Are you looking forward to returning to the design shows after being stuck at home for most of 2020? If you answered yes, you're not alone. Design professionals everywhere are craving the unique inspiration and connection only in-person events can provide. Most of the top design events were canceled in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to gather safely. But the coronavirus vaccines have arrived, and design show planners seem optimistic about the coming months. The 2021 design industry calendar is filling up.
Here's a look at some of the most anticipated interior design shows of the coming year. Attending one or more of these events is a must if you're an architect or an interior designer. Be sure to confirm the dates and details online before you arrange travel, as the pandemic can cause things to change quickly.
Design Shows in North America
For architects and designers based in North America, there are many design shows happening close to home in 2021. Let's take a look at some of the highlights.
Interior Design Show
May 13-16, 2021
Toronto, Canada
Toronto's Interior Design Show is one of the best house design shows for those interested in sustainability. There is an emphasis on products designed to anticipate and meet the world's future needs. Guest speakers will share their ideas during panel discussions, and innovative furniture and decor will be on display for professionals and consumers.
High Point Market
June 5-9, 2021
High Point, NC
The High Point Market brings 75,000 design industry professionals together every 6 months. It is one of the largest furniture design shows in the world, attracting vendors from more than 100 countries.
The planning committee hosted a successful market in fall 2020 and will follow the same COVID-19 safety protocols during the June 2021 event.
Design Miami
June 14-20, 2021
Miami, FL
Design Miami was founded in 2005 on the idea that, like art, good design should be collectible. The 2021 event will spotlight museum-quality lighting, furniture, and art objects. The participating vendors and galleries are carefully curated to create a top-quality experience for design pros and enthusiasts.
If you can't wait for the main event, take a three-dimensional tour of their current exhibition online.
HD Expo + Conference
August 24-25, 2021
Las Vegas, NV
The HD Expo + Conference is a cutting-edge hospitality design show. Set in Las Vegas, the event is all about new, larger-than-life ideas and glamour.
Hospitality design experts will be invited to compete in guestroom design challenges. There will be lively discussions in the HD Theater, and the Learning Lounge is set to provide a more intimate setting for networking and conversation.
International Contemporary Furniture Fair
November 14-15, 2021
New York, NY
The ICFF brings together new and established designers to display the best residential and commercial design trends. As a guest, you will have access to top suppliers, an international array of products, and world-class networking opportunities.
Design Shows in Europe
From Paris to Milan, Europe's 2021 design show calendar is packed. Prepare to be amazed by the continent's rich history and thriving creative community.
PAD Paris
April 7-11, 2021
Paris, France
The PAD Paris event is small and highly curated. At the 2021 event, ticket holders will be treated to a variety of individual collections. Each group of items is presented by an international art or interior design expert.
You can look forward to viewing one-of-a-kind furniture, accessories, and art objects. Jewelry makes an interesting addition to the show.
Venice Architecture Biennale
May 23 - November 22, 2021
Venice, Italy
One of the best architecture design shows in the world, the Venice Architecture Biennale 2021 will be curated by the architect Hashim Sarkis. The extended event will examine current structural design challenges and how architects will meet them in the near future. Sarkis' idea is to imagine spaces where humans can live together in harmony, despite growing political divides and inequalities.
3daysofdesign
May 27-29, 2021
Copenhagen, Denmark
If you love the clean, modern lines of Scandinavian design, don't miss 3daysofdesign. It attracts architects, designers, bloggers, and editors from around the world. Events are held throughout the city of Copenhagen, which serves as an inspiring backdrop for the design community.
The emphasis of this show is on beautiful, functional pieces. In 2021, the theme will be eco-conscious concepts.
Berlin Design Week
May 27 - June 6, 2021
Berlin, Germany
Berlin's forward-thinking design community has a reputation for its fresh, sometimes offbeat ideas. In 2021, the Berlin Design Week team has decided to make the pandemic their inspiration. The event theme is "New Traditions", and the hosts are hoping to feature design concepts that support societies in transition.
spoga + gafa
May 30 - June 1, 2021
Cologne, Germany
The spoga + gafa trade fair showcases outdoor living at its best. Attendees can expect to view the latest outdoor furniture collections, gardening tools, and outdoor lifestyle accessories.
