The January Furniture Show 2026 opens its doors today at the NEC Birmingham, welcoming the furniture and interiors industry for four days of sourcing, insight and conversation. From the moment visitors step inside, the halls are alive with texture, colour and the low hum of the buying season beginning.

Running from Sunday 18 to Wednesday 21 January, the show signals the start of the buying year, bringing together more than 500 UK and international brands, 50,000+ products and an estimated 20,000 buyers, retailers, designers and specifiers. Long regarded as the industry’s January meeting point, JFS once again sets the stage for new collections, emerging trends and early buying decisions.

Now in its 36th edition, the January Furniture Show continues to respond to a changing market, with a clear focus on design-led innovation, sustainability, quality craftsmanship and collections shaped for today’s retail and specification landscape.

Paddy Wallace, Head of Sales for the January Furniture Show, commented:

“This year feels especially exciting, we’re seeing the industry come together with renewed energy and confidence. From long‑established exhibitors to fresh new brands, there’s a real sense of momentum on the show floor. Buyers are looking for innovation and reliability in equal measure, and JFS provides the perfect platform to start those conversations.”

A smarter, more connected show floor

This year’s show layout has been carefully refined to support easier navigation and more purposeful discovery across key sectors, each with its own distinct rhythm and atmosphere:

Hall 1 – Premium Design: Calm, considered and design-led, Hall 1 offers a more gallery-like feel, where materiality, form and finish take centre stage.

Hall 2 – Home, Garden & Lifestyle: Brighter and more energetic, this hall reflects the commercial heart of the show, with trend-led collections, accessible design and products designed to move quickly on the shop floor.

Hall 3 – Living, Dining & Cabinet: Practical, purposeful and well-paced, Hall 3 brings together core furniture categories, balancing everyday functionality with evolving design detail.

Hall 5 – Upholstery & Beds: Softer in tone, Hall 5 invites visitors to linger, with comfort, craftsmanship and construction firmly in focus.

Alongside the exhibition floor, the Retail Revealed LIVE stage is now underway, delivering practical, forward-looking sessions on retail strategy, consumer behaviour, trends, technology, sustainability and leadership. The programme is designed to support informed decision-making and encourage meaningful industry dialogue.

Networking, celebration and industry recognition

Beyond sourcing, JFS 2026 offers a full programme of networking and social activity throughout the show. From conversations sparked in the aisles to more informal moments at the official Show Party and onsite Happy Hour sessions, the event creates space for connection as well as commerce. A series of events hosted by the Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) includes a dedicated networking brunch and a speed networking session, creating space for conversation, mentoring and connection across all career stages.

The buying year starts here

Taking place at a pivotal moment in the buying cycle, the January Furniture Show offers a concentrated opportunity to assess market direction, reconnect with peers and strengthen industry relationships. With doors now open, visitors can expect four days shaped by discovery, insight and connection.