Global Design Events You Can’t Miss in 2024 & 2025: A Sneak Peek at the Biggest Shows Around the World
Design enthusiasts, industry professionals, and creatives—mark your calendars! As we approach the tail end of 2024 and head into 2025, several major global design events are set to take place, showcasing the latest trends, innovations, and collaborations across a wide range of sectors. From textile design to cutting-edge furniture, here’s a roundup of some of the most anticipated design festivals, fairs, and exhibitions happening across the globe.
1. Seoul Design Festival 2024 – Seoul, South Korea
Dates: December 2024 (Exact dates TBD) Location: COEX, Seoul Website:Seoul Design Festival
The Seoul Design Festival is South Korea’s premier design event, bringing together local and international designers to celebrate creativity, innovation, and sustainability. The event features an array of design disciplines, including industrial design, architecture, and visual arts. Expect an immersive experience with interactive installations, design talks, and opportunities to engage with the latest trends shaping the global design landscape.
Highlights of the event typically include exhibits on contemporary furniture, lighting, product design, and technological innovations in design. It’s the perfect place for design professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives to get inspired and network.
Image by Isak Tiner
2. Irish Design Week 2024 – Republic of Ireland
Dates: 11–15 November 2024 Location: Various locations across the Republic of Ireland Website:Irish Design Week 2024
Celebrate Ireland’s rich design heritage and contemporary design innovations at Irish Design Week 2024. This week-long event will be held across the country, showcasing Ireland’s diverse and vibrant design scene. From product design to digital and graphic design, Irish Design Week highlights the nation’s dedication to creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainable design practices.
Visitors can explore a curated programme of exhibitions, workshops, and talks, all centred around Irish craftsmanship and innovation. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover emerging local designers and see how traditional techniques are being integrated with modern design sensibilities.
For textile enthusiasts, Heimtextil is the flagship trade fair to attend. Returning to Frankfurt in January 2025, this event promises an even more immersive and forward-thinking experience in the world of textiles. Hosted by Messe Frankfurt, Heimtextil will highlight the latest trends in textile design, fashion, interior textiles, and sleep solutions.
This year’s fair will collaborate with Studio Urquiola, the Milan-based design studio known for its contemporary and sustainable approach to design. Expect to see a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and circular design practices as the textile industry works towards more eco-conscious solutions. If you’re involved in interior design, textile production, or even fashion, Heimtextil is the must-attend event to get an insider look at the future of textiles.
4. Maison & Objet 2025 – Paris, France
Dates: 16–20 January 2025 Location: Paris Nord Villepinte, Paris, France Website:Maison & Objet 2025
Maison & Objet is one of the most iconic interior design trade fairs in the world, attracting design professionals, brands, and creatives from all corners of the globe. Taking place in Paris from January 16–20, 2025, this year’s edition promises to be an exciting celebration of design innovation across a wide range of categories, including home decor, furniture, lighting, and accessories.
Maison & Objet offers an opportunity for designers, manufacturers, and brands to showcase their latest collections and connect with key industry players. Whether you’re looking for design inspiration, seeking to network, or planning to discover new products, this event is an essential part of the global design calendar.
Ambiente is one of the leading international trade fairs for consumer goods, focusing on product design across a wide range of categories, including dining, home accessories, and lifestyle products. Hosted at Messe Frankfurt, Ambiente offers a comprehensive look at trends in home living, retail, and hospitality, showcasing everything from tableware to textiles and lighting.
With its emphasis on sustainable product development and design, Ambiente is an excellent platform for showcasing innovative and eco-conscious designs. Whether you’re an industry professional or a design enthusiast, Ambiente provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for the year ahead.
6. Istanbul Furniture Fair 2025 – Istanbul, Turkey
The Istanbul Furniture Fair is one of the largest and most important furniture trade shows in Turkey and the broader region. This annual event attracts thousands of exhibitors and visitors, offering an expansive platform for showcasing innovative furniture designs, trends, and manufacturing technologies.
The fair brings together furniture designers, manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers from around the world. Whether you’re in the business of high-end furniture, interior design, or home decor, the Istanbul Furniture Fair is a key event for networking and discovering new design possibilities.
Each of these events provides a unique opportunity for designers, creatives, and industry professionals to explore new trends, meet innovators, and discover sustainable solutions. Whether you’re interested in textiles, interior design, furniture, or product design, these global fairs are the perfect places to gather inspiration, forge partnerships, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving design world.
With so many incredible design events happening in the coming months, it’s the perfect time to start planning your travel and professional development. From the cutting-edge innovations showcased at Heimtextil to the inspiring local design talent featured at Irish Design Week, the design world is set to showcase the best of creativity, sustainability, and innovation. Don’t miss out on these exciting events!