Heimtextil kicks off new season with exciting furnishings

hese blinds make it possible to vary both the view and the amount of light let through as desired. Something that is practical for windows whose frames cannot be drilled: narrow adhesive strips that allow roller blinds and slatted blinds to be attached directly to the panes of glass. Drawstrings that detach from their mounts when more than six kilograms of force is applied are a helpful safety feature for households with small children. Vertical blinds and panel blinds were presented in ever more decorative fabrics at Heimtextil 2013, demonstrating once and for all that they have successfully completed the move from the office into the home.

Stylish accessories for the bath bed and table

Textiles for the bath, bed and table were in slightly more restrained colours this year than they were at last year's Heimtextil, with lime, grey-blue, coral, grey-green and grey in numerous shades very much en vogue for terry cloth fabrics. The popular multicolour terry cloth textiles with stripe combinations in striking colours are a notable exception to this trend. Some collections include more than 30 colour varieties, with patterned towels generally also available in single-colour varieties in coordinated shades.

It is not uncommon for bathroom textiles to also be supplemented by toothbrush holders, soap dishes, little waste bins and shower curtains in suitable colours. Bed covers are being transformed into flowery meadows, as the white background is frequently covered with individual flowers or floral vines, and cushion and duvet covers are decorated with piping.

Bedspreads and plaids are often patterned tone-in-tone or provided as light two-sided spreads in which two tones are subtly combined – such as lilac and ice blue, or strawberry and pale pink. Patterns with country-house flair continue to be all the rage in table linens, with checked patterns, stripes and floral motifs. Table cloths and sets are almost always available with matching cushions, aprons and oven gloves. Numerous lettered décors can be seen here. Plastic table cloths boast fashionable, large-format designs.

Healthy sleeping through technology

In addition to design innovations, the household textile area also featured a number of technical innovations. Modern technologies can be used, for example, to foster healthy sleeping, promote climate control for textile products and create radiation-free rooms. Anti-static therapeutic mattresses and made-to-measure mattresses with an orthopaedic stretching effect drew a positive response at Heimtextil. In addition, shielding fabrics are in demand in contract furnishing in particular in order to reduce the problem of electrosmog in sleeping areas.

The next Heimtextil, the international trade fair for home and contract textiles, will take place from 8 to 11 January 2014 in Frankfurt am Main.

Messe Frankfurt