What Exactly Is ‘Danish Design’?
To truly appreciate Denmark’s culture, one must understand Danish design. Celebrated for a distinctive blend of functionality, simplicity, and elegance, Danish design is incorporated into everyday life in the nation, reiterating the nation’s commitment to aesthetic beauty and practical utility.
While the entirety of this Nordic kingdom embraces Danish design, the best way to experience it is to visit its vibrant capital, Copenhagen. A beacon of design and architectural excellence, Copenhagen’s spirit and respect for tradition have earned it the“World Capital of Architecture” title by the International Union of Architects (UIA) from 2023 until 2025. With this honor, the metropolis stands at the forefront of global design initiatives through 2025 and beyond.
“Danes are known to have an eye for good design, and Copenhagen is the perfect place to explore the entire universe of interior design,” says Marlyse Mertz, textile designer at Copenhagen-based Studio MAM. “From the classic Danish Design houses to more contemporary up-and-coming artists, you can find a wide range of stores showcasing everything from furniture, textiles, ceramics, lighting, and home accessories.”
This guide delves into the rich history and intricate details of Danish design, providing insights into where you can experience, admire, and even purchase unique pieces throughout your next jaunt to Copenhagen.
Defining Danish Design
“Danish design is impossible to encapsulate in a few words due to its long evolution and the wide range of crafts it encompasses,” says Mille Maria Steffen-Nielsen Smith, the Head of Communications at Designmuseum Danmark. The term “Danish Modern” offers a starting point, referring to a style and approach that became prominent around 1949. This period saw the collaboration between cabinet makers and furniture designers, leading to inventive methods and a focus on uniting beauty, comfort, and–perhaps most crucially–minimalism.
“Danish Modern” embodies several craftsmanship qualities, focusing on creating aesthetically pleasing yet functional furniture. Smith describes Danish Modern as “a national brand, an epoch, a style, and an approach to design work.” This movement is characterized by two primary schools of thought: the traditional and sterner Klint school, which follows the geometrical and rational design principles of Kaare Klint, and the more expressive and organically inspired designs of figures like Verner Panton and Nanna Ditzel.
“Functionality and the task of crafting aesthetically pleasing furniture are central to both schools,” explains Smith. “Klint’s approach was more about rational, geometrical expressions, while Panton and Ditzel focused on organic, expressive forms. This fusion has created a unique design language influencing contemporary design practices.”
Alexanderstock23/Shutterstock
Historical Influences on Danish Design
The evolution of Danish Modern design was profoundly influenced by two significant historical phenomena: nineteenth-century historicism and international or Central European modernism. Historicism, a fusion of historical styles, and modernism, which challenged traditional design concepts and rejected past styles in favor of functional designs suited to the industrial and scientific age, have left an enduring imprint on Danish design. These influences are evident in the clean lines and functional designs of Danish Modern, which sought to combine the best of both worlds.
“Modernists viewed the era’s crowded living rooms, filled with heavy furniture and an abundance of decorative items, as emblematic of everything wrong with design and decoration,” Smith notes. “Danish Modern emerged as a rebellion against this’ style confusion,’ promoting clean lines, simplicity, and functionality.”
Influential Danish Designers & Their Pieces
When it comes to the architects of Danish design, the list is extensive and inspiring. Visionaries like Hans J. Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Nanna Ditzel, Børge Mogensen, Finn Juhl, and Poul Henningsen have not only shaped Danish modernity but also left an indelible mark on the design landscape.
Identifying iconic Danish design pieces is challenging due to the many notable works. “Hans J. Wegner’s contribution to Danish design is unparalleled, particularly with his iconic ‘Wishbone Chair,’ which exemplifies the marriage of form and function,” Smith says. “Arne Jacobsen, another titan in the field, created the ‘Egg Chair’ and ‘Swan Chair,’ both of which continue to be celebrated for their innovative use of materials and organic forms.”
Verner Panton’s work, characterized by bold colors and futuristic designs, also stands out. “The Panton Chair, with its groundbreaking single-mold form, is a testament to his visionary approach,” says Smith. “Nanna Ditzel and Børge Mogensen, with their commitment to craftsmanship and simplicity, have left an indelible mark on Danish design.”
Each of these pieces, with their enduring beauty, exemplifies the core tenets of Danish design: a focus on simplicity, functionality, and enduring beauty. For example, Henningsen’s PH lamps are celebrated for their inventive use of layered shades to reduce glare and create a warm, diffused light. Similarly, Jacobsen’s ‘Ant Chair’ revolutionized stackable seating with its sleek, minimalist form.
