Swedish design

Heard of Spotify, Svenskt Tenn, Bruno Mathsson, Carl Malmsten, Kosta Boda and Orrefors glassware? All Swedish, or Swedes. But enough with the name-dropping, what and where to shop for design goodies? Here’s a quick guide.

Fashion

Look out for; Acne, Filippa K, J Lindberg, Nudie Jeans, Cheap Monday, WE, WESC and Weekday on the high streets of Stockholm (City, Östermalm and Södermalm districts), Gothenburg (Nordstan, Innerstaden, Avenyn and Haga districts) and Malmö (Stortorget and Lilla Torget, through Södergatan and south along Södra Förstadsgatan.

For Gothenburg and Malmö follow the directions above and browse the many shops and stores selling fine Swedish design.

Interiors and household

For unique handcrafted kitchen and bathroom brushes and other goods visit Iris Hantverk in Stockholm. Other good stores on this street include Designtorget, featuring new Swedish designers and their designs and Nordiska Galleriet at Nybrogatan 11 selling furniture and lighting from Nordic and international designers. Want elegant and boldly patterned interior design? Then go to legendary Swedish interior design shop Svenskt Tenn at Strandvägen 5 in Stockholm.

For complete immersion in famous Swedish artglass and glassware look no further than the Kingdom of Crystal in the province of Småland. Visit the glassworks and glass studios, blow your own glass and stay in the Kosta Boda Art Hotel featuring a glass bar and oodles of glass artwork.

Shopping in Sweden? Then you need to know about the fika – a Swedish institution. Break often for cinnamon rolls, sandwiches and biscuits, accompanied by coffee or tea. Wouldn’t want to spoil your shopping trip by going hungry, would you?

Looking for inspiration on the west coast? 

Pop by the renowned design shop Artilleriet, located on Magasinsgatan 19 in Gothenburg, which puts up beautiful exhibitions to inspire customers. Further down the road you’ll find Norrgavel – an interior design shop selling elegant, sustainable furniture and design. And just a stone’s throw away is Vallgatan 12. This exclusive shopping mall, located in a former bank, offers carefully selected fashion, interior design and wellness products. Other must-visits in Gothenburg are Grandpa and Rum 21.