Salone del Mobile 2026: Books as Decor Trend, Independent Design Shines

On the final day of Salone del Mobile in Milan, a design journalist reflects on missed events and emerging trends. Books emerged as a dominant decorative element, featured in installations by Jil Sander and the new RH Milan boutique, which displayed a rare 1511 illustrated edition of Vitruvius's "De architectura." The exhibition "a moment of absence," organized by Dresden's Yard Shed Office, showcased works by young designers including Heiko Bauer's candle holder, Maresa Mayr's "Weights of a (Girl)boss," and pieces by Gregor Jahner, Laura Sattin, and Lukas Henneberger. Independent design was highlighted at Comune, a group exhibition curated by Lexavala, Dérive, and The Good Living & Co., featuring a chair by Berlin's Casper Fischer and a wobbly chair by Philippe Bietenholz. Sam Chermayeff presented a new metal table with linoleum coating in architect Paolo Tamburelli's apartment. Deoron, a design platform founded by Alberto Pallaoro, displayed modular furniture by Belgian studio MOTO and other items. The journalist noted a general sentiment that this year's fair felt more draining than inspiring, citing a disconnect between economic crisis and hyper-produced installations.