Danish Design: Copenhagen

Scandinavian design, particularly from Denmark, is known the world over for its’ clean lines, nature inspired silhouettes, and spare but elegant form. Copenhagen is a design lover’s paradise, with a strong design tradition dating from the 17th century, evolving into the modern, leading edge design objects being created today. Where to see and buy Scandinavian and Danish design in Copenhagen:

Bredgade Street

Collectors and design aficionados should head directly to Bredgrade Street in central Copenhagen. Walking north on Bredgade from Kongens Nytorv (King's New Square) are artisans’ galleries and shops galore. You can buy estate furniture, paintings, sculpture, clothing, and decorative objects designed by Danish and Scandinavian artists. Bruun Rasmussen has the largest estate sale shop on the street. The Drud and Koppe gallery, near the Hotel Phoenix, sells contemporary objets d’art, while the Danish Silver Shop sells the best of Georg Jensen and other, lesser-known designers. Jorgen Daalgard’s shop sells unique, modern decorative objects. Hanne Gundelach has an eclectic collection of design objects, set back from Bredgade in a picturesque courtyard. At Bredgade 22A is Huset Anne Feldballe, a Danish clothing designer and a few doors down is the Katja K Studio selling for Danish and international lingerie. Montana Design and Antik sells decorative objects and offers tax free shopping to tourists. Tired shoppers can stop at 6 Sommalier, the wine bar and brasserie on Bredgrade.

Royal Copenhagen and Georg Jensen

The Royal Copenhagen flagship store on Stroget is four floors of china, tableware, and decorative objects spanning four centuries. The first two floors show the best in new and classic China patterns, serving dishes, vases, tableware, and decorative objects. Royal Copenhagen objects are generally decorated with delicate flowers or latticework patterns on white porcelain; not overwhelming in color or boldness, but not quite as simple and clean as china in the modern design tradition. They selection is amazing and the staff is usually friendly. The top floor is a museum, featuring the first objects commissioned in the 17th century by the Danish royal family, the evolution of Royal Copenhagen design through decorative objects and china, and a workshop where you can watch artisans hand paint designs and ask questions about the production process. Those looking for less expensive souvenirs should go to the basement, which sells factory firsts, seconds, and items from previous seasons. Address: Amagertorv 6. George Jensen, a silver design company selling jewelry, flatware, and objets d’art inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, has a large shop next door.

Museums

Further down Bredgrade Street, past the Amalieborg Palace and Frederick’s Church, is the Danish Museum of Art and Design (Det Danske Kunstindustrimuseum). They have a permanent exhibition showcasing the history of design in Denmark, as well as a library, textile and dress collection, and a poster collection. The Department of Prints and Drawings is open by appointment only on Tuesdays. There is free admission on Wednesdays. The Danish Design Center, across from Tivoli amusement part on Hans Christian Andersens Boulevard (just a few blocks from his eponymous statue), is a promotional center and exhibit space for Danish designers. There are two spaces with rotating exhibitions, a cafe, and a gift shop, where you can buy books and home products. The shop also has a section of goodies to inspire you to “travel light” but in style – things like first aid kits, ergonomic bags, and stylized credit card holders.

Print Article

Email Article

View All Articles

How to subscribe to feeds