Life in Nordic Design: A Tour of 12 Classic Brands

By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported. Source / MoKo Editorial Department

 

In recent years, Nordic design has been all the rage. At its core, Nordic design is about creating products that are "for people" and "fun to use." "Design" here is not just a trend or a label, but a summary of life needs, a natural reflection of the living environment, plus a touch of fun and humor. Even the most ordinary products or concepts have swept across the Pacific, sparking a wave of popularity in Asia and even globally. Going back to the basics, the main reason for its popularity isn't just aesthetics—the real heart-stealer is the design philosophy that starts with people and life. Life is inevitably tied to the environment. In Nordic regions, the long winter with limited sunlight means people spend more time at home, so household items and related hardware become a key focus. Tools need to be functional, chairs need to be comfortable, and because of the lack of daylight in winter, home lighting needs to be warmer. It's no surprise, then, that function-oriented industrial design is so highly valued in the Nordic region.

Georg Jensen is Denmark’s most internationally renowned design brand for jewelry and lifestyle products. In 2005, it officially entered the luxury jewelry market and is hailed as one of the most collectible premium brands. Even during the era of Art Nouveau, when Georg Jensen moved away from figurative styles, its works favored simple, rounded lines with a three-dimensional feel. However, the rich inspiration drawn from nature is still evident in its early tableware, where meticulous attention to detail is clearly visible. Aside from its evergreen products, the brand releases limited-edition jewelry each year, which are never sold again the following year—especially its jewelry and watches.

The milky white porcelain plates adorned with elegant blue floral patterns exude a soft glow—these are the classic creations of Royal Copenhagen, a brand with nearly three centuries of history. In Denmark, few brands, like Royal Copenhagen, are allowed to display the royal crown emblem at their entrance, signifying that they are domestically produced goods favored by the Danish royal family. Royal Copenhagen maintains its unique porcelain firing techniques and timeless designs, not only representing the pinnacle of Danish traditional craftsmanship but also holding a significant position among global porcelain brands.

Bang & Olufsen (B&O) is a national Danish brand for audiovisual peripherals. With long, dark winters and limited daylight, people in the Nordic region naturally spend more time at home, leading to a greater emphasis on the quality and performance of household items—whether furniture, daily necessities, or even audio equipment. "For B&O, it’s not just about selling products, but offering a tangible lifestyle experience."

 

The Danish lighting brand Le Klint was founded in 1953, and its classic design is the pleated lampshade (Folded Lamp Shades). Another iconic Le Klint design, the "Fruit Light," retains the valley-fold technique but transforms the umbrella shape into a sphere, making it a modern classic in lamp design.