(USA) – The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) will return to the Javits Center, New York, from 17-19 May 2026, introducing new partnerships and curated initiatives under the theme Common Ground: A Global Dialogue on Design and Shared Values. Taking place during NYCxDESIGN, the event aims to position contemporary design as a collaborative platform across disciplines including lighting.

While traditionally associated with furniture and product design, the 2026 edition places a stronger emphasis on interdisciplinary exchange and material innovation, with several features relevant to architectural and decorative lighting professionals.  A notable addition to this year’s programme is an expanded lighting presence within the Juniper Recharge Lounge. The space is conceived as a lighting-led environment designed for networking and informal meetings, using illumination as both functional infrastructure and atmospheric device. Rather than a conventional seating area, the lounge is intended to demonstrate how carefully considered lighting can influence wellbeing, orientation and social interaction in temporary public interiors.

The fair’s widing programming connects lighting in initiatives that reflect ICFF’s emphasis on material responsibility, innovation, and interdisciplinary dialogue. These include an upcoming exhibit led by Jonsara Ruth, Design Director of the Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design, with further details to be announced, as well as an expanded focus on lighting through enhanced programming in the Juniper Recharge Lounge. 

An expanded Emerging Designer Spotlight initiative will run as a year-long editorial programme culminating in a live presentation at the fair. Alongside the WANTED platform, featuring schools, studios and prototypes, the initiative provides opportunities for early-career designers working across furniture, objects, materials and lighting typologies.

Meanwhile, the talks programme will address topics such as healthy materials, housing affordability and cross-cultural design practice. These themes increasingly intersect with lighting design through issues such as circadian wellbeing, inclusive environments, energy consumption and technological integration.

In a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester, a new program that supports Habitat’s work to expand access to permanently affordable homeownership and advance equitable housing solutions. Through this partnership, ICFF is bringing the design community together around a shared commitment to housing equity, with part registration proceeds supporting Habitat’s mission across New York City and Westchester County. The collaboration will also provide material resources and in-kind support, extending the impact of the fair well beyond its run and reinforcing how design can play a meaningful role in creating positive, lasting change.

Returning Programs & Features for 2026:

• Mainstage: An elevated lineup of global speakers on material innovation, sustainability, cultural storytelling, hospitality, and technology. Sponsored by Moroso.

• The Oasis: A space to relax, meet, and host intimate talks spotlighting sustainability, innovation, and human-centered design. Sponsored by Ethnicraft, Leon Speakers, and Mohawk.

• Welcoming Lounge by Ligne Roset: The iconic brand returns to host the Welcome Lounge at the entrance of the fair.

• Aqua Atelier by Grohe: An exploration of sustainable water practices and new materials within the Kitchen & Bath pavilion, featuring conversations led by industry experts.

• Juniper Recharge Lounge: A serene, lighting-driven space designed for reconnection, networking, and restoration.

• Rarify Dining Lounge, in partnership with Be Original Americas: A destination celebrating authenticity and contemporary craft through shared meals and conversation.

• ROOM x OFS: ROOM x OFS return this year with a collaborative studio and lounge space where conversations and content merge. The ROOM x OFS space will host live discussions with design thought-leaders as part of their “In the ROOM” podcast. ROOM will also unveil the next episode of its acclaimed Designers on Design video series live on the ICFF Main Stage, featuring tête-à-têtes with today’s top design talents.
• ICFF Editors Awards: Honoring excellence across product categories and disciplines, highlighting standout work and emerging voices. The awards take place May 17 at 5:00 PM.

ICFF will be running from 17-19 May. Register is open now: www.icff.com/register