Classics
From radical to classic: the timeless design of Verner Panton
Verner Panton is one of the great names of Nordic design, known for his bold colors, sculptural forms, and futuristic interiors. A century after the Danish designer’s birth, his furniture and lighting remain strikingly relevant. In this story, we explore why Panton’s radical ideas have stood the test of time – with insight from the brands that continue to produce his iconic pieces today.
Read story
Alessi’s kettle 9093 – brewing joy for 40 years!
Countless cups of tea and forty years later, the joy is still the same. Designed by Michael Graves for Alessi in 1985, the kettle 9093 has become a design icon that perfectly balances playfulness and timeless elegance. Its cheerful whistle continues to delight, decade after decade.
Read story
The master of chairs: Hans J. Wegner
The son of a cobbler, Hans J. Wegner began his apprenticeship as a carpenter at just 14 years old. He went on to become one of the leading figures of Scandinavian furniture design, creating more than 500 chair models over the course of his career. Today, Wegner is best known for his iconic Wishbone Chair, which has been in continuous production since 1950.
Read story
Poul Henningsen – master of soft light and designer of the PH 5 lamp
Designed by Poul Henningsen, the PH 5 is one of the most renowned classics of Danish lighting design. Created for Louis Poulsen in 1958, the pendant lamp is an iconic example of Henningsen’s uncompromising lighting philosophy and a testament to how timeless design can illuminate homes for generations.
Read story
Greta Magnusson Grossman paved the way for female designers
Greta Magnusson Grossman is best known for her Gräshoppa and Cobra lamps, designed in the late 1940s and now part of GUBI’s collection. The Swedish designer, who built her career in California, also created houses and interiors for Hollywood’s elite alongside her iconic lighting designs.
Read story
Howard Smith was a boundless creative experimenter
Artist and designer Howard Smith infused his creativity into ceramics, printed textiles, and a variety of other materials. Smith is best known for his ceramic animal figures for Arabia and printed fabrics for Vallila. In May 2025, his first retrospective exhibition in the United States will open.
Read story
Aino Aalto was a strict functionalist, who aimed at a clear and simple style
Aino Aalto brought the modern interior design ideals that she thought were practical to Finland. Her style can be seen, for example, in the interior of Villa Mairea.
Read story
Vitra’s Uten.Silo is a stylish spot for everyday essentials
The Uten.Silo designed by Dorothee Becker got its final shape after some twists and turns. These days manufactured by Vitra, the iconic wall-mounted organizer is a popular everyday article and interior decoration item that brings a smile to design lovers around the world.
Read story
Playful vegetables and fruits flourish in Oiva Toikka’s glass garden
In addition to his popular glass birds, Oiva Toikka also designed luscious-looking glass fruits and vegetables. Some of these whimsical glass sculptures have made a return to Iittala’s collection. It’s worth searching for vintage Toikka glass art, for example, from Franckly’s selection.
Read story
Kartell’s Componibili combines practicality and playful design
Designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, the Componibili storage unit is a design classic that finds its place in every area of the home. Behind its sleek sliding doors, everything from eyeglasses and socks to soaps can easily be tucked away.
Read story
Humane from design to finish – Alvar Aalto's armchairs are hand-made in Finland
Alvar Aalto's creations share not only a timeless design language but also a distinctive sense of humanity. Aalto designed his products with life at the forefront – they were made to be lived in, experienced, and built to withstand the everyday and special moments alike. Discover Aalto's armchairs with us, each one meticulously handcrafted and upholstered in Turku, Finland.
Read story
Tynell in Helsinki: Exploring Paavo Tynell’s lighting in the city’s landmarks
Finnish designer Paavo Tynell had a distinguished career in public lighting design, and many of his masterpieces are still on display for all to admire. In this article, we explore Tynell’s lighting at Helsinki Central Station, the Helsinki School of Economics, Hotel Vaakuna and Meilahti Church.
Read story
Vitra relaunches the fabric-upholstered Eames Lounge Chair – the iconic armchair is as practical as it is luxurious
The classic Eames Lounge Chair was designed by Charles and Ray Eames to improve on something that already existed. The same kind of thinking still prevails at Vitra, which is now relaunching the fabric-upholstered version of the Lounge Chair. Slightly less-well known than the chair, the story behind it began already in the late 1950s.
