The M.O.W. 2026 concludes with a positive overall outcome. Amidst a persistently challenging market environment this exhibition turned out to be a bright spot for this industry: it brought people together, created space for personal exchange and made the product „furniture“ again the centre of attention. The atmosphere in the halls was characterised by momentum and spirit of renewal– and confirmed the M.O.W. as Germany‘s most important furniture trade fair and Europe’s leading international trade fair.

With 620 suppliers from 52 nations this trade fair emphasized its strong position in the European furniture business showing renewed growth compared with the previous year. In 2025, 558 suppliers from 39 countries were represented in Bad Salzuflen. Thus, the M.O.W. 2026 not only grew in size but above all became more international.

Alongside Germany, Poland, Denmark and the Netherlands ranked among the strongest exhibiting nations. But also Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Estonia, Austria, China, and Serbia were strongly represented. Countries such as Morocco, Pakistan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam participated for the first time.

Intensive discussions were held in the halls relating to the initiation of concrete business transactions, product ranges and decisions. The M.O.W. waked this industry up and demonstrated how important it is to meet personally and to view furniture products firsthand. The Home as the central living space of human beings remains a relevant issue – and the M.O.W. continues to be the place where this industry exchanges ideas and shapes the future.

This Industry Shows Strength

This industry made an impressive showing in Bad Salzuflen. Sophisticatedly designed booths, complete home environments and sales-orientated product range concepts showcased the diversity of this market. Notable highlights included meticulous attention to product detail, new materials, functions, and colurs as well and the creativity with which even artificial intelligence is increasinly integrated in product development, marketing and presentation.

The exhibitors reported a positive response from the trade, numerous discussions, new customer contacts, and concrete project leads. The positive acceptance by buyers and decision-makers validated the investments in products, presentation and trade fair presence resulting in corresponding orders.

International participartion was particularly strong: with 45 percent of the industry visitors coming from abroad. The number of international industry visitors was further increasing. The Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, France, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland ranked among the strongest visitor nations. Compared with the previous year the number of visitors from Germany also increased. In total, trade visitors from 65 nations travelled to Bad Salzuflen – three more than the year before.

Based on this, the M.O.W. reached a diversified industry audience – from the traditional furniture trade and associations, independent retailers, chain stores, specialists, and studios up to online retailers. But also DIY stores and superstores, garden centres and designers and fitters, and many different non-food marketing companies benefitted from this trade fair to explore product ranges, initiating business and place orders. The busiest days were from Monday to Wednesday. The exhibitors described the situation with an appropriate German concept: „really bustling.“

The Industry Trade Fair Reaffirms Its Status

With the extensive coverage of product ranges, price levels and sales forms this M.O.W. has again confirmed its claim as the „The Trade Fair Of This Industry.“ At the same time the international participation emphasizes the importance as the leading European platform for furniture business.

Also the organiser has consistently further developed the M.O.W. 2026, gave new impulses for this sector and opened up additional thematic areas. M.O.W. olé as a platform for Outdoor.Living.Event celebrated a successful debut with over 40 participating companies. The positive resonance and the feedback for 2027 show: the participating companies belong to the pioneers of a market in which living spaces are increasingly extended into outdoor areas. Therefore M.O.W. olé is purposefully continued as a relevant expansion of the offer. Further futuristic topics were introduced with M.O.W. Input for the service providers of this industry.

The collaboration with area30 in Löhne also proved to be an important step forward. Together the two events provide an extremely comprehensive overview over the living and kitchen sector reinforcing the East Westphalian area as the central hub of the furnishing industry.

Looking Ahead: Stronger Together

The M.O.W. is confidentially looking ahead. In 2026 this trade fair has shown that continuity, market proximity and the consequent further development of the offer form a solid foundation. The M.O.W. wants to continue this way. Together with the exhibitors, retailers and partners the M.O.W. intends to continue on this path and provide a powerful platform well into the future.

M.O.W.- Managing Director Bernd Schäfermeier „The M.O.W. shows the power which is created when people come together, experience products and look ahead together. The resonance from the trade, the high level of international participation and the high positive feedback make us very confident. In addition, the timing of this trade fair is ideal: the trade gains important impulses and makes assortment decisions for the forthcoming autumn and winter season and simultaneously takes a look to the product ranges for 2027. We are looking forward to following this path together with our exhibitors, retail partners and the trade.“

Trend Telegram: Key Takeaways From The Bad Salzuflen Industry

Greater sense of value +++ material quality, tactility and details as a quality promise +++ walnut in the spotlight +++ oak remains a strong performer +++ light shades such as beige, sand and off-white lead the way +++ cashmere is the new white +++ rust-coloured, terracotta and earth colours are on the rise, occasionally green +++ bubble sofas are trending +++ comfort features for relaxing, sleeping, leaning against, stowing, adjusting, and charging +++ planning capability +++ organic shapes for upholstered furniture +++ rounded unit furniture +++ tone-in-tone compositions +++ light solutions +++ block-type kitchens +++ pet furniture +++ sustainability as key aspect of product quality +++ more outdoor living +++ drop shipping and flat packed design for online shops and marketplaces +++ digital product data +++ AI in marketing +++

The Next M.O.W. Will Be Taking Place From September 19 to 23, 2027.

Further information: www.mow.de

Press contact: Kaja Möller, Fon 040/36905290, [email protected] or directy from Messe Ostwestfalen, Fon 05222/9250-31, www.mow.de.