homes rather than just display pieces. The January Furniture Show is often where early signals of 2026 home decor trends start to appear.
What We Noticed at the January Furniture Show 2026
After walking the floor and taking everything in, a few clear themes stood out that point towards key 2026 furniture trends.
Pattern Making a Strong Return
Pattern was everywhere. We saw it across sofas, stools, cushions, and accent pieces. There is a noticeable move away from plain upholstery, with designers leaning into prints that add warmth and personality. It feels like a response to more expressive interiors and a desire to make furniture feel less uniform.
Earthy and Relaxed Design
There was a strong earthy feel throughout many collections. Finishes felt more natural and less polished, with influences that leaned towards oriental and Mediterranean styling. This unfinished look brings a sense of calm and authenticity, making spaces feel lived in rather than overly styled.
Texture Leading the Way
Texture played a big role at this UK furniture show. Instead of flat, single surface designs, there was a clear focus on tactile detail. Fringing, layered materials, carved finishes, and rich fabrics all added depth and interest. Texture is clearly becoming just as important as colour in 2026 home decor trends.
Brands We Saw
During the day, we explored collections from a wide mix of well known and trade focused brands, including:
Richmond Interiors
Keiichi
Jonathan Adler
MALINI
Mindy Brownes
Asiatic Carpets
Alongside these, we also came across many other suppliers that operate on a trade only basis, offering insight into where the industry is quietly moving behind the scenes.
Final Thoughts
Spending the day at the January Furniture Show 2026 gave us a grounded look at what’s new in home decor for 2026. While it may not be the most overwhelming show on the calendar, it plays an important role in highlighting practical trends, emerging ideas, and the direction many brands are taking.
Pattern, texture, and earthy design are clearly shaping the next chapter of interiors, and we look forward to seeing how these ideas continue to develop throughout the year.
