Celebrating its 40th anniversary, kbb Birmingham returned to the NEC this month with a busy show floor and a strong showcase of the latest developments across the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms sector. Bringing together brands, retailers, designers and installers from across the industry, the four-day exhibition not only highlighted product innovation, emerging design directions and new business opportunities.
Nearly 16,000 visitors attended the event, exploring displays from more than 320 exhibitors across 26 product categories. From furniture, surfaces and appliances to fittings, materials and components, the exhibition provided a comprehensive overview of the trends and technologies currently shaping the KBB market, while also offering a valuable platform for networking, collaboration and industry insight.
Diane Larner attended the show and has selected nine inspiring highlights from the event.
T O P P I C K S From Kbb Birmingham 2026
Jon Johnston, Kbb sales director
“The 40th edition of kbb Birmingham was very special, with such a strong legacy to celebrate. Four decades of inspiring conversations, deep industry relationships and kbb Birmingham’s role as a cornerstone of the KBB industry felt particularly resonant this year. We’re hugely appreciative of the support from visitors, exhibitors and partners who have helped shape the show into what it is today.
“The 2026 show delivered everything from show‑stopping stand design and a breadth of innovation, to four days of genuinely meaningful discussions between visitors and exhibitors who clearly care about the future of the industry. One of the aspects we’re most proud of is the diversity of product on display and the stories behind them, with exhibitors from over 20 countries and a growing European presence that continues to strengthen the show. Many international brands clearly recognise the value of kbb Birmingham as a direct route to engaging with UK high‑street studios and independent retailers. It was a reminder that while the KBB industry continues to evolve, quality, innovation and human connection remain at its core.”
About Kbb Birmingham
Kbb Birmingham is the UK’s leading trade exhibition for the kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms sector, held at the NEC Birmingham and established in 1986. Taking place every two years, the event brings together manufacturers, retailers, designers, installers and developers to showcase the latest product innovations, materials and technologies shaping the KBB market. Featuring hundreds of exhibiting brands and attracting thousands of industry professionals, it serves as a key platform for sourcing new products, discovering emerging design trends and gaining valuable business insight, while also providing important opportunities for networking and collaboration across the industry.
Kbb Birmingham will return March 5–8, 2028