CHAIRS
Scandinavians live for light. Like air itself, it is critical to their wellbeing and all the more cherished because, for many months, they must make do with very little or none at all.
Inside Scandinavian houses, regardless of season, it presents the image of summer all the time. What seems to be the general idea is to introduce light in all rooms through use of light colours and
The Scandinavian architecture is heavily influenced by nature and climate. Houses and furniture are mainly built with materials at hand, pine, spruce and birch. You rarely find a house in the Nordic countryside, and to a large extent also in suburban areas, where wood is not the dominating building material.
Norway, with its long and windy coast, 1/3 of the area beyond the Arctic Circle, and dramatic nature the traditional house was solidly built, often from round logs, with small openings and limited floor area to preserve heat.
Finland is also influenced by an arctic climate, but contrary to Norway´s rugged nature, Finland is dominated by endless forests and a myriad of lakes. The traditional house and furniture is made of local wood, and often represents a sturdy and rather humble and harmonious architecture. It was built to be practical.
Sweden is home to the widest range of domestic architectural styles, all from rustic houses in the north, farmhouses in the lake-district, and manor houses and castles in and around the capital Stockholm. Like in Norway and Finland, the Swedes are respectful and caring about the nature, a fact that has made a lasting impact on how they design and construct their homes and interior. Things were made of natural materials, made to last, and to be both practical and decorative.
Sweden is probably the Scandinavian country that has been the most influenced from outside. During the 18th century they were modelling furniture after, amongst other, Chippendale and Hepplewhite. Through the Swedish East India Company they embarked on a substantial import of porcelain from China.
Denmark is separated from the rest of Scandinavia by Kattegat and the Baltic Sea and share border with Germany in the south. Denmark is flat with a long coastline, and dominated by farms and grainfields.
Like the other Scandinavian countries, Danish design reflects pragmatism and practicality. With a temperate climate, characterised by mild winters, the architecture is less influenced by the nature. Thatched roofs are a very common sight, and houses are often built from bricks and stone or half-timbered, partly from lack of lumber and partly guided by influences from the Continent.
Denmark has contributed with one of the most recognisable Scandinavian Design Element: Danish Modern Chairs. Denmark´s heritage of cabinetmaking, along with it´s emphasis on training architects in all aspects of design, is unmatched in Scandinavia. Nearly every iconic chair classified as Scandinavian Modern is actually Danish.
For those wishing a more comprehensive insight in this theme we recommend “The Scandinavian Home, A style Sourcebook” written by Lars Bolander and Heather Smith MacIsaac, published by Thames & Hudson (www.thamesandhudson.com).
