On a recent visit to Denmark, I was totally overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of beautiful Danish design objects. Probably my favourite store was Illums Bolighus, which is conveniently located next door to Georg Jensen and Royal Copenhagen in Copenhagen’s main square (opposite the excellent Cafe Norden).
From ceramics to glass, metalwork to leather, I have included my favourite Danish design pieces and brands in a handy list for those travelling to Denmark or just wanting some design inspiration.
Kähler first started creating ceramics in Denmark in 1889. The Hammershøi series, designed by Norwegian designer Hans-Christian Bauer, is a modern interpretation of the classic ceramic vases that Dane Svend Hammershøi created for Kähler in the early 19th century. The new version features the same distinctive vertical ribs.
Georg Jensen is perhaps best known for their jewellery and watches, but they also sell a wonderful array of objects for the home, including these salt and pepper shakers. Georg Jensen was a real person and he built this brand in Copenhagen in 1904. The Bernadotte salt and pepper shakers were inspired by original designs by Swedish Prince Sigvard Bernadotte.
The success of Royal Copenhagen over the centuries is partly due to the limited designs in their collection, all of which feature a particular blue, which was discovered by the Royal Danish Porcelain Factory by accident in 1776. The Blue Elements pattern includes a portion of the pattern that Royal Copenhagen is famous for, Blue Fluted Plain, also known as Pattern No 1.
Trine Andersen launched Ferm Living in Copenhagen in 2006 – the name comes from “ferm på fingrene” meaning “good with their fingers” because of the focus on fine craftsmanship the company has. Ferm Living makes a huge range of goods, including textiles, wallpaper, glassware, metalwork, furniture and more. The Fein small spoon is for measuring salt or spices, or eating small fruit, and is made of brass.
Also selling a huge range of products for the home from dustpan and brush to teapots, stationery, furniture and plenty more. Normann Copenhagen was founded by Jan Normann Andersen and Poul Madsen in 1999. This Dustpan and Brush was designed by Danish designer Ole Jensen.
Danish brand Hay was founded in 2002 and brought to Australia by Cult – the Sydney store is based in Surry Hills. Hay sells a huge range of different design products from stationery to linen, furniture to lighting. This salad set is part of a kitchen utensils series by Danish design duo Line Depping and Jakob Jørgensen.
Bjørn Wiinblad’s illustrative style is whimsical and romantic, with round female faces, 19th century dress and floral themes. His designs have been painted and printed on ceramics, textiles and more for decades.
Muuto’s headquarters is in Copenhagen, but the design brand describes itself as Scandinavian and the name comes from muutos meaning new perspective in Finnish. They work with a range of designers, many of whom are well known outside Denmark. The Dots is both functional and playful, designed by Norwegian designer Lars Tornøe.
Stelton began more than 50 years ago when two friends, Niels ‘Stellan’ Høm and ‘Carton’ Madelaire, joined their names to create the brand Stelton. Hugely popular in the 1960s in the US as well as Europe, the brand has continued strong until today.
En Gry & Sif is a Danish brand that works with skilled makers in Nepal who felt New Zealand wool into flowers, animals and other shapes. En Gry & Sif works closely with the Nepali women who make the pieces, ensuring they and their families are looked after. They received their Fair Trade certification from The World Fair Trade Organisation.
What are your favourite Danish design objects?