INDIA’S FURNITURE MOMENT

As global buyers look East, India’s interiors industry steps into a defining chapter

Where India's Furniture & Interior Business Comes Together

India’s furniture and interiors sector is no longer quietly building momentum — it is stepping into a decisive era of scale, ambition and global visibility. Urban expansion, infrastructure investment, premium housing, a thriving hospitality sector and a renewed appetite for diversified supply chains have combined to create a rare inflection point.

At the centre of this shift stands imm india 2026, scheduled from March 11–14, 2026 at Yashobhoomi — a venue symbolic of modern India’s growing trade confidence.

Organised by Koelnmesse, the exhibition brings a globally tested B2B format into one of the world’s fastest-growing furniture markets. But this is not merely another trade fair announcement. Within the industry, it is increasingly seen as a signal — that India is ready to occupy a more assertive position in the global design and sourcing conversation.

India’s furniture market is projected to cross USD 32 billion by 2027, while exports continue to record sustained double-digit growth. Strengthened US–India ties and the recently concluded EU–India Free Trade Agreement have quietly shifted the arithmetic. Import duties in Europe on Indian wooden, bamboo, metal and handcrafted furniture — once as high as 10.5 per cent — have effectively reduced to near zero, simplifying procedures and sharpening India’s competitiveness. For buyers seeking supply chain resilience, the country is no longer an alternative; it is a priority.

“imm india 2026 is a strong statement of India’s readiness to lead the global furniture and interiors conversation,” says Milind Dixit, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Pvt. Ltd. “Our vision is to create a marketplace where Indian manufacturers connect seamlessly with global demand — where design meets business, and where lasting partnerships are built.”

The ambition is visible in the show’s architecture. From solid wood and upholstered furniture to rugs, modular kitchens, surfaces, materials and export-ready interior solutions, the floor is designed for direct sourcing rather than display alone. A dedicated Sourcing Hub, curated trend zones and a structured Hosted Buyer Programme are intended to prioritise meetings that lead to measurable outcomes.

International interest has been swift and geographically diverse — spanning Spain, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the United States, Canada and key Gulf and Asian markets. The scale of the European home and lifestyle market alone — valued at over USD 263 billion — underscores why the timing matters.

Industry alliances further reinforce the platform’s trade seriousness. Partnerships with the Buyers Agents Association and bodies including AFMI (Exclusive Partner), HEA Moradabad, JHEA and Kirti Nagar Timber & Furniture Dealers Association collectively build a pan-India ecosystem that connects manufacturing, export capability and retail networks.

Confidence is also reflected in the exhibitor roster. Brands such as Source, Furnvoy, Sunrise International, Sheela Foam Limited, Obeetee, Phoenix Industries, Royal Rugs, Khivraj Handicrafts and Sankara Furniture Designs, among others, have confirmed participation alongside more than 150 exhibitors presenting premium and export-ready collections.

Yet beyond commerce, the exhibition signals something subtler: a shift in perception. India has long been recognised for craftsmanship. It is now positioning itself as a structured, scalable and globally aligned sourcing destination — combining design intelligence with trade efficiency.

For bulk buyers, architects, interior designers, developers and international trade delegations, imm india 2026 may well be more than a diary entry. It could represent the moment when India’s furniture industry moves from participation to leadership in the global value chain.