Il Furniture expo.Milano 2026 closes with 316.342 attendees from 167 countries, marking an increase in + 4,5% compared to 2025 and consolidating its role as an international platform for design and furnishings. In a context characterized by geopolitical instability and transformations in global demand, the event demonstrated the entire sector's ability to remain competitive and forward-looking, combining industry, culture and business.

An international ecosystem with a strong foreign presence

The most significant data remains the international component: 68% of operators come from abroad, confirming the Salone as a strategic lever for the internationalization of companies. During the six-day event, buyers, designers, investors, and the media brought together a system that involved over 1.900 brands from 32 countries, strengthening the global dimension of the event. Among the most relevant sectors, EuroCucina / FTK – Technology For the Kitchen and the International Bathroom Exhibition have highlighted the growing importance of technology, sustainability, and new lifestyles in the evolution of contemporary living.

Geography of demand in transformation

The ranking of international attendances highlights a increasingly complex questionChina remains the leading country in terms of number of operators, while Europe consolidates its position with significant growth from Germany, Spain, Austria, and Belgium. Outside Europe, significant increases are being recorded from the United States and the United Kingdom, while dynamic new markets such as Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea are emerging. This picture confirms the progressive redefinition of trade routes and business opportunities.

Global strategies and institutional recognition

The international work developed throughout the year was crucial to these results: from B2B missions in Asia and North America to strategic partnerships and the development of new formats. In this context, the Salone received significant institutional recognition, officially becoming a Ambassador of Italian design in the world, on the initiative of Antonio TajaniA move that strengthens the event's role in the country's economic and cultural diplomacy policies.

Innovation and new platforms for the future of the sector

The 2026 edition also marked a strategic evolution in content. The debut of Raritas Hall, dedicated to collectible design and experimentation, has expanded the cultural dialogue of the project, while the masterplan of Contract Show 2027, signed by Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten, laid the foundation for the development of a high-value segment, estimated at 68 billion euros.

Media, young people and the public: growing numbers

The event also recorded a strong media growth with over 6.000 press presences (+14,7%), of which almost half are international. The participation of the new generations is particularly significant: more than 14.000 students between Italians and foreigners and 700 designers under 35 at SaloneSatellite, confirming the role of the Show as a bridge between education and industry. The weekend's attendance also increased, with over 37.000 visitors.

Milano capital of design and widespread culture

The collateral events were also a great success, including the White Night of the Project – Common Archive, which involved 19 institutions with over 50 appointments between visits and talks, enhancing the cultural heritage of Milano and strengthening the bond between the city and the event.

A clear direction towards the future

According to the president Mary Porro, the Salon is not just a fair but a strategic infrastructure capable of transforming relationships into opportunities. Along the same lines, Claudio Feltrin highlights how the 2026 edition represents a injection of confidence for the entire sector, especially in a time of great global uncertainty. The Salone del Mobile.Milano now gives an appointment to the 65 edition, scheduled for April 13 to 18, 2027, with the aim of continuing to drive the evolution of design internationally.

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