Salone del Mobile.Milano
September 5-10, 2021
Milan, Italy
Launched in 1961, the Salone del Mobile.Milano will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year. The event features Italian furniture and home accessories, and more than 2,000 companies participate each year. If you go, be sure to check out the work of up-and-coming designers at SaloneSatellite.
Maison & Objet
September 9-13, 2021
Paris, France
Maison & Objet is one of the world's premier interior design shows. More than 3,000 exhibitors attract a large, international crowd. The focus is on emerging talents and future trends.
If you are unable to attend in person, Maison & Objet recently launched an online platform, called MOM.
London Design Festival
September 18-26, 2021
London, England
The London Design Festival is an exciting week of events and installations that takes place across the city. It showcases the work of London's creative community, uniting designers, artists, and retailers. The design show has grown each year since opening its doors in 2003.
The 2021 event will include extra opportunities for design industry freelancers since so many were negatively impacted by the pandemic.
Decorex
October 10-13, 2021
London, England
Top residential, hospitality, and retail interior designers meet annually at Decorex in London to celebrate luxurious decor. The newest collections of furniture, fabric, lighting, and accessories will be on display this year. There are also networking events and seminars planned.
The ability to commission bespoke furniture from invited makers is a highlight of the Decorex event.
Design Shows in Asia
If you're interested in traveling farther afield to seek inspiration for your design work, consider reserving a spot at one of Asia's top design shows.
STYLE Bangkok
March 10-14, 2021
Bangkok, Thailand
This year's STYLE Bangkok trade show combines the Bangkok International Leather Fair, the Bangkok International Gift Fair, and the Bangkok International Houseware Fair. Thousands of local and international companies will display their products under the theme "Crenovative Origin". Participants are asked to showcase their creativity, innovation, and originality.
Attendees can visit booths featuring home decor, leather goods, furniture, and wellness products.
Design Shanghai
June 3-6, 2021
Shanghai, China
Design Shanghai will host its 8th annual expo in 2021. It is one of Asia's best-known architecture design shows. The event aims to connect the region's top interior designers, architects, developers, and retailers with global design brands.
The Design Shanghai show is divided into 7 categories – contemporary design, classic and luxury design, collectible design, kitchen and bathroom design, workplace design, new materials and applications, and objects and accessories. There is truly something for every design lover at this exhibition.
Design Shows in the Middle East
Two major design events in Dubai are set to feature young, up-and-coming designers and products for the luxury hospitality market.
Middle East Design & Hospitality Week
May 31 - June 2, 2021
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Middle East Design & Hospitality Week attracts exhibitors that specialize in creating premium design products for restaurants, hotels, and corporate offices. It's a unique opportunity to connect with and learn from global hospitality leaders.
This event is a highlight of the 2021 event calendar for those in the commercial design industry.
Dubai Design Week
November 8-13, 2021
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The largest design festival in the Middle East, Dubai Design Week supports the region's young creatives. There are competitions, art installations, workshops, and other design-centered events. The design fair showcases local talent, and the Global Grad Show offers an opportunity to learn about social impact projects.
Add These 2021 Design Shows to Your Calendar
Add these 2021 design shows to your calendar, but consider using a pencil. In these unpredictable times, the schedule could change at any moment. With a bit of luck, the pandemic will pass and we can all return to traveling often in search of inspiration.
Whether they are held online or in-person, design events are a great place to meet like-minded professionals, discover new products, and learn more about your craft. If one of these design shows sounds interesting to you, we encourage you to attend. The design industry thrives when ideas are shared.
When you return home feeling inspired, we are here to help you make your design a reality. Contact us today to learn more about our high-quality, customizable products. Richardson Seating has been manufacturing commercial furniture in the USA since 1975.