We take a look at the key highlights from the January Furniture Show.
The 2026 edition of the January Furniture Show welcomed a highly engaged mix of attendees spanning retail, manufacturing, e-commerce and specification, with independent retailers, multiples, department stores, online businesses, contract buyers and interior designers all strongly represented.
Organisers said that visitor attendance grew by 2% year on year, supported by an 11% expansion of the show footprint. This year also saw the introduction of an expanded and revised show layout across Halls 1, 2, 3 and 5, supporting improved flow and clearer sector zoning. The evolution of the floorplan aligned with the show’s long-term vision to return to a horseshoe shape.
VIP attendance increased by 28% year on year, with consistently strong conversion rates and significant growth among buyers controlling annual budgets of £1 million and above. Sharp increases were recorded across every high-spend bracket, from £1–2 million through to £10 million-plus. Furthermore, 75% of the exhibition floorplan has already been rebooked for January 2027.
Events hosted by the Women in Furniture Network were among the most talked-about highlights of the show. New for 2026, a series of 1-to-1 mentoring sessions connected emerging and established professionals with senior industry leaders, offering practical guidance, open discussion and meaningful career support in a focused, one-to-one setting.
Paddy Wallace, Head of Sales for The Furniture Show’s, said: “What stood out this year was the quality of engagement. Buyers came with intent, exhibitors came prepared, and the conversations happening across the halls were commercially meaningful. The strength of senior decision-makers, international participation and high-spend buyers reinforces January Furniture Show’s role as the industry’s most important meeting point at the start of the buying year.”
Save the Date
January Furniture Show returns to the NEC Birmingham from 24–27 January 2027.
Visitor Comments
“January Furniture Show is a one-stop place to really understand the home, furniture and interiors market. It’s invaluable for seeing new products and trends, meeting suppliers and buyers in one place, and having proper conversations around sourcing, selling and partnerships.” – Wayfair
“The best selection of furniture under one roof.” – Arighi Bianchi
“A great place to catch up with important suppliers and industry colleagues.” – DFS
“It’s huge, fantastically well put together, and if you can’t find quality product for your store here, you’ll never find it. For me personally, it’s been invaluable to meet all our existing suppliers in one place, and I’ve also made a number of new connections with suppliers we’ll be working with moving forward.” – ScS
“The mix of products available to purchase and the variety on show, from UK to international suppliers, is excellent.” – Leekes
Manchester Furniture Show
The Manchester Furniture Show returns to Manchester Central from 5-6 July 2026.
