What is Scandinavian (or "Scandi") design?
Despite the name, Scandinavian design isn’t just mean that a product was designed and produced in a Scandinavian country.
This type of design is a massive sub-category on its own that is extremely popular due to its simple designs and versatility in suiting a variety of households.
It is often modern and minimalistic, resembling Scandinavian architecture. Scandinavian design can be seen as an extension of the Bauhaus movement because it is similar in that it is also minimalist, functional, and straightforward.
While these products aren’t usually cheap, you’re getting actual value out of craftsmanship, material choices, and a sense of timelessness that will allow you to honestly “buy it once” and proudly display them in all your future home (or office) to come.
You’ll also notice a certain sense of consistency in these Scandinavian designs, even though many companies are producing them.
They all have a certain sense of simplicity and thoughtfulness that allows you to mix and match between various producers without having to overthink the cohesiveness of the style.
Don't forget about the new Japandi Design style that will pair well with any of these brands.
Hay
Hay has been a lasting staple of the Scandinavian design scene, and for a good reason.
The Denmark-based company has been around since 2002, and its goal from the start has been to provide well-designed, thoughtful objects to a broad, global audience.
Each product begins with a design phase overseen by co-creators Mette & Rolf Hay. Their primary design influences range from architecture to art and fashion.
Their focus is comprehensive, and their products range from large items like furniture, shelving, and seating all the way down to smaller accessories in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
Muuto
Muuto is a Copenhagen-based company founded in 2006 by Kristian Byrge and Peter Bonnen.
They work with designers worldwide for their products, but if you look through their catalog, there is a sense of consistency to everything they produce.
Muuto means “new perspective” in Finnish, which makes perfect sense considering their forward-thinking ethos and focuses on creating items with interesting materials and color choices.
They focus on entire product ranges from the home, going all the way from seating, storage, and lighting, but some of my favorite products are in the outdoor category.
Finnish Design Shop
When it comes to high end selections, Finnish Design Shop is one of the leaders in the space, focusing on fantastic customer service, and a vast collection of items on their online store.
If you're looking for a one stop shop where you can spend a lot of time (and money) window shopping, this site has it all.
MENU
MENU collaborates with a select group of worldwide designers to apply their minimalistic simplicity for a massive variety of objects.
Menu's Flagship products like their Bottle Grinders, designed by long-time collaborators Norm Architects, exemplify their commitment to crafting products with great functionality.
Just don’t place them too close to the stove as I did.
They melt easily.
&Tradition
Scandinavian brand &Tradition juxtaposes classic and modern design to create a range of high-quality homewares.
Often, they have re-imagined ways in which certain materials can be used, such as using marble for lighting. The use of color and exciting materials is a focus in many of their designs.
Normann Copenhagen
The simplicity of Normann Copenhagen’s products is one of their most endearing traits.
All of their pieces exude a subdued elegance that fans of minimalist design are bound to love, from home decor to homewares.
The Danish brand embodies the exact characteristics of Scandinavian design, and their vast range of products makes for a perfect home or office redesign.
ferm LIVING
Ferm Living is a fast-growing homewares company that has been around for about ten years.
Their product line is immense and includes more than just homewares - it also has beautiful textiles and interior design accessories available in various colors.
The brand bases its designs on the Nordic aesthetic, all about warm, clean lines, sleek forms, and natural materials.
Ferm Living takes this design philosophy to heart and applies it to everything from furniture to clothing racks with beautiful results.
New Works
Swedish design-led brand New Works presents simple aesthetics through traditional artisan methods dating back to 2015 from their founders, Nikolaj Meier and Knut Bendik Humlevik.
With a strong sense of Scandi minimalism ,combined with forward thinking designs that revolve around art and fine craftsmanship, the New Works’ values focus around 3 additional values — Natural materials, experimental designs, and designs that beg to be touched.
Stelton
Stelton is one of the most well-known Scandinavian brands for design that continues to inspire people around the world 50 years after its beginnings.
Their DNA focuses on highly functional home products that aren’t just well designed and functional but also affordable.
String Furniture
When it comes to modular shelving with a timeless design, two of the stand out products are the Vitsoe shelving system from Dieter Rams, as well String shelving.
While both are great options, I personally find myself drawn to the String shelving for it's unique, ladder like appearance on the sides.
I've got a full set up in my office for my bookshelves, and I love that I can slowly just add to it over time whenever we move into a new home.
They have a staggering amount of options to add to the shelves, making it a really great system that can adapt to whatever room it's placed in.
by Lassen
The Lassen Bros twentieth century roots may begin at furniture but extend to ornamental objects for the home ranging from centrepieces to kitchen accessories.
The two brothers were born into a design-loving family, and the role of architects and designers was almost inevitable from the start.
WOUD
Danish founders Mia and Torben Koud established Woud in 2014, birthing a high-quality, functional brand, paying particular attention to small details.
Their timeless design reaches for emotion and inspiration and grasps tight, all the while remembering the beautiful simplicity of the heritage of Danish design.
The Would range includes original furniture designs, including tables and seating, and lighting and storage solutions.
Design House Stockholm
Design House Stockholm is set apart as a publisher of design, rather than a traditional producer, collaborating with French, German, Australian, American and Chilean designers to bring their individual ideas to life.
The collection includes furniture, home textiles, lighting, kitchen, fashion, and design objects.
The Design House Stockholm vision is to publish a library of classic design that outlasts temporary trends, allowing us to appreciate good design for years to come.
For more ideas on this decor style, check out ApartmentGuide’s Scandinavian Interior Design article here.
