North America’s premier contemporary design fair returns to the Javits Center May 17–19 with a renewed focus on cross-cultural dialogue, emerging talent, and meaningful industry collaboration.
The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) has unveiled its vision for 2026, positioning design as a connective force under the theme Common Ground: A Global Dialogue on Design and Shared Values. Running alongside NYCxDESIGN, the fair aims to bring together diverse perspectives, disciplines, and cultures to explore how shared values can shape more thoughtful, sustainable, and human-centered environments.
Habitat for Humanity Partnership Marks New Territory
In a first for the fair, ICFF has partnered with Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester to support expanded access to permanently affordable homeownership. A portion of registration proceeds will directly benefit Habitat’s mission, while the collaboration extends to material resources and in-kind support, a tangible demonstration of design’s potential to drive lasting social impact.
Curatorial Voices and Global Reach
ICFF is deepening its editorial approach through strategic partnerships with national and international collaborators. The fair’s Bespoke programming welcomes Mayfair Design District, bringing a distinctive London perspective to New York. Independent voices are also shaping the 2026 edition: Julia Haney Montanez, co-founder of The Design Release, joins as Program Curator for the Look Book program, while design writer and curator Adrian Madlener has been appointed Talks Program Consultant.
FURNITURE STORIES ON DSCENE
Additional initiatives reflect ICFF’s emphasis on material responsibility and interdisciplinary dialogue, including an upcoming exhibit led by Jonsara Ruth, Design Director of the Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design, and expanded lighting programming within the Juniper Recharge Lounge.
Talks Program Tackles Timely Topics
The 2026 talks program addresses pressing industry concerns head-on. STIRworld’s Amit Gupta will explore how cross-cultural exchange can inform consensus without stakeholders conceding their convictions. Dwell editor-in-chief William Hanley tackles the affordable housing crisis in “Can There Ever be an Affordable House Again?” Industrial designer Todd Bracher launches his new Phaidon monograph, Observations, Research, and Design. Julie Lasky of The New York Times moderates a panel on how the Mamdani administration can support New York’s design community, while Untapped Journal’s Tiffany Jow leads a discussion with fellow editors Lila Allen, Dan Rubinstein, and Jill Singer on the past, present, and future of design media.
Emerging Designer Spotlight Goes Year-Round
ICFF has expanded its Emerging Designer Spotlight into a year-long initiative in partnership with Clever and host Amy Devers. A monthly editorial series will highlight three to five international emerging designers, offering deeper insight into their practices and perspectives. The program culminates at ICFF 2026 with a curated live presentation on the Mainstage featuring five selected designers.
Bespoke Salon by Post Company
The Bespoke Salon returns with a broader scope, presented in partnership with Hospitality Design magazine and sponsored by Ferreira de Sá. Post Company has designed an architecturally expressive environment inspired by an archivist’s residence. “In a world of mass production and digital images, we are drawn to the antithesis: the bespoke,” states Jou-Yie Chou, Partner at Post Company. “The salon invites visitors to linger, discover, and experience the warmth and comfort of a meticulously composed environment.”
Bauhaus Archive Comes to New York
Rarify presents a landmark exhibition in official partnership with Tecta and the Bauhaus Archive Berlin, bringing museum-quality archival material to ICFF for the first time. Original drawings, prints, and design artifacts from the Bauhaus Archive will be paired with contemporary furniture by German manufacturer Tecta. The exhibition marks ICFF’s first to unite a living manufacturer with the official Bauhaus archive, collapsing the distance between museum and trade fair, history and production.
Rarify is introducing Tecta to the U.S. market as its exclusive representative, a pairing of two value-driven companies committed to stewarding and advancing Bauhaus ideas through responsible, contemporary production.
WANTED Incubator Expands
ICFF’s incubator for emerging talent grows in 2026 with the Schools Showcase featuring more than 20 participating institutions, presented with Design Milk. The Design Schools Workshop, “The Unseen Narratives,” is conducted in partnership with Centro (Mexico), sponsored by KI with support from molo and presented with Core77. Students will explore transforming the invisible patterns of daily life through sound, rhythm, data, technology, and emotion. Launch Pad returns sponsored by American Standard and presented with WantedDesign and Dwell. The Look Book exhibit features more than 70 North American design studios, presented with Dezeen.
Returning Programs Enhanced for 2026
Core programs return with expanded scope: the Mainstage, sponsored by Moroso, features an elevated lineup of global speakers on material innovation, sustainability, cultural storytelling, hospitality, and technology. The Oasis, sponsored by Ethnicraft, Leon Speakers, and Mohawk, offers intimate talks on sustainability and human-centered design. Ligne Roset returns to host the Welcome Lounge, while Grohe’s Aqua Atelier explores sustainable water practices within the Kitchen & Bath pavilion. ROOM x OFS present a collaborative studio space hosting live discussions as part of their “In the ROOM” podcast and will unveil the next episode of their Designers on Design video series on the Main Stage.
ICFF Night Out Returns
On May 15, ICFF Night Out activates showrooms, studios, and creative spaces across NoMad, SoHo, and Flatiron in partnership with NYCxDESIGN and Interni. The curated evening program brings together designers, brands, and media for hosted events encouraging connection and conversation within New York’s design community.
ICFF 2026 runs May 17–19 at the Javits Center, with the ICFF Editors Awards taking place May 17 at 5:00 PM.
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