From Arne Jacobsen to Verner Panton, the Scandinavians have made their mark on the world of design. Discover iconic and new designs from Sweden, Norway and Denmark's most respected trendsetters, this year at Downtown Design.
Fritz Hansen
Danish furniture company Fritz Hansen is one of the biggest Scandinavian names, with pieces that have been designed by top architects and designers, such as Arne Jacobsen, the Danish architect who mastered the most successful interpretation of international functionalism. The cooperation between Arne Jacobsen and Fritz Hansen dates back to 1934 and has brought to life iconic pieces including the famed Egg chair, which is today exhibited in many design museums around the world.
Louis Poulsen
Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen was founded in 1874 and produces today some of the world’s most famous and instantly recognizable pieces, such as the PH series by Poul Henningsen, the Danish architect who devoted his entire career to investigating the importance of light. His PH5 and PH50 pendant lights uses a series of layered shades to spread the light and conceal the light bulb, creating a softer more diffused lighting.
Montana
Montana Møbler, a family-owned company based in Haarby on the island of Funen in Denmark, was founded by Peter J. Lassen in 1982. Since then, they have been producing shelving systems, tables, and chairs for homes and modern office environments. The sleek Montana shelving system is designed by Lassen, whose clean lines and focus on functionality were derived from the work of great designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Jørn Utzon, Piet Hein and Verner Panton.
B&O
Futuristic design, sleek lines and cutting-edge technology: since its establishment in 1925, Bang & Olufsen’s insantly recognizable products have been a symbol of audio-visual excellence. The Danish company was founded by two enterprising young engineers, Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen. Over the past decades, B&O has collaborated with many designers including Jacob Jensen and David Lewis, who has been the company’s chief designer since the 1980s.
Bolon
Over 60 years ago in Stockholm, Sweden an idea sparked into life: textile waste became rag rugs, and Bolon was born. The company’s founder Nils-Erik Eklund was ahead of his time and managed to see opportunity where others couldn’t. The company is today run by Annica and Marie, the third generation of Eklund entrepreneurs. Since 2003, when they took over the company from their parents Lars and Monica, they have transformed Bolon into a design-led innovator and have fused conservative, traditional flooring with the boundless creativity of the world of fashion, with special collections designed by brands such as Missoni and Paul Smith.
Hastens
Founded in 1852, Swedish luxury bed company Hästens is known for its top quality, natural materials and refined designs. Their handmade beds and mattresses, which use natural materials like cotton, horsehair, wool and flax, rather than foam, are considered by many the best in the world.
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