Read story
Artek's classics are the foundation of Finnish design – introducing 7 timeless gems by Alvar Aalto
Trends come and go, but the timeless allure of classics transcends decades – Artek's iconic furniture and lighting have brought beauty and functionality to homes worldwide for nearly a century. We selected seven Aalto favorites: read on to discover the stories behind these beloved products.
Read story
Wooden dolls by Vitra are like one happy family – which is your favorite?
Designed by Alexander Girard, the expressive wooden dolls seem to be communicating with each other. Even a couple of dolls made by Vitra can create some spark and color into your interior, or are you going to get them all?
Read story
From fishing nets to outdoor furniture – Mater’s Ocean patio furniture combines recycled material with 1950s spirit
Danish company Mater updated the 1950s outdoor furniture collection by Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel to the modern day. The material of the Ocean furniture is now recycled waste plastic from oceans – and green Carlsberg beer barrels.
Read story
Fiskars’ scissors celebrate 55th anniversary – do you know how the iconic orange color was invented?
55 years ago, Fiskars introduced the world's first plastic-handled scissors. Today, orange Classic scissors are one of the most recognizable Finnish design classics of all time. Over a billion pairs of Classic scissors have been sold worldwide.
Read story
What a wonderful lounge chair! The Tired Man designed by Flemming Lassen invites you to relax
Architect Flemming Lassen was one of the pioneers of Danish functionalism. One of his most famous pieces of furniture is The Tired Man easy chair, which was re-introduced in 2015 by the Danish brand By Lassen.
Read story
Arabia’s vintage flower pots are in huge demand – do you have these ceramic pots at home?
Designed by Richard Lindh, the timelessly beautiful ceramic flower pots by Arabia are sought-after vintage treasures, and also extremely good for your flowers.
Read story
Designer who loved technology – Richard Sapper’s designs range from cars to laptops
The career of German-Italian designer Richard Sapper was driven by his boundless interest in technology. Sapper, one of the key industrial designers of the last century, created innovations including the Tizio lamp for Artemide, the kettle 9091 for Alessi, and the ThinkPad laptops for Lenovo.
Read story
Ilmari Tapiovaara’s Maija lamp (1955)
Ilmari Tapiovaara is best known for his interior and furniture design. Most people are familiar with the Domus chair and Pirkka collection, but did you know that Tapiovaara also designed lamps? One of the most beautiful is Maija, which is currently part of Santa & Cole’s selection.
Read story
Alessi introduces the iconic espresso makers 9090 and La conica in vivid original versions
To celebrate its centennial, Alessi treats design lovers to intriguing special editions: Richard Sapper’s espresso coffee maker 9090 and Aldo Rossi’s La Conica are featured in the Alessi 100 Values Collection as previously unpublished original versions.
Read story
Gubi’s Pedrera coffee table reprises the flowing forms created by Antoni Gaudí
The Pedrera coffee table is one of the Danish company Gubi’s hit products. Its modern design seems entirely up to date, but the name reveals something completely different in its background. The coffee table was designed in 1955 in one of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous buildings in Barcelona.
Read story
Charles & Ray Eames – pioneers of 20th-century modern design
Charles and Ray Eames were some of the most influential designers of 20th-century modern design. The story of the couple, making their careers in the US, involves both design competitions and World War Two – and Finnish architects Eliel and Eero Saarinen.
Read story
“Guru of radical design” – Ettore Sottsass’ colorful designs celebrate Alessi’s centennial
The Alessi 100 Values Collection features new editions of iconic products by Ettore Sottsass and other notable names of Italian design. Sottsass is also known for his groundbreaking work in the Memphis collective and the Radical Design movement.
Read story
Vitra’s LCM chair is an absolute gem of timeless design to Henna Laakso
One of the treasures of Henna Laakso’s living room is an LCM lounge chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames. Its meticulously crafted ergonomics delight its owner every day.
Read story
The Karuselli chair was a long-time dream for Lauri Kähkönen
In the home of Lauri Kähkönen, creative director of restaurants Grön and Way, all the objects are meant to be used. The vintage Karuselli chair by Yrjö Kukkapuro makes even everyday life feel festive.
