Design classics

Scandinavian modernism has had a strong influence on the history of design in the world. Modernism was adopted by the Scandinavians and Finns at the beginning of the 20th century. A central point of success of Scandinavian modernism has always been its ability to adapt to the given. What was new was the addition of a warm and cosy component to the then very cool and simple design of mainland Europe, which was always focused on efficient industrial production. Scandinavian modernism added comfort and cosiness to the living of the time, especially through subtle lighting and the use of textiles. The result was a new, people-centred design that embraces the body and radiates sensuality.

This Nordic style is still very popular, although many of the design classics are almost 100 years old. The popularity of Nordic design is based on the fact that the design focuses on people and their needs and that the furniture is functional, suitable for everyday use and sustainable. Today's consumers are increasingly critical of consumption and want products that are durable and have a high value. The simple, functional forms are timeless and fit in perfectly with every contemporary trend. In addition, natural materials such as wood and linen bring more warmth and cosiness into the room.

The first truly iconic piece of furniture from the North, the Paimio chair by the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto was created in 1932 for the interior design of the Paimio Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Finland and is considered one of Aalto's masterpieces. Poul Henningsen's PH pendant lamp, which hangs in many Danish homes, was designed as early as 1926. Poulsen's PH series also includes the impressive PH Artichoke pendant lamp, which is available in many variations.

Poul Henningsen's PH pendant lamp, which hangs in many Danish homes, was designed as early as 1926. Poulsen's PH series also includes the impressive PH Artichoke pendant lamp, which is available in many variations.

One of the most famous Scandinavian furniture classics, the Egg Chair, was designed by Arne Jacobsen for the SAS Hotel in Copenhagen in 1958. The hotel was designed completely and down to the last detail by Arne Jacobsen. Even today the interior is kept according to Arne Jacobsen's original designs, and room 606 even has the original furniture from the period. In the hotel lobby you will find the Egg Chair, the Swan Chair, the Series 7 chairs, the Drop Chairs and much more. Especially the chairs by Arne Jacobsen can still be found today in many private apartments and houses as well as in public spaces.

The multifunctional Artek Stool 60 by Alvar Aalto is one of the most popular pieces of furniture in history. It is perfectly finished and can be used as a chair, side table or even as an exhibition space. The Aalto trolley 901 also belongs to the Nordic design classics. The A331 is probably the most famous pendant by the Finnish designer Alvar Aalto, it dates back to 1953 and was inspired by a bee house - hence the name Beehive, as it is also called. The elegant and simple A330S pendant lamp, 'Golden Bell', was designed by Aalto in 1937 for the Savoy Restaurant in Helsinki and was also shown in the Finnish pavilion at the Paris World Exposition in the same year. The luminaire embodies Alvar Aalto's signature streamlined aesthetic, while the light it emits is both warm and diffuse.

The Domus chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara is a masterpiece of modern Nordic furniture design. It was created in 1946 as part of a furniture series for the student residences of the Domus Academica complex in Helsinki. Tapiovaara achieved great international success with the chair, which is now known as "The Finn Chair". Domus is a particularly comfortable chair for long periods of sitting. The characteristic short armrests have the advantage that the Domus Chair can be pulled close to a table and at the same time provides arm support and great comfort. Domus chairs have since been used in homes and public spaces all over the world.

Many of Verner Panton's designs belong to the Nordic design classics, although Panton was not as highly regarded in his native Denmark as Poul Henningsen or Arne Jacobsen, for example. The Panton chair is probably one of his most famous works, but also the Panthella lamp, which is now made by Louis Poulsen. The VP Globe pendant lamp and the FUN lamp series by Verpan have also developed into authentic design classics.

The Aalto Vase by Alvar Aalto, also known as Savoy Vase, is the most famous design object from Finland and at the same time one of the most famous glass objects in the world. A good example of timeless design that goes beyond the latest trend and remains so.

Kaj Franck is regarded as "the conscience of Finnish design". Even then, Franck wanted to minimise the number of everyday objects we need in our lives and draw attention to the sustainability and life cycle of products. In 1953 the Kartio series was created and in 1981 the Teema series for Iittala, both of which became modern design classics and have since become indispensable to many dining tables.

Kay Bojesen, one of the most prolific craftsmen of the 20th century in Denmark, is known for his playful wooden figures. The cheerful monkey and the birds bring joy to generations and are known all over the world

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