Design Shopping Guide - Copenhagen
We often consider Milan, London, New York, or Dubai the Mecca for expert shoppers. Truth be told, such a claim could not be disputed. However, what distinguished Copenhagen (and, to some extent, all of Scandinavia) from the pack is how selective the stores are in curating their collections. Explain the beautiful interiors across Denmark; they are both collective aesthetics and an abundance of elegant design shops.
Even the infamous discount dollar stores like Flying Tiger possess a sense of restraint and playfulness. Shopping in Copenhagen elevates retail therapy into a realm of great pleasure. It is a window into the Danish mind and domestic lives. It is very true that in this globalized world that we live in, you can technically buy anything online from anywhere. But what is fun about that? Traveling is about discovery and looking for unexpected finds! Here are just a couple of highlights we would recommend you check out:
HAY Copenhagen
Østergade 61, 1100 København
Perhaps now best known for its collaboration with IKEA, HAY Copenhagen is perhaps one of the largest design houses in Denmark, with a diverse range of products from the functional to the absurd. Personally, I find their products are injected with a dose of visual fragility while maintaining their minimalist root. If I were to characterize them, it would be a dose of Japan’s Muji in the Scandinavian classic.
The highlight of HAY is to visit their flagship store on Østergade Street, just a few steps away from Illums Bolighus mentioned above. Occupying a few adjoining grand apartments, it is the live-in showroom in the truest sense. Even if you were not in the market for furniture or a candlestick, why not enjoy a nicely furnished apartment in central Copenhagen? Unlike other companies, HAY's products are also widely distributed abroad, including Design Within Reach in the United States.
Illums Bolighus
Amagertorv 10, 1160 København
The granddaddy of the Scandinavian design emporium, Illums Bolighus occupies five floors of the best modern designs you could imagine. This is your one-stop shopping for anyone on a quick visit to central Copenhagen. Located at the epicenter of the Strøget pedestrian zone, it is accessible and grand. The mid-century interior provides a calm and serene environment in which to admire the simplicity and elegance of Nordic homewares. The first floor will probably be of the most interest to visitors since the floor focuses on small homewares, including most decorative objects.
Most Danish brands on display here also have a dedicated showroom/flagship store in the city. Consider stopping by here first to browse and be acquainted with the various design houses. You are unlikely to get any special discount here, but it is so convenient and pleasant. For those with deeper pockets, consider browsing the furniture and lighting collections up the escalator. They also have many outposts across Scandinavia and Hamburg. You could also pick up the last-minute souvenir at their two outposts in Copenhagen Airport.
Ditte Fischer Copenhagen
Læderstræde 14, 1201 København
Small boutique ceramic shops like Ditte Fischer make shopping in Copenhagen a joy. Their small collection of ceramic products ranges from fashion accessories and holiday decor to small kitchenware. Although not distributed internationally, it is well regarded domestically, and they are a vendor of the world-renowned restaurant, Noma. Their works have a sense of precision, sensuality, and fragility. Their ceramic pieces are elegant in any home setting.
On our first visit to Copenhagen, I regretted not snatching up one of their vases. Their ceramic is extremely soft to the touch and embodies minimalism to its best, and you have to experience it to believe it. It took me a while to track down an online retailer who would ship their products to the United States. Long story short, don't let the opportunity to snatch one of these works of art slip away from you while in Copenhagen.
Normann Copenhagen
Østerbrogade 70, 2100 København
Established in 1999, Normann Copenhagen also has a Noma connection. Like HAY, they work with a broad range of international designers. Personally, I am particularly fond of Simon Legald's works. It always amazes me that a design house with such a broad breadth of designers could create such a cohesive collection. For my fellow Americans, I am reminded of BluDot but with a clear dose of whimsy humor. They took out a hard edge of modernism without being outright cute. I have never been to their flagship showroom. Given the amount of good press their space received, I would be foolish not to pay a visit next time.
Louisiana Art Museum of Modern Art Gift Shop
Gl Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk
For any art lover, a trip to Copenhagen is not complete without visiting the Louisiana Art Museum in the suburb of Humlebæk. A world-renowned museum of modern art, Louisiana is also well known for its beautiful setting and calming atmosphere. Aside from a wonderful cafeteria that offers affordable and high-quality meals, their gift shop is a delight. You can also rest assured that all proceeds go into supporting one of the most accessible and forward-thinking art institutions in Scandinavia.
And More…
Plenty of other great design brands and shops are worth checking out. Many do not have dedicated retail outlets, but they are widely available in places like Illums Bolighus. Many of them are available online for international shipping back to North America:
DK3
Fritz Hansen
Gubi
Spring Copenhagen
Vipp
I wish everyone happy shopping, and leave a comment on any stores you enjoy in wonderful Copenhagen.
