Let’s Talk About Danish Modern
If we look at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, in which category do you think the appreciation of aesthetic living spaces belongs to? Is it a Safety or Self-Esteem need?
It is true that every human requires a safe shelter. However, we also enjoy high-quality furniture because it gives us a feeling of self-esteem and maybe even self-actualization. Indeed, designer furniture is a status symbol. Moreover, we feel inspired by beautiful homes, especially they are our own. After a long day at work, a stylish house calms us down and relaxes us.
Nevertheless, people have always valued the quality of living spaces. Everyone wants to be surrounded by furniture that reflects their personality and impresses guests.
Who would have thought that the dream of a good life could drive people to innovate and create an entire industry and culture of furniture lovers?
When it comes to style and comfort, Danish Modern is a perfect choice. However, many can’t differentiate Danish Modern from other Scandinavian styles. A question naturally arises:
What is the Danish Modern direction and what are its distinct features?
Before we start the discussion about Danish Modern, let’s clarify the concept of Scandinavian Modern.
http://www.home-designing.com/modern-scandinavian-style-home-design-for-young-families-2-examples
If somebody mentions Scandinavia as a geographical location, what associations come to your mind? Probably you are going to think about its harsh climate, dense forests and ancient traditions. Scandinavian Modern originated in the 1930’s and 1940’s, and it really belongs to the world of Scandinavian culture. The furniture is usually made from natural materials, which seemingly binds together familiar lines and shapes. But when you look at Scandinavian furniture pieces, you instantly fall in love with its almost sculptural silhouettes.
Danish Modern is a wonderful blend of sculptural beauty as well as functionality and usability characteristics. After all, furniture is meant to be used daily and has to be comfortable. Otherwise, it becomes a dust collector.
To this day, Scandinavian Modern is the most popular choice not only in home designs in Scandinavia but across the entire planet. And it is completely erroneous to believe that this style is now popular because it is new. It originated in the middle of the 20th century, but every day since then the style has been winning new hearts.
Scandinavian Modern is divided into Danish Modern, Swedish Modern, Finnish Modern, Norwegian Modern, and Icelandic Modern. (Something you probably already expected to hear. Nevertheless, it was important to mention.)
The direction Danish Modern originated in the 1950s. And for a good reason, the furniture industry in Denmark is one of the most developed industries to this day.
The distinct characteristics of Danish Modern furniture: clean lines, exquisite materials and exceptional craftsmanship with careful detailing. However, it’s prominent character is persuasion of constant novelty. It is this innovative silhouettes forms and textures that make every piece of furniture trendy in any era.
The works of the legends of Danish design are Kaare Klint, Arne Jacobson, Finn Julia, Hans Wegner and many more. (You can find similar to those iconic pieces at our store.)
Image via Danish Design Store
Organic Modernism Arno Chair (Above)
Image via archidea.com
Organic Modernism TV Lounge Chair (Above)
The bold decisions in forms and textures of the Danish modern craftsmen were always accompanied by the creation of comfort for people. At the same time, the furniture broke all the framework of stereotypes. Therefore, unusual forms, and at the same time, a craving for natural materials and a kind of “extreme” revolution in the perception of household furniture, made Danish Modern a cult.
In the choice of materials for creating furniture, preference is given to natural materials. Therefore, we often observe the use of wood, (especially light wood). Leather is often used for upholstery. However, the possibility of using materials is wide. New technological processing of materials made it possible to use different textures and motifs: plastic, metal, and glass.
“Style with a soul” — the statement briefly and clearly describes the essence of the Danish modern style.
Today, Denmark produces more furniture than any other European country. But even the most modern furniture has the prints of designers of the mid-century era.
Much of the furniture of those iconic designers of the time is under the hunt of collectors and antique dealers. Rare samples are exhibited at auctions and behind closed doors, for all impressive paychecks. Collectors from Japan, Singapore as well as USA and Canada fly to Denmark for private showrooms that are not open to the general public. And most often this furniture goes beyond the borders of Denmark itself. It should be noted that the furniture industry ranks 7th in the country’s export.
Easy Chair by Danish designer Børge Mogensen | Photo via1st Dibs
Organic Modernism Milton A Chair (Above)
You don’t need to look for auction experts to become owners of iconic furniture pieces with a rich history. Danish Modern has become an internationally recognized brand. And its popularity continues to grow today. It is not only pleasant to look at the furniture designs but is also comfortable. Furniture designers successfully combine the two most important values: aesthetics and functionality.
Did you know that Danish people are ranked as being part of the happiest nations in the world? After all, they are the ones who invented the concept of Hygge — the art of being happy. Cozy, comfortable, stylish furniture is definitely one of the factors that contributed to this nations’ satisfaction levels. Don’t you agree?
This publication originally published in Organic Modernism blog:
https://www.organicmodernism.com/blogs/news/lets-talk-about-danish-modern
