

Salone del Mobile Milano – The world’s most important furniture and design fair
The Salone del Mobile in Milan is the world’s leading trade fair for furniture, design and interior architecture. Since its foundation in 1961, the event has developed into one of the most important meeting places for architects, designers and furniture manufacturers. Every year, thousands of trade visitors flock to Milan to find out about the latest developments in the industry, make contacts and discover innovative designs.
The history of the Salone del Mobile
The trade fair was originally created to promote the Italian furniture industry internationally and demonstrate its innovative strength. What began as a small trade event is now one of the most important trade fairs in the world. Since the 1970s, the Salone del Mobile has continuously expanded and now includes not only furniture, but also lighting (Euroluce), office furnishings (Workplace 3.0) and kitchen innovations (EuroCucina). Over the years, major design houses and renowned architects have used the trade fair as a platform to present ground-breaking concepts and visionary designs.
Why is the trade fair so important?
The Salone del Mobile is an indispensable platform for the interior design industry to find out about new materials, manufacturing processes and design trends. This is where the industry’s elite meet to network and forge forward-looking collaborations. Every year, the trade fair sets new standards in terms of creativity, sustainability and the use of technology.
Important reasons to visit the trade fair:
- Make international contacts: the Salone del Mobile brings together leading architects, designers and companies from all over the world
- Discover innovative materials: New materials and sustainable production methods are presented here for the first time
- Experience technological advances: Smart home solutions and digital production methods are increasingly being integrated into furniture design
- Get to know inspiring designs: The trade fair is a stage for renowned designers and up-and-coming talents
- Follow market developments: Companies gain valuable insights into the latest consumer trends and market changes
What can you expect at the Salone del Mobile?
The trade fair presents an impressive variety of furniture, living concepts and innovative materials. In addition to the main exhibitions, there will be numerous lectures, workshops and panel discussions where industry experts will talk about current and future challenges. Another highlight is the presentation of design awards for outstanding projects and new products. A particular focus is on the combination of craftsmanship and technology. Many manufacturers will be demonstrating how they combine traditional manufacturing techniques with modern, sustainable production methods. This results in durable, high-quality pieces of furniture that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Fuori Salone – The creative supporting programme
The Fuori Salone takes place throughout Milan in parallel to the main trade fair. Exclusive events, exhibitions and installations are organised in various districts such as Brera, Tortona and Lambrate. These events provide a platform for experimental designs, interdisciplinary projects and young talents to present their visionary ideas.
Important highlights of the Fuori Salone:
- Brera Design District: home to many renowned design studios. During the Fuori Salone, the neighbourhood is transformed into a large open-air exhibition with interactive installations and creative concepts
- Tortona Design Week: Known for its avant-garde approaches, Tortona is a hotspot for innovative product designs and technological developments in the furniture and interior design sector
- Lambrate Design District: A place for up-and-coming designers to present their sustainable and unconventional designs
- Superstudio Più: One of the most important locations for major exhibitions with internationally recognised brands
The Fuori Salone is a perfect complement to the main programme as it offers an urban, experimental environment for creativity. Here you can see where the design world will be heading in the coming years.
The importance for the future of interior design
The Salone del Mobile is an unmissable event for companies in the interior design industry. The innovations and materials presented there make it possible to prepare for future developments at an early stage and to integrate new ideas into current and future projects. Sustainability is a central theme of the trade fair and is also playing an increasingly important role in the interior design industry. The trade fair therefore offers a valuable opportunity to explore sustainable solutions for interiors that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also conserve resources.
Conclusion
The Salone del Mobile is more than just a furniture fair – it is the centrepiece of the international design scene. The event offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with the most important players in the industry, to find out about forward-looking developments and to be inspired by the latest design and interior design trends. Visiting this trade fair is a crucial step in keeping up to date and integrating innovative ideas into your own projects. Whether as a source of inspiration, contact exchange or marketplace for new materials – the Salone del Mobile remains the most important event for everyone involved in interior design, interior architecture and sustainable materials.