Good design is not just limited to IKEA: Must-visit home decor store in Stockholm

Sweden is renowned globally for its developed home design industry, with its most well-known brand being Ikea. However, Ikea's dominance falls short of satisfying the unwavering pursuit of aesthetic beauty in home design by Swedes who are passionate about the art of living. As a result, there are numerous home design brands deeply rooted in Sweden, each with its own unique characteristics. In Stockholm alone, there are nine storefronts that can be considered Nordic home design museums, truly not to be missed.

ASPLUND

A representative designer store of Nordic design. Based on the minimalist concept of Nordic design, the colors used in the designs are inspired by the different seasons of the year. This store sells classic brand series in collaboration with top Swedish architectural designers such as Claesson Koivisto Rune and Thomas Sandell, and also includes many other excellent brands, making its furniture and accessories comprehensive. Highly recommended are the store's unique handmade tufted wool rugs and some quirky small items. Website: www.asplund.org.

Kasthall

With a history of 120 years, Kasthall, a national treasure carpet manufacturer in Sweden, excellently interprets various wonderful ground decorations. From the exquisite carpet designs, you can glimpse the history of Swedish home decoration over the past century, as well as many famous landmarks and legendary stories. Kasthall carpets are laid in various places such as the underground restaurant of the Stockholm City Hall where the Nobel banquet is held, the council hall of the Stockholm City Hall, and the elegant and chic contemporary Swedish churches. Its excellent quality has also won the favor of solemn, noble, and elegant places such as the Ibsen Museum in Norway, the University of Copenhagen, the Italian Embassy, and the Dutch Embassy. These carpets frequently appear in various high-end hotels and private residences. If you are interested, you can also own a globally unique custom-made handmade carpet!

Norrgavel

The brand's founder and renowned designer Nirvan Richter has skillfully blended Nordic design with American rustic characteristics, making both the essence of Norrgavel's design. Although he is a true Nordic, he changed his name to the Sanskrit word Nirvan (peaceful happiness) because he believes that the human heart and nature can be infinitely close through these pieces of furniture. Norrgavel's rounded seating designs are classic bestsellers; moreover, this brand was one of the earliest to receive the famous Nordic Swan Ecolabel certification, highlighting its strong emphasis on ecological sustainability. Even the cute little items in the store exude a rich natural atmosphere.

Modernity

In Sweden, where the trend of second-hand vintage fashion is prevalent, the home industry also boasts outstanding leaders. One such example is this old furniture store in the center of Stockholm. It specializes in post-war Nordic and European designer pieces, known for their rarity and high taste. The store also participates in world-class antique and home design exhibitions year-round. In addition to furniture, utensils, and art decorations, it also offers jewelry. The store is located in the Östermalm district, which is known for its rich artistic atmosphere.

Svenskt Tenn

Color, color, color! Established nearly a century ago, the bold and vibrant style set by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn continues to stand out in the world of Nordic design, which is known for its simplicity and elegance. Stepping into its old store located on the waterfront avenue in Stockholm, you will find yourself smiling unconsciously: from the versatile pewter to the endless array of colorful printed home decor; from books and small items to the delightful and food-filled tea room; from the meticulously curated displays to the small art exhibitions by independent designers—Svenskt Tenn can ignite your passion and longing for home decor.

Nordiska Galleriet

If the stores introduced earlier give you a glimpse of the unique aspects of local design, this place offers a more comprehensive overview. It features famous home decor brands from various Nordic countries, making it a model of 'Nordic contemporary home decor.' The core is minimalist, yet it doesn't lack vibrant designs, whether in color or shape. The store offers a wide variety of lighting fixtures, as Swedes love to create a warm and romantic indoor lighting environment. There are also various home products suitable for gifts or collections, making this store worth visiting as a free and beautiful museum. Another highlight of the store is the exclusive showroom of Fritz Hansen, a renowned name in the international furniture design world. The famous Ant Chair, Egg Chair, Swan Chair, and other classic designs by Fritz Hansen are truly eye-opening.

Carl Malmsten

This is a famous Swedish designer's namesake store, and also an old shop that writes Swedish history through home furnishings. Carl Malmsten's mahogany chair, designed for Stockholm City Hall as early as 1916, is still on display and for sale in the store. Although the earliest designer has passed away, the home furnishing store has developed to this day, still retaining traditional craftsmanship and aesthetics.

Designtorget

In Sweden, home decor is not just about decorating living spaces with various materials; digital devices have also been integrated into home design concepts. Designtorget is a magical 'general store' that blends traditional home decor with digital home solutions, offering a wide array of options! For example, the Flic function button, which can be set through an app, is an independent design by Designtorget and ranks among the hottest designs in Wired magazine. Pressing the function button can wake up all the lights in the house; it can also replace the alarm clock with music; you can send a food order while lounging on the sofa; grandparents no longer need to find their glasses first to easily connect with family members; if you feel in danger while alone, you can immediately send your location and ask for help... Designtorget Design Square introduces new designs almost every month and also sells classic bestsellers, such as Urbanears headphones and toys from the old brand Brio.

Design House Stockholm

This store not only offers a wide range of furniture and home goods with innovative designs but also includes fashion products, making it a comprehensive showcase of Scandinavian design. Its flagship store in Stockholm's historic NK department store and the latest concept store in Åhléns City are themselves delightful design works. If you visit Stockholm, you should at least check out one of these stores. The perennial bestsellers in the store are the Elsa Beskow series of cups, trays, and other products inspired by famous Swedish children's books, designed by Catharina Kippel, as well as Pleece scarves.