This year's edition of the international trade fair ORGATEC 2026 in Cologne was held under the core theme: "From rooms to relationships: designing spaces in an ever-changing world". The event focused on the individual, human emotions, and interpersonal relationships. The fair outlined two dominant industry trends:
- Human-to-human experience – the need to build authentic interactions and a sense of community in a world dominated by digitalisation.
- Transition – the architectural challenge of flexibly adapting to continuous organisational, technological, and environmental changes.
As a Polish office furniture manufacturer with 40 years of experience, we responded to these challenges with our own vision of the modern working environment.
The BETWEEN PEOPLE Philosophy – "Precision, softened"
The guiding principle of our presence at the fair was BETWEEN PEOPLE – "Precision, softened". The concept focuses on spaces that foster flexibility, focus, and effortless collaboration.
For four decades, we have built a brand associated with precise craftsmanship, steel and timber engineering, and high quality, primarily in the casegoods segment. For about two years now, we have been expanding our portfolio with soft, upholstered collections in line with the resimercial trend — blending the warmth and aesthetics of hospitality environments (hotels and restaurants) with the functionality of office furniture. We are bringing the experience gained in the HoReCa sector directly into the workplace.
We believe that furniture is not merely interior fitting, but a reason to meet, talk, and build relationships. That is why we combine manufacturing precision with warmth: the structures remain stable and precise, whilst where the furniture meets the user - in the seats, armrests, and textiles — it is soft and inviting.
Balma's Stand as a Manifesto of Neuroarchitecture and Tranquillity
We entrusted the concept of our exhibition stand to Piotr Kuchciński, a designer who has helped shape Balma's brand identity for years. The stand was designed as an open plan where individual zones seamlessly transitioned into one another: from spaces for informal catch-ups near the entrance to quieter nooks deeper within.
We ensured visual and acoustic calm, catering to the needs of individuals sensitive to sensory stimuli. We demonstrated how a modern office can support well-being and evolve alongside its users.
Balma's New Launches at Orgatec 2026
At the fair, we presented six premieres created in collaboration with designers Piotr Kuchciński and Maja Ganszyniec Studio.
Design: Piotr Kuchciński
City Bench
A sculptural piece of furniture, reissuing an earlier design adapted to contemporary needs. Constructed from layers of shaped plywood joined by steel spacers, the bench creates the impression of soft, undulating planes. Designed as a repeatable module that can be arranged side-by-side or rotated by 180°.
Barel Conference Tables
A collection of meeting and side tables set on obelisk bases inspired by the form of a wooden barrel. The table legs consist of vertical staves (ranging from 6 on the smallest side table to 15 on a large round table), crafted from natural veneer or lacquered MDF. The construction offers high stability, with integrated cable management accessed via a service hatch in the leg. Tops are available in melamine or natural veneer.
Tavon Executive Desk
A modern executive desk featuring electric height adjustment. The lifting mechanism is concealed within double-layered legs whose surfaces slide smoothly over one another. Available freestanding or integrated with a side credenza featuring gently rounded sides finished in natural veneer. Desktop finishes: natural veneer, melamine, or solid surface/conglomerate.
Lafo Coffee Tables
A collection of coffee tables available in four variations, each offering a distinct base design: from top plates sliding into panels, converging steel rods, and steel rings, to side-clamping supports that create a floating tabletop effect. Available with tops in melamine, natural veneer, lacquered MDF, nano-laminate, and solid surface/conglomerate.
Design: Maja Ganszyniec Studio
Sno Conference Chair
A swivel conference chair taking its name from the Old Norse word snúa (to turn). Designed with inclusivity and interaction in mind — its smooth swivel mechanism allows users to turn effortlessly towards a conversation partner. Features a high, contoured backrest providing ergonomic spinal support, and armrests designed to allow the chair to slide deep under table tops. Available on three base options:
- Four-legged metal base: A classic conference option with a visually lightweight frame.
- Four-star swivel base: An executive variant tailored for meeting rooms and private offices.
- Five-star base on castors: A mobile option providing dynamic movement (optional height adjustment).
Pinot Lounge Armchair
A new lounge chair joining the Pinot family, designed for breakout and cafe zones. It features a semi-circular armrest that facilitates sitting down and standing up smoothly. Available in an extensive range of upholstery fabrics and veneered finishes from Balma’s swatch book.
Summary
Orgatec 2026 provided us with a fantastic opportunity to engage with architects, investors, and international partners. We demonstrated how we combine 40 years of expertise in office furniture manufacturing with soft, upholstered collections that transform offices into vibrant gathering places.
We thank everyone who visited our stand and joined us in exploring what meaningful experiences can happen in the space between people.
Watch the wideo from Orgatec 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which new products did Balma showcase at Orgatec 2026?
We launched six new designs: the City bench, Barel tables, Tavon executive desk, and Lafo coffee tables designed by Piotr Kuchciński, as well as the Sno conference chair and Pinot lounge chair designed by Maja Ganszyniec Studio.
2. What does the motto BETWEEN PEOPLE – "Precision, softened" signify?
It represents our design philosophy. We combine manufacturing precision and structural stability with tactile softness wherever furniture meets the body: in seats, armrests, and textiles. We aim for furniture to foster conversation, connection, and community.
3. What is the resimercial trend?
Resimercial design blends residential warmth and hospitality aesthetics (HoReCa) with the durability and functionality required for commercial office environments. At Balma, this is reflected in our upholstered series such as Pinot, Litt, Hej and Huga.
4. How did Balma's stand accommodate neurodiverse and stimulus-sensitive users?
We prioritised visual and acoustic calm. The layout was open-plan with smooth transitions between zones — ranging from open informal gathering areas near the entrance to peaceful focus areas in the rear. We also featured our Bbox acoustic booths.
Content & Editorial:
- Natalia Hrehorowicz, Marketing Department, Fabryka Mebli Balma S.