Field Trip: Paris Deco Off Show
Decorative lanterns hang over the streets and squares marking Paris Deco Off showrooms
Paris Deco Off 2025
Back in January I took the opportunity to visit the Paris Deco Off show. It’s something that has been on my radar, and this year I decided to pull the trigger and see what there was to see, guided by the surf adage “you never know until you go.” As I’ve found throughout my professional career, an open mind, a loose plan, and a willingness to step out immediately proved to be worth it. Plus it has been about 8 or so years since I’d been to Paris, and being born and raised in Southern California, I particularly like Europe in the winter as it stands at such a contrast to our often dry and surprisingly warm weather.
That said, I’m not a fan of trade shows, scarred by early career experiences of wandering fluorescent lighted convention centers in cities I’d probably rather avoid, wearing lanyard credentials and making small talk while hopping aimlessly from booth to booth. No thanks.
In contrast, Paris Deco Off is organically integrated into a few neighborhoods in Paris where some of the bigger fabric and interior brands already have showrooms, and other smaller outfits launch temporary pop ups. It’s all within walking distance, coffee and champagne is served seemingly everywhere, and between business conversations, stops at any number of brasseries or cafes for a beer happens naturally. Not your average trade show.
One of the main areas to walk showrooms at Paris Deco Off.
A few of my favorites
The show is largely dedicated to fabric brands and others immediately adjacent the window covering industry, which was very productive. While most of the big name brands like Schumacher and Houles have a permanent footprint in Paris and took place in the show, we can see these guys at the PDC and chat with them fairly often. I was more interested in connecting with smaller regional operations with shared values, of which we found many, and is really the appeal of the show.
Hartman and Forbes
We are actually already a partner of Hartman and Forbes, selling their very high end, expertly crafted woven wood style window shades. But popping into their temporary showroom and speaking face to face on a cold Paris morning was something unique and enjoyable. Even though we could have easily had that conversation here stateside, it was fruitful and well worth it. If you are interested in their market-leading woven wood and natural grass roman shades, let us know.
Ode Textiles
In doing my pre-show research, the branding and messaging of Ode Textiles stood out to me. They are a Belgian operation and focus on high end linen textiles with a very natural look and hand from, well, Belgium. I’m looking forward to introducing some of their products to our clients.
The sleek Kvadrat storefront and a unique selection of fabrics from Ode Textiles.
Kravdrat
Kravdrat is a textile company that was established in Denmark in the 1960s. Though a lot of their products end up in commercial projects, they have a strong commitment to both innovation and sustainability, which do not have to be at odds with each other, and work beautifully in residential settings. A lot of their fabrics are best suited for upholstery, and what I find pretty cool is that they don’t discontinue patterns, so if you are looking for a truly authentic, vintage aesthetic, you can pull patterns that they were using in Denmark in the 1960s and 70s and they are the same today as they were then. They recently opened a showroom in the Arts District in DTLA and I’ll pop in there from time to time.
Paris swag just hits a little different.
Non Fabric and Window Treatment Specific Inspo
Some of the most interesting conversations I had were with vendors and makers not in the fabric and window covering space where we could simply connect over the idea of craftsmanship, quality of materials, and our mutual approach to business.
Luteca
One of my favorite conversations was with the founder and owner of Luteca custom furniture. Growing up (and still to this day) field tripping down to all parts of Mexico, I’ve always had a particular affinity for Mexican design heritage. Their embrace of mid-century Mexican design, a powerhouse in the mid-century movement, has landed one of their pieces in the Moma. We swapped Baja road trip stories as well as a shared love of design and Mexican culture and how it permeates into LA, where I was raised and where they currently have a showroom and presence. Check em out.
A snap from Lucteca’s Instagram. Not too shabby on the draperies, either.
Vandra rugs
This Swedish company based in Stockholm makes handmade rugs, manufactured in Ukraine. I found their designs a bit of a welcomed departure from the mass produced idea of Swedish design we get imported by Ikea. They make a quality product and I can see placing it in one of my own spaces.
A unique rug from Vandra rugs, not what initially comes to mind when I hear “Swedish handmade rug.” Give them a look.
Some sights from a brisk couple days in Paris traveling by foot
There were quite a few other conversations we had and frankly, some we’ll hold close to our chest as we explore some of those relationships for our own business. But all in all, if you are considering going to Paris Deco Off, appreciate boutique design from quality brands run by interesting people, and want to see Paris in January…I highly recommend it.