Scandinavian & Danish Furniture Design

“In addressing a task, one almost always has several possible options, sometimes only a few, and they may all be practical and functional. That is the artistic task: To choose the best from these solutions.” – Arne Jacobsen

Danish furniture design, often referred to as Danish functionalism or organic functionalism, is a philosophy that was likely derived from conditions endemic to Denmark – aconviction in the equal merits of quality and beauty, long harsh winters spent indoors, a closeness with nature, and an economy and ingenuity with regard to materials. Consequently, design has continually been a critical element in Danish living, and a proud Danish legacy.

Danish furniture was never designed to be flashy or even ornate, the goal of Danish furniture was to embody understated references to nature, creating clean but sensual, organic forms. Why is ‘Danish design’so often referred to rather than the individual designers? Perhaps the reason is that this hallmark period between the 1920s and the 1960s was defined not by super star designers, but rather a collective design philosophy created and refined by several designers, all of whom collaborated with one other.

Danish design significantly contributed to the general perceptions and ideas of design worldwide. The Danish design approach stood out and was a departed from the aesthetic styles and ideals that came before it. Fundamental was the genuine interest in the user and in functionality. Pieces that came out of this magical epoch featured user-friendliness, respect for the materials and an ideal of simplification and creating honest, beautiful things.