Sustainability in Danish Design
Sustainability is a core focus of Danish design, emphasizing quality objects made to last and be repaired instead of discarded. Brands like TAKT, established in 2019, aim to create high-quality, sustainable furniture accessible to a broad audience. “TAKT’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of certified wood and eco-friendly production processes,” Smith says.
Another brand, Small Revolution, specializes in sustainable and pioneering children’s furniture and accessories that last. “Small Revolution’s products are designed with longevity in mind, ensuring they can be passed down through generations,” says Smith.
Sun_Shine/Shutterstock
Danish Design Goes Global
The influence of Danish Modern design extends far beyond Denmark’s borders. The roots of this design movement can be traced back to the 1949 exhibition at Designmuseum Danmark, where American journalists first recognized and wrote about Danish furniture. An article titled ‘Danish Furniture – Old Hands Give Shape to New Ideas,’ published in the American interior design journal Interiors in 1950 brought the unique Danish approach to design to the world’s attention. This sparked a significant export of Scandinavian furniture and craft articles during the subsequent touring exhibitions in the USA and Canada in the 1950s and 60s.
Today, Danish design is celebrated globally, influencing modern aesthetics from high-end furniture to popular brands like IKEA, which has adopted and adapted many principles of Danish Modern for mass appeal, the timeless design ethos inspiring innovation in sustainable and functional design worldwide.
Experiencing Danish Design in Copenhagen
Copenhagen, a haven for design lovers, offers unique experiences that intrigue and excite tourists. Are you keen on experiencing design throughout the capital? Start your trip with a bike ride, a quintessentially Danish way to explore the city. The area around Kongens Nytorv in central Copenhagen is affluent in design experiences. Bredgade and Store Kongensgade are lined with art and design galleries, showrooms of famous Danish design brands, and unique design shops.
“I am constantly inspired by my surroundings and feel so lucky to call Copenhagen my home,” says Mertz. “The mix of simple and timeless designs with an unexpected pop of color is a characteristic of my own style as well as what you can find often in Danish interiors. “
Of course, Designmuseum Danmark, sitting pretty in an ornate 18th-century building, is a must-visit. This museum houses an extensive collection of iconic pieces from Danish and international designers. The museum’s exhibition, “DANISH MODERN,” showcases the evolution of Danish design from the 1920s to the 1970s, featuring many of the iconic pieces mentioned earlier. Visitors can explore the rich history of Danish design and see firsthand the craftsmanship and innovation that define this movement.
For architecture enthusiasts, the Danish Architecture Center (DAC), close to Islands Brygge Harbour Bath, offers changing architecture and design exhibitions. The DAC and its permanent exhibition, ‘So Danish!’, provide insights into Danish architecture and design history, spanning from the Viking Age to the present day, and include various iconic design pieces. The DAC also offers guided tours, workshops, and talks that delve into the nuances of Danish design and its impact on contemporary architecture.
Etage Projects, located in Borgergade, is a contemporary art and design gallery specializing in the intersection of art and design. It showcases works that challenge traditional boundaries and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. The gallery frequently features exhibitions from emerging and established artists, making it a dynamic space for discovering new trends in design.
Known for fostering some of the best Danish designers, the Royal Danish Academy offers tours of its campus and exhibitions of student and faculty work, providing a glimpse into the future of Danish design. Visitors can engage with cutting-edge projects and see how the next generation of designers is trained to uphold and innovate within the Danish design tradition.
Design Museum DenmarkRasmus Hjortshøj
Public Design Spaces in Copenhagen
To experience Danish design in public spaces, visit Superkilen in the dually trendy and diverse Nørrebro neighborhood (dubbed the coolest ‘hood in the world by Time Out Magazine in 2021!) Designed by the art group Superflex, Superkilen is an urban park known for its vibrant and diverse design, which reflects the area’s multicultural community.
The park features various objects and artifacts sourced from around the world, each accompanied by a plaque explaining its origin and significance. From neon signs from Qatar to sewage drains from Israel, Superkilen has it (and flaunts it!). “Superkilen is a testament to how design can celebrate diversity and community,” Smith remarks. “The park’s unique elements, like benches from Brazil and swings from Iraq, illustrate the global influences that enrich Danish design.”
