Area of Biz Excellence... January 2007
DANISH FURNITURE – PLEASE BE SEATED Looking for world class designer furniture? Looking for innovative design, shapes and materials? Looking for stylish interior design? Look to Denmark!
Denmark is a world leader in furniture design, quality and style. Since the 1950s, Denmark has marketed itself internationally as a producer of avant-garde furniture, securing a reputation for cutting edge but supremely functional designs. And its reputation as one of the world’s design hotspots is now being cemented by a new generation of innovative designers and professional furniture makers. Danish furniture producers combine a talent for innovation with respect for long-established manufacturing traditions. This combination leads to furniture that is well thought-out, has high user value and excellent functionality. As a result, Danish furniture has established a powerful brand value among developers, professional architects, project designers and stylists all over the world. The Danish furniture industry also boasts some of the best textile companies in the world. Companies such as Gabriel, Kvadrat and Unika Vaev all come from Denmark, and set the international benchmark for design, quality and innovation. For example, Kvadrat has a forged a strategic partnership with Maharam, the USA’s leading textile design and marketing company.
Why Denmark?
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The Museum of Modern Art in New York chose Danish furniture The National Art Centre in Tokyo chose Danish furniture Danish furniture manufacture has some of Europe’s strongest links with China Denmark is in Global Design’s top five (Designium “Global Design Watch 2006”) Europe’s highest productivity in furniture manufacture (e-business watch sector impact study, 04.p15) Globally very competitive: more than 80 percent of Danish furniture is exported (e-business watch sector impact study, 04.p15)
DANISH FURNITURE – AMONG THE BEST IN THE WORLD
Danish furniture – global brand recognition
Danish furniture has long been highly regarded for its design and high quality. For instance, three classic Danish chairs – Hans J. Wegner’s the Y-Chair or the Wishbone Chair (1949), Poul Kjaerholm’s PK22 (1956) and Arne Jacobsen’s the Egg (1958) – are named in the British publication “The 50 Best Chairs”. Denmark’s impressive furniture design heritage is now being built upon by a new generation of designers who fuse experimentation and aestheticism to make distinct and stylish furniture. Among the new breed of designers, Christina Strand’s Rex (2002) won the competition to design “An easy chair for His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik”. Kasper Saltos’ “Ice” (2002) is now the preferred chair at interior design projects around the globe, whereas Christian Flindt’s “The Orchid” (2003) plays with unorthodox shapes and materials. Danish furniture designers’ international reputation has also led to partnerships with leading international architects. For instance, Danish interior and furniture designers have worked with renowned UK architect Lord Foster on some of his most illustrious projects.
Whether your company considers to relocate, consolidate, set up new production facilities, is on the lookout for new R&D partners or other strategic business solutions in Europe, Invest in Denmark is a good place to begin. We provide customised information and services free of charge and in full confidentiality.
Invest in Denmark 2, Asiatisk Plads DK-1448 Copenhagen K Tel. +45 33 92 11 16 Fax +45 33 92 07 17
The information stated in this fact sheet may contain errors or omissions. Invest in Denmark and our co-operation partners disclaim any and all liability for any loss or damage caused by such errors or omissions.