Fascination glass and porcelain – fragile design from Scandinavia

When you think of the vastness and beauty of Scandinavia, you associate two particular characteristics with it: lakes and forests. So it is not surprising that local wood in particular is used for the simple, elegant furniture and home accessories of Scandinavian home design. But glass and porcelain are also among the preferred materials of the northern furnishing style. In short, everything that reminds you of the great nature of the north. Lovingly selected and at the same time practically furnished, this creates perfect harmony for the home in a simple way.

iittala glassware

Kosta Boda bottles

Orrefors bottle

The production of hand-blown glass and high-quality porcelain with particularly attractive decorations has a long tradition in the Scandinavian countries. For example, glass art in Sweden goes back to an invitation from King Gustav Vasas. In the 16th century he invited Venetian glassblowers to Stockholm. This is how they brought the knowledge of this extraordinary craft to Sweden. It was also decisive that the north offered all the important prerequisites for glass art. The wood from the local forests could be used to light the stoves. The raw material as the finest sand was available in large quantities at the bottom of the numerous lakes and their water power could also be used as an energy source. The number of glassworks grew to over 100 companies at the end of the 19th century.

Kosta Boda art glass

Kosta Boda vase

Orrefors vase

Orrefors

Orrefors Lito-Graal

Orrefors bottle

Orrefors amber glass

Orrefors flower vase

And to this day, high-quality glass and fine porcelain are still associated with typical Swedish design. In addition to glass for use such as drinking glasses, cups, vases, dishes and many others, art objects are also manufactured in numerous glassworks.

The world’s best-known glassworks that are now part of a group are Kosta-Boda and Orrefors. Kosta-Boda was founded in 1742 and is the oldest hut still active today. Orrefors, founded in 1898, is known for its innovative, advanced glass techniques, such as Graal. The Finnish glass factory iittala, which was founded in the city of the same name in 1881, is a synonym for Nordic glass design that is known worldwide and stands out from other suppliers thanks to its natural and clear shapes. One of the highlights from the range, the Alvar Aalto vase, has been around since 1936. The fact that it has been sold for almost 80 years speaks for its timeless design.

the most famous design from iittala

Scandinavian design is known for doing without the superfluous. The focus is always on functionality and suitability for everyday use.

Refreshing, simple, romantic and relaxed, the Scandinavian design is pure joy and gives every home furnishings that certain something. In keeping with the modern lifestyle of the north, manufacturers such as Marimekko and Rörstrand are also becoming increasingly popular.

iittala Origo

Glass and porcelain as home accessories can be found in every home. A simple field bouquet looks just stunning in the right vase. Drinking and eating is also much more fun if the dishes are convincing with their design. Large or small, bulbous or slim, round, angular, narrow or wide – glass and porcelain products in Scandinavian style fit every apartment. Take a look at our picture gallery to see for yourself!

Marimekko

Tea set in blue

Scandinavian design

Scandinavian crockery