Accommodations for Design Enthusiasts
Copenhagen offers several exceptional accommodations for design enthusiasts. “The Audo, located in the Østerbro neighborhood, is more than a hotel; it’s a hybrid space combining a design showroom, café, co-working space, and guest rooms,” Smith explains. “This venue is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in design and creativity.”
Another darling option is The Darling, an aptly named boutique guest house in central Copenhagen. “The Darling showcases classic and contemporary Danish design, featuring furniture from renowned designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Hans J. Wegner, and Børge Mogensen,” Smith notes. The hotel’s carefully curated art pieces and design objects reflect the rich heritage of Danish craftsmanship and modern aesthetics.
1. Design Museum DenmarkCourtesy_of_Danish_Architecture_Center_original; 2.
Shopping for Danish Design
Copenhagen offers many options for those looking to shop for Danish design, each providing a unique slice of the city’s vibrant design scene to bring home. The Designmuseum Danmark’s museum shop offers a carefully curated selection of design objects, posters, unique ceramics, jewelry, and beautiful design books. The items available reflect the museum’s exhibitions, from classic pieces inspired by mid-century modernism to contemporary designs by up-and-coming artists.
Near the famous shopping street Strøget, Hay House is the quintessential visit for contemporary furniture and accessories fans. The store spans two floors in a historic building, offering a stunning view over the bustling square below. Hay House showcases a wide range of products, from sleek furniture to stylish home accessories, all characterized by a modern, minimalist aesthetic. The brand is known for its innovative approach to everyday objects, ensuring that each piece is functional and visually striking.
Also on Strøget, Illums Bolighus is a premier department store dedicated to Scandinavian design. It offers a selection of curated furniture, lighting, and home accessories from renowned Danish and international designers. The store’s elegant displays and extensive range of products make it an excellent place to find classic and contemporary design pieces. Illums Bolighus is a destination in itself, often hosting exhibitions and events that highlight the latest trends in design.
Stilleben, centrally located near Nørrebro Station, specializes in contemporary ceramics, prints, and home accessories. This store features a curated selection of items from both emerging and established designers, making it an excellent place to find unique and stylish pieces. Stilleben’s collection is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and distinctive designs, often combining traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. Located opposite the food market in Torvehallerne, Stilleben is also an excellent spot for lunch or a glass of wine in the sun–the grand finale of any leisurely shopping experience.
In the Vesterbro neighborhood, Designer Zoo is a combined store, gallery, and workshop space showcasing the work of Danish designers and artisans. Visitors can find unique jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and furniture, often with the opportunity to see the makers at work. This interactive experience adds a personal touch to the shopping experience, as visitors can learn about the creative processes behind the items. Designer Zoo supports local craftsmanship and innovation, making it a must-visit for those interested in authentic Danish design.
The Normann Copenhagen Flagship Store is an expansive treasure trove for design enthusiasts in a former cinema. It features a wide range of contemporary Danish design products, from furniture to home accessories, all characterized by clean lines and creative functionality typical of Danish design. Normann Copenhagen is known for its bold, colorful designs and unique interpretations of everyday objects. It is a favorite among those looking to add a touch of Danish flair to their homes.
Danish Design Events and Festivals
Copenhagen hosts several design events and festivals celebrating the city’s vibrant design culture, with 3daysofdesign being a standout for aesthetic aficionados. This annual design festival is one of the most anticipated events in Copenhagen, offering designers, brands, and manufacturers a platform to showcase their latest collections, products, and innovations. The event transforms the city into a bustling hub of creativity, with showrooms, galleries, and studios opening their doors to the public. Visitors can attend exhibitions, product launches, and workshops, providing a comprehensive overview of contemporary design trends.
Known as the world’s most significant design award, the INDEX Award celebrates designs that improve life. Held every two years in Copenhagen, the award ceremony brings together designers, innovators, and thought leaders to recognize groundbreaking designs that positively impact society. The event includes an exhibition of the finalists’ works, providing insight into how design can address some of the world’s most pressing issues.
While primarily focused on contemporary art, the Chart Art Fair also includes a significant design component. Held at the historic Charlottenborg Palace, the fair features exhibitions, talks, and performances that explore the intersections between art and design. It provides a platform for emerging and well-established designers to showcase their work internationally.
And Copenhagen itself is a muse for designers, artists, and creatives. “I am inspired by the many world-famous architectural buildings and the unique color combinations of old homes and buildings. I like combining dull colors with bright, creating unexpected color combinations, which stems from inspiration I gather from biking around the old Copenhagen streets,” says Mertz. “If you like design, you’ll like it here.”
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