There's so much more to Scandinavian interior design than Ikea. Here are some of the most iconic items to own
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With a reputation for quality long-lasting products, sustainably-sourced materials and minimalist chic design, Scandinavian furniture has become one of the most desired design categories in the world, especially since the middle of the 20th century.
That renown - and the accompanying desire - can sometimes mean hefty price tags, but Scandinavian design furniture pieces are often beautiful and functional additions to the home that will bring you joy for years to come. And if you don't have the budget for original items, it's always worth scouring the region's markets and auction houses for pre-loved versions.
Here are some of the time-honoured Scandinavian furniture pieces you should be looking for.
Pedestal Dining Table and Tulip Dining Chairs by Eero Saarinen
Finnish designer Eero Saarinen created these items for Knoll in the 1940s and 1950s and they still look as stunning as ever. The Pedestal Table and Tulip Chairs have become true classics of modernism, even if they are not actually a true 'set'. Sold separately, the chairs and table nevertheless couldn’t fit together better.
A round table - whether it’s in the kitchen or the dining room - creates an inviting space for family or guests. The Tulip Chairs, in addition to their playful, organic shape, are among the most comfortable dining chairs around. And if you want to get away from the stereotyped Scandi minimalist tag, you can add a colourful cushion for a more fun look.
Pedestal Dining Table and Tulip Dining Chairs by Eero Saarinen
Mogenson 2213 Sofa by Børge Mogensen
When Danish designer Børge Mogensen designed the Morgensen 2213 Sofa for his own home in 1962, he made it long enough so that he could take naps fully stretched out, a design philosophy it's hard not to get behind. Morgensen believed that furniture should allow people to live their lives easily and comfortably, and that the aesthetic of the piece should match that sense of humility.
While the 2213 Sofa is a (very) major investment, it’s one that will last for more than a generation. In fact, the quality of the leather and craftsmanship ensure that it will only improve over time.
TRIIO Coffee Table by Hans Bølling
A classic of organic functionalism, Hans Bølling’s 1958 TRIIO Coffee Table for production house Brdr Krüger has proven to be a timeless edition to the Danish design pantheon.
The harmony of the legs paired with the thin, clear glass tabletop makes for a beautiful yet unobtrusive coffee table.
Jetson Chair by Bruno Mathsson
Picture yourself lying back in the stunning leather Jetson Chair, ensconced in your velvet smoking jacket and slippers whilst you thumb through a Folio Society edition of your favourite book in your sophisticated library. Okay, maybe that’s a bit much, but that’s the atmosphere the Jetson Chair brings: one of refined elegance and comfort.
Produced by Dux and created by Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson in 1969, the chair was perfected over the course of three years. And oh boy, did those three years pay off. The combination of armrests, headrest, and bucket seat makes for an irresistibly luxurious chair.
ML Stoll by Mogens Lassen
Most Scandinavian homes contain a stool or two, scattered about the place artfully. They may seem superfluous, but stools are wonderful to have on-hand as extra seating. They provide a functional addition to any space; you’ll be surprised by how often you find yourself using them (especially true if you have kids in the home).
The ML Stool by Mogens Lassen is perhaps the most iconic Scandinavian iteration. There are tall and short versions, and the stool is shaped for comfortable, organic seating. These stools age beautifully, and a little scuffing over time gives them a sense of character that fits the shape well.
PK55 Desk by Poul Kjærholm and Serif Chair by Massproductions
A good desk and desk chair is more important than ever thanks to so many people having the option to work remotely these days. The PK55 Table, produced by Fritz Hansen and designed by one of the founding fathers of Danish design Poul Kjærholm, is as simple and functional as they come. The minimalist steel frame and ash wood top combine for a table that’s as light and refined today as it was when it was launched in 1957.
To add a modern contrast to the classic style of the PK55, the Serif Chair by Swedish design powerhouse Massproductions is the ideal companion. The playful name comes from the way the solid wood form’s outline is shaped, similar to a serif font. The chair is sleek and comfortable but has a bit of flare. It’s available in a number of colours, bases, and styles including with wheels and armrests.
