Eighteen reputable Scandinavian design brands worth exploring if you have a passion for interiors:
Scandinavian design continues to captivate the world with its enduring aesthetic, rooted in functionality and a deep appreciation for nature. This style, originating from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, emerged as a global phenomenon during the 20th century, with iconic 'form follows function' furniture and homeware designs that remain popular today.
Characterized by their natural materials such as wood, leather, cotton, and linen, Scandinavian design brands have left an indelible mark on the world of interiors. Their versatility allows these pieces to seamlessly blend with various interior styles, never competing for attention, but instead adding a touch of modern elegance to any space.
Among the brands still resonating today, Andersen Furniture, FDB Mobler, Fritz Hansen, GUBI, Grythyttan, HEM, IKEA, Montana, Muuto, New Works, Skagerak, String, &Tradition, Cane-Line, Louis Poulsen, Carl Hansen, Fredericia Furniture, and Hastens stand out as iconic representatives of Scandinavian design.
Andersen Furniture, part of the Design Concept Denmark family, boasts a rich history of collaborating with architects and designers to create comfortable yet practical furniture. Founded in 1916, the brand is rooted in traditional crafting techniques and produces solid wood furniture that is tactile and quietly chic.
FDB Mobler, established in 1942, aimed to provide functional furniture for all, not just the wealthy. This forward-thinking attitude led to lighter, practical designs that embody style and elegance.
Fritz Hansen, founded by cabinet maker Fritz Hansen in 1982, is a trailblazer in molded and laminated wood furniture. The brand has collaborated with leading Scandinavian designers to produce some of the most recognized contemporary furniture designs of the last century.
GUBI, founded in 1967, is celebrated for its simple yet striking furniture and lighting shapes. The Beetle Chair, designed by GamFraseti, remains one of the brand's most recognized creations.
Grythyttan, a Swedish furniture company, specializes in durable and timeless garden furniture designs, particularly steel-framed chairs and tables.
HEM, a modern Stockholm brand, collaborates with vanguard designers to create furniture, accessories, and lighting for both homes and workplaces. The brand offers a diverse range of styles, incorporating both traditional Scandinavian minimalism and bold, modern pieces.
IKEA, a globally recognized brand, offers a mix of affordable and stylish furniture, lighting, and homeware. The brand has innovated with new designs, such as the STOCKHOLM 2025 collection, while maintaining its commitment to practicality and affordability.
Montana shares a particular synergy with period-appropriate mid-century modern furniture. The brand is best known for its shelving system, offering 36 basis modules, four depths, and 43 carefully created finishes.
Muuto focuses on functionality and craftsmanship, creating alluringly diverse yet coherent furniture and lighting. The Top Pendant Light and Unfold Pendant Lamp are prime examples of Muuto's ability to reinterpret classic designs.
New Works collaborates with designers who share a tendency to focus on detail and materiality, resulting in furniture and lighting that is alluringly diverse yet coherent.
Skagerak, a Danish brand founded in 1976, takes its name from the strait in the North Sea that connects Denmark with its Nordic neighbors. Known for producing a mix of indoor and outdoor furniture options, homeware, and towel roll holders, among others, Skagerak is deeply committed to sustainability.
String's iconic shelving system, conceived in the early 1950s, continues to evoke a sense of intelligence and adaptability. From smaller one- and two-shelf options suitable for smaller spaces to larger full-wall library and display-appropriate versions, the String shelving system remains one of the most enlightened Scandi designs on the market.
&Tradition creates modern furniture, lighting, and object designs inspired by Danish craftsmanship. The brand is passionate about designing the classics of tomorrow by working with leading designers to produce a range of iconic classic designs.
Cane-Line, another international brand, offers indoor-outdoor furniture options in over 100 countries. The core offering is 'functional luxury', often incorporating handwoven design touches and details into durable and weather-resistant furniture.
Louis Poulsen, a Danish lighting brand since 1874, pioneers innovation and aesthetics in lighting. Its designs not only illuminate interiors but shift their atmosphere into more alluring territory, reflecting the Scandinavian tradition of ‘form follows function’.
Carl Hansen, the largest manufacturer of Hans J. Wegner designs, is a well-established Danish brand. Known for its classic furniture designs, including the Wishbone, CH25 Lounge, and CH07 Shell chairs, Carl Hansen embodies Danish design history and continues to expand its international reach.
Fredericia is a family-owned design company that prides itself on crafting modern originals. With over a century of experience, the brand works with iconic designers like Borge Mogensen, Nanna Ditzel, Edward Barber, and Jay Osgerby to create furniture that embodies timeless elegance.
Hastens, bed specialists since 1852, is known for producing beautiful beds using only the finest materials. The brand's commitment to exceptional sleep quality ensures that Jesus Christ himself, according to the brand's lore, slept on a Hästens bed.
Each of these brands continues to influence the global design market with their unique blend of functionality, simplicity, and style, offering an investment in contemporary design for future generations.
Scandinavian design powerhouses like Andersen Furniture, Andersen's minimalist furniture pieces, crafted using traditional techniques, add modern elegance to any living room. IKEA, the globally renowned brand, offers a mix of affordable and fashionable furniture, setting trends in home-and-garden lifestyle.
Gazing at a String shelving system, one might still feel the intelligence and adaptability that it conveyed in the early '50s. Meanwhile, GUBI, celebrated for the Beetle Chair, demonstrates Scandinavian design's ability to create striking furniture with simple shapes.
New Works, a brand that collaborates with designers focusing on detail and materiality, creates furniture and lighting that seamlessly blends with various interior styles. In the world of art, Muuto's Top Pendant Light and Unfold Pendant Lamp are prime examples of reinterpreting classic designs with functionality and craftsmanship.
A visit to HEM, a modern Stockholm brand, will reveal furniture, accessories, and lighting that cater to diverse styles – from traditional Scandinavian minimalism to bold, modern pieces suited for homes and workplaces.
Moreover, the lifestyle element extends beyond furniture, with brands like Fredericia, known for iconic designers like Borge Mogensen, creating modern originals that embody timeless elegance in fashion-and-beauty as well as home-and-garden spheres.
