Looking ahead to Heimtextil 2026, Q&A with director Bettina Bär

Director of Heimtextil, Bettina Bär talks to COVER

The Carpets & Rugs section will be greatly expanded for the 2026 edition of Heimtextil. Bettina Bär, director of the Frankfurt trade fair, tells us what’s going on and what to look forward to

1. What was the reason behind the layout change for Heimtextil 2026?

Over the past few years, the international market has changed a lot—geopolitical, technological, structural. The new hall layout for Heimtextil 2026 is our strategic response to that. In challenging and volatile times, this structure offers stability, orientation, and it strengthens exchange across the global industry. It’s designed to create stronger synergies and shorter walking distances across related product groups. One important driver behind this development has also been the continued growth of the carpets and rugs segment, which simply required more space.

By combining all our interior design segments more intelligently, we create a fairground that reflects how the market works today—one that helps exhibitors and buyers connect more efficiently and discover new opportunities across sectors. An example: Halls 3.0, 3.1 and 4.1 will be the new centre for all interior design. This is where the entire spectrum of textile and non-textile interior products comes together, from decorative and upholstery fabrics to solutions for windows, walls and floors. This means we create structures that really meet the needs of the industry and current market structures. It’s because our visitors are now looking less and less for specialised individual products and more for comprehensive solutions for their projects, efficiently in one place.

2. What do you think those changes will bring to the Carpets & Rugs section?

For the first time, the Carpets & Rugs area stretches across four hall levels. In Hall 12.0, visitors will meet leading brands in machine-woven carpets, along with the area for Belgian Textiles by Fedustria. Handwoven collections will be shown in Hall 11.0, and Hall 11.1 brings fresh perspectives with national pavilions from China and India. In addition, German carpet exhibitors such as Paulig and Infloor-Girloon will be showcasing their interior design offerings in Hall 3.0 as part of DecoTeam.

In the adjacent Design Lounge powered by Decoteam, brands such as Brink & Campman, Golze, Haro, Theko and Tisca will be presenting their high-quality carpet collections. A new highlight for 2026 will be the presentation of unique pieces, showcasing artistic rugs that celebrate craftmanship and creativity from high-end brands such as ABC Italia, Rezas Rugs and Satar Carpet as well as North Carpet, Le Cadeau Berbere and the joint stand of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, which has ten participants.

The result is an extensive global offering and clearly structured hub for the global carpet industry. Exhibitors benefit from higher visibility and new business potential, while visitors gain a complete overview of the market, from hand-knotted to handwoven and machine-made rugs.

3. Concerning the continued growth in the Carpets & Rugs section, what effect do you see this having on Heimtextil visitors and the show in general?

As I said before, the market is changing. There are fewer purely specialised carpet buyers today. Instead, our visitors are looking for complete textile interior solutions. They want to source in one place—from rugs and flooring to fabrics, wallcoverings and accessories.

This is precisely why we respond with a clear, target group-orientated structure that brings suitable suppliers and buyers together directly. Exhibitors and buyers from retail, interior design and the contract business can explore a global product range and source across categories and distribution channels.

The strong growth of the Carpets & Rugs area reflects this evolution. This exhibitor group has simply needed more space and, with the new hall structure, we now provide it. Heimtextil has thus become the international hub for carpets, attracting not only buyers from the dedicated carpet segment but also from furniture and wholesale trade.

The increasing integration of carpets and textile floor coverings into holistic interior concepts makes Heimtextil even more valuable for all sides of the market. We continuously develop the fair together with the industry and in line with its needs. We listen closely to our exhibitors and visitors and adapt our concept accordingly. The new hall structure is perfectly designed for that, bringing together the full spectrum of textile and non-textile interior design on a global scale.

The positive feedback and the expansion to four hall levels show us that we’re on the right track: Heimtextil has become the leading global platform where the textile and flooring worlds come together—and that’s exactly what the market is asking for.

4. What do you see as the benefits for rug buyers in attending Heimtextil 2026?

Rug buyers will find an unparalleled variety and depth of offerings at Heimtextil 2026. We’re bringing together the world’s leading manufacturers, from major players like Oriental Weavers, Merinos, Ragolle Rugs and Balta, to highly specialised producers from India, Turkey, Belgium and beyond. What makes this especially exciting is that you can follow the entire textile value chain in one place—covering fibres and yarns with brands like Aydin through to the latest production technologies for the carpet industry, presented by companies including Hofmann Handtuft-Technik, Fiberlane and Hitex Robot Tuft. It’s a platform that reflects the full spectrum of markets and distribution channels, from traditional retail to interior and contract design.

In addition, the new Future Floor area in Hall 12.0 offers curated trend insights, expert talks and guided tours, giving rug buyers access to the latest developments in design and sustainability. We’re also excited to have outstanding international experts who will share inspiring perspectives, and to collaborate with strong industry partners such as COVER.

Heimtextil is about gaining genuine market insights and inspiration for the coming season. And of course, the Heimtextil Trends 26/27 will add yet another dimension, showing how craftsmanship, technology and AI-driven design are shaping the future of interiors. That idea also comes to life in Patricia Urquiola’s installation among all, where visitors can experience how design, movement and AI interact—turning a simple walk-through into something playful and unexpected.

5. Do you envisage the Carpets & Rugs halls expanding further in the next years?

The demand is certainly strong, and we are amazed by the momentum and strong growth of the product range. It is truly unique in this form. Carpets & Rugs has really become a dynamic and fast-growing area at Heimtextil. You can feel the energy—from both exhibitors and visitors—and it clearly shows how vital the global rug and flooring market is right now.

We see Carpets & Rugs as an essential and growing part of Heimtextil. For us, it’s about evolving together with the industry. We want to create a platform that really reflects what manufacturers, designers and buyers need—a place for exchange, international business and inspiration. Together with the community, we’re shaping what’s next in carpets trends, materials and innovation on a global level.