Read story
Functionalist Hotel Vaakuna from the 1950s is filled with original lamps by Paavo Tynell
At Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, right in the center of Helsinki, you can travel back in time to the 1950s. Established in 1952 and recently renovated, this famous Finnish hotel features lighting by Paavo Tynell, creating a romantic atmosphere inside the functionalist building.
Read story
Classic chairs by Alvar Aalto chosen for the interior of the Bob W apartment hotel
In the early 1930s, Alvar Aalto designed several chairs made of bentwood and plywood. The Bob W apartment hotel, to be opened in Helsinki in spring 2021, will feature these Aalto classics made by Artek. Bob W acquired the chairs second-hand – in the spirit of circular economy – through Franckly.
Read story
Artek’s 69 chairs ended up in Tero Kuitunen’s home by pure luck
Designer Tero Kuitunen appreciates the beautiful patina and classical design heritage of his Alvar Aalto vintage chairs. He found two of them at a stationery shop at his campus and one in front of a store in downtown Helsinki.
Read story
Influential women in Scandinavian design – spotlight on four pioneers
Aino Aalto, Nanna Ditzel, Greta Magnusson Grossman and Armi Ratia were pioneers in Scandinavian design and home interior design. The recognizable handprint and strong vision of these four designers are still a delight today.
Read story
Archive find from the 1930s brought Tove Kindt-Larsen's Grace chair to life
The sketches of the Grace armchair, designed by Tove Kindt-Larsen in the 1930s, remained hidden in her archives for more than 80 years before being brought to production by the Danish design brand Gubi. With the launch of the charming rattan chair, Gubi aims to restore Kindt-Larsen’s well-deserved position in design history.
Read story
Medieval meets mid-century – Carin Bryggman’s work is visible everywhere in Turku Castle
Carin Bryggman established her own interior design office in Turku more than 70 years ago, as the first woman in Finland. Bryggman's skillfully designed interiors and mid-century furniture can still be seen here and there – particularly in the medieval Castle of Turku.
Read story
Harry Bertoia’s iconic Diamond Chair is Elisa Koskinen’s lunch-hour find
When vintage-loving Elisa Koskinen saw Knoll’s Diamond Chair in a second-hand shop, she knew immediately that the classic would come home with her.
Read story
Design duo Saana ja Olli’s sofa is clad in Vuokko’s Hedelmä fabric
One of Saana Sipilä and Olli Sallinen’s favorite finds is an architect-made corner sofa that is upholstered with a fabric designed by Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi.
Read story
Paavo Tynell’s lamps can be found in surprising places – take a look at these 3 stunning sites
“There are still some locations in Finland where you can marvel at what is left of Tynell’s original lighting,” says Ville Linna, who recently published a book about renowned Finnish lighting designer Paavo Tynell. Explore with us three unique places where you can enjoy Tynell’s lighting in its original settings.
Read story
Arabia’s Peppi cups bring joy to Matti Pikkujämsä
Illustrator Matti Pikkujämsä fuels his creativity with coffee from delightful cups designed by Gunvor-Olin Grönqvist in the 1960s.
Read story
Peeta Peltola’s dream cabinet
A two-metre tall antique cabinet brings character and contrast to the home of Peeta Peltola, an entrepreneur in the creative field. The unique piece was a lucky find from an online flea market.
Read story
The Kuksa glass by Tapio Wirkkala is Hanna-Katariina Mononen’s favorite object
The alluring glass design forces writer and stylist Hanna-Katariina Mononen to pause and focus on mundane moments and appreciate them in a different way.
Read story
Artek’s Y61 stool is the apple of Pinja Forsman’s eye
Interior design stylist Pinja Forsman prefers to buy her furniture second-hand and especially likes the timeless design language of Artek. Discover how the rattan stool of her dreams, designed by Alvar Aalto, finally found its way to her home.
Read story
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni: Humor in the shape of light
Italian brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni became, in a very short time, lead characters of Italian design in the 1960s. Humor combined with a desire to bring material and technological innovations in the lighting design field made the Castiglioni brothers, known for example for the Gatto and Snoopy lamps, legends in the world of design.
