Design classics

What are the characteristics of a design classic?

The beginning of a design classic often starts with combining function with beautiful and timeless design. Often the designer has used materials in a new and innovative way. A design classic should also be characteristic enough that they are easy to recognise. Here we have collected well-known lamps, home accessories, tableware and more – all of which are considered well-known design classics. Let yourself be inspired!

What are the characteristics of Scandinavian design classics?

Many people associate the term ‘classic Scandinavian style’ with simplicity, stylish shapes, light wood and light colours. The style is characterised as soft functionalism and was shaped by famous designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Louise Adelborg and Alvar Aalto from the 1930’s and 1960’s. Since then, a number of products have been designed and launched that are today considered Scandinavian design classics.

Norwegian design classics

The Northern lamp collection by Birdy is a good example of a Norwegian design classic. The lamp was designed in 1952 by Birger Dahl and has also won awards for its modernist and elegant design.

Danish design classics

Georg Jensen is a well-known name in Danish and Scandinavian design and is popular for its successful collaborations with several prominent designers. One of these collaborations was with Sigvard Bernadotte, who was originally born into the Swedish royal family. Bernadotte is a collection that is characterised by its elegant, vertical lines.

The Danish designer Kay Bojesen became world famous for his popular and charming wooden figures that appeal as much to adults as they do to children. The monkey is the most famous of all the figures and was designed in 1951.

Finnish design classics

Secto Design specialises in elegant and handmade lamps made of locally produced birch. Their range consists of a number of iconic lamps that are known all over the world and are good examples of Finnish design classic.

The iconic String shelf – a Swedish design classic

The Swedish design classic String Pocket shelf is characterised by its minimalist and functional design. The shelf was designed by Nils Strinning, who originally designed it for a bookshelf competition in 1949. After the shelf won, it was put into production, and is still a popular and sought-after shelf today.

Swedish design classics – timeless tableware collections

In Rörstrand's large assortment, we find several design classics that have been used for several generations. The romantic and nostalgic tableware Ostindia is their most popular collection and was in fact named the ‘tableware of the century’ in Sweden.

Another Rörstrand classic is the Mon Amie collection, designed by Marianne Westman. The collection was inspired by a rainy Midsummer celebration in the 1940’s and is characterised by a pattern of beautiful cobalt blue flowers.

Swedish Grace is a timeless style icon with an elegant and minimalist aesthetic. The collection was designed in 1930 by Louise Adelborg, one of the most talented designers of our time.

Iconic lamps

Here at Nordic Nest, we have a large selection of lamps that combine style and function in a way that has made them a design icon.

Gubi is a Danish brand that specialised in relaunching the classics of the past and also designs that are considered modern classics. One of their most iconic lamps is the collection Bestlite, designed by Robert Dudley Best in 1930. The Bestlite table lamp was in fact Winston Churchill’s favourite lamp and joined him on his travels around the world.

Verner Panton is also a well-known name in Nordic design and has designed several lamps that are considered design classics. One of his most iconic designs is FlowerPot from &Tradition.

Set the breakfast table with design classics

The EM77 vacuum jug, designed by Erik Magnussen, is one of the most iconic products by Stelton. The jug was launched in 1997 and has since been sold over 10 million times.

Essence by Iittala is a collection of award-winning glasses, designed by Alfredo Häberli. Häberli’s goal was to design as few glasses as possible, but that would work for many uses. The glasses are elegant and minimalist and have quickly become a popular favourite.

Iconic vases popular design classics for a modern home

Here at Nordic Nest, we have a number of iconic vases that are considered design classics.

One of the most popular designs is the famous Alvar Aalto vase. Alvar Aalto was interested in designing products that were functional, accessible to all and beautiful to look at. The vase was designed in 1936 in collaboration with Iittala and is characterised by the asymmetrical and curved lines.

Another popular vase is the famous Hammershøi vase by Kähler. Inspired by the artist Svend Hammershøi, the collection is an integral part of the legacy of the Kähler brand and one of, if not the most popular of Kähler’s ceramic collections.

Decorate your home with design classics

Several of our design classics are our well-known and popular interior accessories which have decorated homes for generations.

Cobra is one of the most iconic collections by Georg Jensen and was created in collaboration with the German designer Constantin Wortmann. The products included in the collection are characterised by curvy forms, inspired by the appearance of a cobra when it raises its head.

Another design classic that is a popular interior item in many homes, is the iconic Liljan candlestick. The candlestick was designed by Ivar Ålenius Björk and thanks to a collaboration between his relatives and Skultuna, this Swedish design classic is again possible to get hold of.

Iconic fabric designs

With their bold and colourful patterns, the tableware and fabrics by Marimekko have fascinated and enchanted people all over the world since 1951. Among their most famous patterns, we find the iconic floral pattern Pieni Unikko. In addition, we have Siirtolapuutarha, inspired by flowers and plants from garden allotments. Räsymatto means "rag rug " in English and the pattern is characterised by the ball-like pattern of woven mats.