This was idd cologne 2025!

A trade fair taking over an entire city? Yes, it’s possible! For the first edition of the interior design days cologne, the whole of Cologne transformed into a vibrant showcase for interior design. For the first time, exhibitors and visitors experienced a furniture fair spread across multiple venues rather than a single exhibition hall. From 26 to 29 October 2025, more than 106 brands displayed their latest trends and collections in 16 different locations – offering a truly urban design experience.

One of the three main venues of idd cologne was Design Post Köln, which this year became an official cooperation partner of Koelnmesse. Here, brands such as &tradition, Bretz, Tecta, Thonet, Ferm Living and Bielefelder Werkstätten showcased their latest trends, products and designs.
“Overall, we consider the idd a success, especially when it comes to the mix of trade visitors and end consumers. Since we operate in both the residential and contract sectors, direct market feedback is particularly valuable for us. The relaxed, open character of the idd made the topic of furniture feel approachable and accessible for consumers – and this was very well received. Our specialist retail partners also praised the atmosphere and the compact nature of the event concept. All in all, the idd format has strong potential for further development. We would very much welcome a streamlined continuation of the event.” – Norbert Ruf, Creative Director and Managing Director, Thonet

A standout moment for architecture lovers was the exhibition held in the historic, landmark-protected Stoff Pavilion Moeller. Designed by Cologne architect Wilhelm Riphahn, the pavilion is considered a gem of post-war Cologne architecture from the 1950s. Inside, brands such as COR, Kettnaker, KFF and Möller Design showcased their furniture and interior concepts. Another program highlight was the idd cologne Aperitivo, hosted in the Stoff Pavilion Moeller, which created a relaxed setting for exchange and networking within the design community.

“This year, idd cologne impressed with its ‘urban-only’ concept, demonstrating how the German furniture industry can position itself for the future. With inspiring presentations, engaging talk formats, and close interaction with customers, the event provided a comprehensive overview of current trends, set new impulses, and reinforced Cologne’s importance as a key trade fair location in Germany.” Leo Lübke, Managing Director, COR

Creativity was in full swing at Machwerkhaus Köln, the city’s hub for design and urban production. Visitors experienced an eclectic mix of exhibitors, from established names like Baltensweiler to newcomers such as the Stuttgart-based label Bottone. In addition, a wide range of workshops offered hands-on experiences, including risograph printing, indigo dyeing, and 3D printing with ceramics.

Perfectly in tune with today’s zeitgeist, the exhibition Assembly, initiated by MBSY and both curated and designed by Studio DLF, skillfully captured the current dynamism of the design scene and translated it into a meticulously orchestrated space.

At the heart of the exhibition was a carefully curated selection of innovative new releases, experimental approaches, and established contemporary brands, offering a multifaceted picture of current materials, forms, and production methods. Featured brands included Baux, Buzzispace, From Lighting, Hem, Lammhults, Massproductions, Nown, Blond, Byborre, Bottone, JKS, and Palet.

The exhibition seamlessly connected these diverse voices, ensuring that each brand retained its individuality while forming an overarching narrative: one of collaborative design, responsible production, and the ever-evolving aesthetic and functional needs of our time. Through its carefully orchestrated atmosphere and clear conceptual direction, Assembly became a prime example of what is relevant, pressing, and inspiring in today’s design landscape.

In addition to the three main interior design hubs, the concept was expanded with numerous showrooms, creative spaces, flagship stores, and pop-up formats from the local design scene – 16 locations in total across the city. It’s no surprise, then, that the Urban Design Walks, guided tours of the key hotspots, proved to be a major draw for visitors.

“For us at Bretz, idd cologne was a valuable opportunity to present our new collection in a personal, face-to-face setting. The positive energy on site, combined with an inspiring mix of design culture, exciting networking, and current trends, made the event especially relevant to our daily work.” – Carolin Kutzera, Managing Director, Bretz

In total, idd cologne offered more than 70 events that combined design, architecture, and urban life. In the Architonic Talks, leading voices from architecture and design shared forward-looking insights on topics such as longevity, the emotional impact of spaces, brand identity, and material qualities.

Whether live performances, workshops, or exhibitions, the numerous events in partner showrooms and stores reflected the creative diversity of the fair. The program ranged from expert talks and panel discussions to more social networking formats. The spirit of the idd cologne premiere could be felt across the entire city, making the event an inspiring, immersive experience, fully embedded in the architecture and atmosphere of Cologne.

Curious to explore more from idd cologne? Discover further inspiration in the idd cologne inspiration archive.