Read story
Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall is a work of art down to the finest detail
Known as Alvar Aalto's masterpiece, the Finlandia Hall in Helsinki, Finland is an intoxicating ensemble of Aalto's detailed imprint and timeless elegance. Let Franckly's lifestyle images shot at Finlandia Hall offer you inspiration.
Read story
The legendary Savoy restaurant is the ultimate in style and fine dining
Designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto, the Savoy restaurant in Helsinki attracts visitors even after eight decades. Now, designer Ilse Crawford has updated the iconic venue preserving the Aaltos’ legacy.
Read story
10 sought-after design classics from Franckly
Franckly's unique collection of pre-owned design is constantly growing, and design lovers all over Europe are standing in line to get their hands on the most coveted pieces. We picked ten interesting items from Franckly's most followed items – take a look and find a new home for your hidden gems!
Read story
Iivari Viilomaa collects colored glassware by Nuutajärvi
Iivari Viilomaa, a carpenter with design company Nikari, is a flea market fan. He has acquired an enviably extensive collection of Finnish glassware.
Read story
Paul McCobb re-emerges to achieve new popularity
The furniture of Paul McCobb, who enjoyed huge success in the 1950s and 60s, has been available only in auctions and flea markets in recent decades. However, this has now changed, with McCobb’s products being re-released by various manufacturers.
Read story
Mirva Saukkola is a fan of classic dishware
Mirva Saukkola, editor-in-chief of the Antiikki & Design magazine, has a soft spot for the Emilia dinnerware collection by Arabia.
Read story
Jean Prouvé was a design experimenter whose imprint is visible both in furniture design and architecture
Jean Prouvé was an open-minded pioneer in crafts, design, and architecture. Today, the French designer is best known for his furniture, which was reintroduced into the collection of Vitra in the early 2000s.
Read story
Iittala’s Nappula candleholders are among Ida Hanhiniemi’s most treasured items
Ida Hanhiniemi, strategist at Sugar Helsinki, sets her table with both new and old objects. While browsing flea markets and vintage stores, she focuses on quality and need.
Read story
The patina of time perfects a vintage Eames chair
Finnish interior architect Joanna Laajisto was charmed by the Eames office chair found from a Danish vintage shop. She ended up getting a second hand chair because of its its eco-friendliness and soft patina.
Read story
Annaleena Hakola: “I love the life and patina that vintage lamps radiate”
Hakola's creative director Annaleena Hakola prefers to buy vintage lamps. Several Bumling lamps by Ateljé Lyktan can be found in her home.
Read story
Sami Ruotsalainen was charmed by the gentle gaze of a walrus
Design aficionados share their most beloved vintage treasures in a new series of articles produced by Franckly. Sami Ruotsalainen, a designer at Marimekko, fell in love with a ceramic walrus by Arabia.
Read story
The Domus chair – from a multipurpose dorm chair to a design favorite
Ilmari Tapiovaara designed the Domus chair in 1946 as a reading chair for a student housing complex in Helsinki. The beautiful, ergonomic wooden chair has since become one of the most loved – and desired – icons of Finnish design.
Read story
Iisa Pajula’s design treasure is a set of rice porcelain tableware by Arabia
Design aficionados share their most beloved vintage treasures in a new series of articles produced by Franckly. Next up is singer Iisa Pajula. On special occasions, she serves coffee from rice porcelain tableware by the Finnish brand Arabia. The cherished coffee set dates back nearly 50 years.
Read story
Mikko Puotila’s all-time favorite chair
Design aficionados share their most beloved vintage treasures in a new series of articles produced by Franckly. Mikko Puotila, Managing Director of the design company Woodnotes, presents an Egg armchair inherited from his parents.
Read story
George Nelson – a Renaissance genius of modern design
The architect George Nelson is known as a unique designer, as well as an insightful opinion-leader and visionary, who brought American design into the modernist era. In his design work, Nelson managed to create subdued beauty and have fun at the same time.
Read story
Arne Jacobsen was a master of streamlined aesthetic
Arne Jacobsen is best known to many by his chair designs and Louis Poulsen lamps. However, the Danish architect created not only iconic furniture and lighting but also buildings, textiles and interiors.
