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Fritz Hansen Night Owl lamp in oak with Stoff candleholder in black on a sideboard in a Scandinavian living room.

Danish Design

Explore Danish design philosophy, the most formative designers in Denmark and discover just how you can integrate Danish design into your own home.
Monday, May 24, 2021
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Pitcher from Georg Jensen.

Danish design is functional and minimalistic - here by Georg Jensen.

WHAT IS DANISH DESIGN?

Danish design is a style that is best described as functional, minimalistic and sustainable. Danish design had its breakthrough in the 1950s, but is still just as popular today as it was when it first premiered on the design scene. Denmark’s design philosophy manages to seamlessly merge aesthetics with functionality and every-day use. Considering Denmark’s size of just over 5.5 million people, it is impressive how many big names in design this country has to show for.



Jaime Hayon Single candle holder brass and AJ side table from Fritz Hansen.

The beautiful AJ side table was already designed 1955 by Arne Jacobsen and is now in production for Fritz Hansen.

Modern danish design from Menu in the form of the JWDA table lamp and the sidetable Block from Normann Copenhagen.

Nature has always been a central part of Danish design. You will often find a great deal of natural materials in the form of wood, stone and metals.

THE TOP 6 DANISH DESIGNERS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Denmark is the origin and home to countless designers that are popular around the world. However, some stand out and have managed to dominate the Danish design world since the 1950’s.



1. Arne Jacobsen

This goes without saying, we know, but he simply cannot go unmentioned. He seems to have done it all; architecture, lighting, furniture, typography and accessories. His designs are simple, yet unmistakable. Once you know it, you will always be able to point out an Arne Jacobsen piece.



Design Letters glasses in typography from Arne Jacobsen - a iconic design for Danish Design.

Glasses from Design Letters are decorated with Arne Jacobsen's classic fonts and printed with any of the letters A-Z on the front.

2. Henning Koppel

Henning Koppel is best known for his minimalistic and sweeping asymmetrical designs. During his long-term collaboration with Georg Jensen, he produced many varied designs ranging from jewellery and watches to household and silver items. His elegant and timeless designs are as popular today as ever.



Utzon pendant lamp from &Tradition in white - a classic Danish design piece.

The beautiful pendant lamp is the result of a collaboration between Utzon and &Tradition.

3. Jørn Utzon

Jørn Utzon might be most known for his iconic work at the Opera house in Sydney, but he has also designed lamps that have become modern classics. The Utzon lamp for the brand &Tradition, for instance, is popular around the globe.



Grasshopper table lamp from Gubi - an iconic piece in Danish design.

The popular Grashopper table lamp was designed by Greta Grossman for the brand Gubi.

4. Greta Grossman

Greta Grossman stood out as one of the most influential female figures within a male-dominated Danish design world. She is most known for her iconic Gräshoppa and Cobra lamp designs for the Danish brand Gubi.



FlowerPot pendant lamp by &tradition - a true staple in danish homes and in danish design.

Verner Panton is the creative head behind the design of the famous Flowerpot lamps. A design from 1969.

FlowerPot table lamp from &tradition - a true piece of Danish design.
&TraditionFlowerPot VP3 table lamp
$399

5. Verner Panton

Verner Panton is the designer behind the iconic FlowerPot collection by &Tradition. The design originates in 1969 but is still just as modern today. In recent years, &Tradition has introduced new colours to the line.



Georg Jensen Cobra candle holders.
The Cobra candle holders are classic Danish design by Georg Jensen.
Georg Jensen
Cobra candleholder 2-pack, medium, 20 cm
$145
DBKD
Keeper glass vase 12 cm, Clear
$15
Georg Jensen
Cobra candleholder, medium, 20 cm
$80

6. Georg Jensen

Georg Jensen, a silversmith from Denmark, is the founder behind the brand Georg Jensen A/S. The iconic steel and silver designs are unmistakable and popular around the world.



THE MOST POPULAR DANISH BRANDS TODAY

It is no question that Denmark has an impressive portfolio Danish design brands to show for. Some have been among the top since the 50s, but new ones are being introduced to the market continuously.

These are the classic Danish design brands you need to know

There are many Danish design brands that have been around for a long time, but some simply stand out. Here are the top 5 classic Danish design brands you should know:

  1. Kay Bojesen Denmark
  2. Georg Jensen
  3. Arabia
  4. Gubi
  5. Fritz Hansen



Foldable Tray Table and Ikebana vase from Fritz Hansen are true icons of modern Danish design.
Fritz HansenIkebana vase
$215
Kay Bojesen wooden monkey is an iconic piece of Danish Design.
Kay Bojesen DenmarkKay Bojesen wooden monkey small
$129

THE MODERN DANISH DESIGN BRANDS WE’RE LOVING

Danish design might have had its golden age in the 50s, 60s and 70s, but we would argue that this phenomenon never ended. Danish design is just as, if not even more popular today and new Danish design brands are hitting the scene daily. Here are the top 5 news-comer brands that you need to know about:

  1. Broste Copenhagen
  2. Normann Copenhagen
  3. House Doctor
  4. Umage
  5. Ferm Living


Beige living room with Plant Box and paper boxes from danish design brand Ferm Living.

Ferm Living is known for its clean lines and structural shapes.

Nordic Sand bowls from Broste Copenhagen add a clean rustic touch to any table setting.
Broste CopenhagenNordic Sand bowl
$15

SO WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES DANISH DESIGN SO SPECIAL?

Danish design has stayed relevant and interesting since the 1950’s, and we understand the fascination! Danish design has always managed to capture and simplify everyday living. Whether it is a stackable glass, a functional lamp that diffuses the light in the best possible way or the eye-catching chair that is handed down through generations – Danish design changes and adapts to our everyday life, while remaining true to its roots and philosophies.

So, what makes Danish design so special? It might just be the perfect combination of attainability, functionalism and simplicity. The pillars that make up Danish design are and stay relevant to us as a society, and a home will always be the focal point of our lives.

Written by: Annika Krause

Photo: Angeliqa Daldorph, Sophie Ottosson, Gubi, &tradition, Georg Jensen, Fritz Hansen, Ferm Living




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