When the popularity of Artek luminaires, String shelves, Marimekko tableware, and other beloved design products remains strong year after year, we decided to spotlight the surprises of 2023. The list features exciting new products that have quickly gained popularity, as well as familiar classics that have been successfully updated for the modern day. Discover Finnish Design Shop’s unexpected hits of 2023!
1. Unexpected surprises
EVEN THOUGH we at Finnish Design Shop curate our selection extremely carefully, there's always room for unexpected surprises that amaze us with their popularity. Some products might be sold a lot in a particular country, while others are popular worldwide. And there are times when even a simple ballpoint pen suddenly sells by the hundreds!
Tapio Anttila Collection: Day&Night sofa bed
Finnish Design Shop's globally top-selling product also happened to be our absolute number one surprise: Tapio Anttila Collection's Day&Night sofa bed was a sensation in homes all around the world. The popularity of this clever sofa bed lies in its versatility, as it serves as a daybed, lounger, guest bed, or simply as a sofa. And well, let's face it, the timeless and stylish look of the Day&Night sofa certainly doesn't hurt, either!
• Read also: Tapio Anttila's interview >
HAY: Bullet pen
At the beginning of 2023, who would have believed that something so small could play such a significant role? HAY's golden Bullet pen was used to sign Finland's NATO agreement, and many Finns wanted to get the pen as a memory of that historic moment – and, of course, because this golden “NATO pen” also happens to be an incredibly stylish accessory!
The other well-known favorites from HAY also continued to dominate the list of most wanted products. Both in Finland and around the world, homes have been adorned with the Danish brand's paper lanterns, versatile Colour Crate containers, and stylish Italian Ice Cup bowls. The chairs and tables of the super-popular Palissade outdoor collection also made their way into many terraces and balconies.
Aarke: Carbonator 3
The popularity of Swedish Aarke's simple and stylish carbonators took us completely by surprise! The Carbonator collection combines a timeless look with outstanding technical performance, making these carbonators kitchen favorites for many years to come. Design Stories editorial team's favorite is the cobalt blue Carbonator in the picture.
Artemide: Nessino table lamp
Artemide's orange Nessino is a bright and lively table lamp that hardly anyone could have avoided in their social media feeds – this mushroom-shaped luminaire was a real hit! Designed by Giancarlo Mattioli, Nessino represents the playfully futuristic style of the 1960s with an intriguing color that will brighten up both minimalist and more experimental interiors.
• Read also: The social media fell in love with the svamplampa >
2. Fresh newcomers
THESE NEW ARRIVALS refreshed our portfolio and immediately won over new fans. Fresh newcomers combine practicality, versatility, and timeless design – we predict they will be around for a long time!
Pedestal: TV stands and accessories
Danish Pedestal's stylish TV stands rolled their way into hearts, homes, and offices – some of them quite literally, thanks to their fluid mobility.
In addition to the modern TV stands, Pedestal offers a diverse range of accessories designed for convenient storage in the living room. The collection includes quirky cable management boxes and practical remote control stands to provide solutions for an organized and aesthetically pleasing entertainment oasis.
• Read also: What’s new: Pedestal >
1616 / arita japan: Tableware
Drawing on the Asian ancient ceramic traditions, 1616 / arita japan delights with its delicate and elegant designs that are infused with a generous blend of the Japandi spirit. The minimalist yet warm tableware is suitable for various settings, from everyday meals to special occasions, and they also bring joy as decorative objects outside the kitchen.
• Read also: Japandi on a plate >
Nychair X
The Japandi spirit is alive and well also in another of our new arrivals: get ready to meet Nychair X! This Japanese brand is best known for its folding canvas armchairs, designed by Takeshi Nii. The first Nychair X armchair was launched in 1970, and its graceful form has delighted design lovers around the world since then.
• Read also: What’s new: Nychair X >
Alessi: Plissé collection
Alessi's delicate Plissé will be a new classic series – and you heard it from us first! The collection of different household appliances has grown popular, and no wonder: there is just something appealing in this modern design that has been inspired by the world of architecture and fashion. Designed by Michele De Lucchi, the Plissé series dares to challenge the typical and think outside the box in a new, beautiful way.
Hem: ZigZag shelves
Hem's Zig Zag shelves have become popular, thanks to their ingenious, accordion-like structure. Designed by Studio deForm, the shelf is easy to assemble in no time at all and without any tools: simply stretch the shelf into shape and start filling it with your favorite items.
3. New takes on beloved classics
IN 2023, some much-loved classic products managed to recreate themselves in a recognizable but inspiring way. Some of the new versions have only been available for a limited time, while others are here to stay. Among them, there is one timeless favorite that doesn't need a makeover, but remains desired year after year!
Artek: Special editions of the stool 60
The Aalto Stool 60 turned 90 in 2023. Artek marked the anniversary with special editions of the iconic three-legged stool, and it was no big surprise that these special seats were going to be a huge hit. The Kontrasti stool emphasizes the structure of the classic furniture, while the Loimu stool celebrates its material, Finnish birch wood.
Almost all limited edition stools have found their new home, but we still have the last pieces in stock waiting for a new owner –act fast if you want to get yours!
In 2023, Artek's iconic luminaires were immensely popular as usual – the white-brass A331, also known as the Beehive, continued to hold the top spot.
• Read also: Aalto stool 60 Kontrasti celebrates the ingenious construction of the classic L-leg >
• Read also: What’s new: Artek’s Stool 60 Loimu >
Carl Hansen & Søn: Wishbone chair
Carl Hansen & Søn's CH24 chair, also known as the Wishbone chair, is one of the most famous masterpieces of Scandinavian design. At over 70 years of age, the iconic chair's fame doesn't just fade. Quite the opposite in fact: with the new color scheme, this Danish design classic is more popular than ever!
In 2023, the wood chair was updated with a fresh new color palette curated by Ilse Crawford. The soft but intense hues are inspired by the expressionist paintings of the well-known Danish artist Per Kirkeby and the raw beauty of the Nordic landscapes, plants, and soil.
GUBI: Tynell 9602 floor lamp
GUBI presented the first collection of lightning designs by Paavo Tynell in the historic Palazzo Serbelloni at the Milan Furniture Fair in 2018. Five years later, the Danish design brand returned to the palace with a special edition of the Finnish designer's famous 9602 lamp. The fabulous GUBI x Pierre Frey 9602 Special Edition floor lamp is adorned with a mesmerizing and vivid “La Jardin de Palais” pattern, designed by Pierre Frey.
• Read also: Paavo Tynell’s coveted lamp classics come to life >
Iittala: Sarpaneva cast iron pot
Well, as it happens, one of the well-known classics has once again found new fans – worldwide, too! Iittala's Sarpaneva cast iron pot is a must-have in every kitchen. The stylish and streamlined casserole dish cooks food evenly both on the stove and in the oven, making it ideal for any hearty meal: stews, slow-cooked bolognese or even a whole roast chicken.
See also:
• What's new at Finnish Design Shop >
Text: Susa Pääkkönen Images: Manufacturers and Riikka Soini-Ferraguto