Read story
50 years of Paratiisi – Arabia celebrating Birger Kaipiainen's beloved tablewear
The 50th anniversary of the Paratiisi (Paradise) series is celebrated with new gift packaging. The series, launched in 1969, epitomizes ceramic artist Birger Kaipiainen's delicate and vibrant touch.
Read story
The Karuselli chair represented the dynamic design of its time
The Karuselli chair designed by Yrjö Kukkapuro has been a success in the design world already for over 50 years. How was this Finnish classic born?
Read story
The Golden Bell Savoy pendant by Alvar Aalto shows the passing of time
Artek's A330S pendant lamp, also as known as the Golden Bell, has been a part of the Restaurant Savoy in Helsinki since the very beginning. The Golden Bell Savoy, which develops a beautiful patina over time, has also become a favorite in contemporary interiors.
Read story
Menu’s Knitting Chair serves not only knitters, but also bookworms and smartphone users
Menu’s new release recreates Ib Kofod-Larsen’s Knitting Chair, which the Danish designer created almost 70 years ago specifically for knitting. Knitting Chair’s airy and sculptural appearance is also easy to combine with modern interiors and recreational habits.
Read story
Kaj Franck created truly timeless designs
In his work, Kaj Franck sought the beauty underneath the surface. The unembellished Teema tableware and Kartio tumblers are the delight of table settings even today.
Read story
Verner Panton was a boisterous pioneer of Danish design
Verner Panton was an avant-gardist who captured the spirit of the 1960s in his products. The designer, known for his lamps and chairs, also designed interiors. Read more about Verner Panton and his designs on Design Stories!
Read story
Louis Poulsen’s Radiohus pendant: the 1940s design icon still lights up the day
Louis Poulsen’s Radiohus pendant represents the timeless character of Danish lighting design. The appearance of the soon 80-year-old pendant is just as timely today as it was when it was first brought to the market.
Read story
Design classics of your dreams
A design classic speaks to you, stands the test of time, and is often treasured and transferred from one generation to the next. Kari-Otso Nevaluoma, Mia Frilander, Harri Herrala, and Linda Bergroth present the design classics of their dreams.
Read story
50 years of Bubbles – Eero Aarnio’s classic chair turns the big 5-0
The Bubble Chair that hangs from the ceiling is Eero Aarnio’s masterpiece, and one of Finnish design’s most joyful and innovative classics. The Bubble came out a respectable 50 years ago.
Read story
Arabia’s Esteri, Myrna and Paratiisi are treasures of the dish cabinet that bring back memories
Fashion changes and the decorative motifs of Arabia’s old tableware are sometimes forgotten and sometimes return to production. Some get excited about them for the first time, and some rediscover them in their hunger for nostalgia. The latest arrival is the Mainio Sarastus collection.
Read story
Ilmari Tapiovaara – life, oblivion and rediscovery
For Ilmari Tapiovaara, work was his whole life, and at times, his family was also left in its shadow. The Finnish designer died an almost forgotten great, but then the retro boom began.
Read story
The perfectly timeless Kartio
Kaj Franck's Kartio glasses are a prime example of sustainable design.
Read story
Ultima Thule and the feel of material
Tapio Wirkkala’s glassware line, Ultima Thule, took its shape from Nordic nature. In 2018, the Finnish design classic celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Read story
Stelton’s EM77 vacuum jug is an all-time coffee table favorite
The EM77 vacuum jug designed by Erik Magnussen in the 1970s is one of the icons of Scandinavian design. Its minimal form and simple structure have made it a favorite that has made its way onto thousands and thousands of coffee tables around the world.
Read story
Design Classics on Design Stories
These stories explore iconic figures and objects of Finnish and Scandinavian design. We share the stories of influential designers, their ideas and creative legacies, as well as products that have become enduring design classics over time.
In the Classic category, you can read more about familiar and beloved design icons and the stories behind them. We highlight designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Verner Panton, and Paavo Tynell, whose work continues to shape contemporary design and whose products are available through Finnish Design Shop.
Design Stories is the online magazine of Finnish Design Shop, created to inspire and delight design lovers everywhere. We hope you enjoy exploring with us! Have a story tip or thoughts on our content? We’d love to hear from you.
