Illums Bolighus is a Danish home furnishing store, selling a thoughtfully-selected inventory of well-designed products. In addition to carrying some of the most iconic midcentury furniture designs, they also offer contemporary pieces. While there is certainly an emphasis on Danish designers, they also carry other Scandinavian brands, as well brands from beyond that embody the Scandinavian design ethos.
‘Grand Prix’ (1957) with metal legs, designed by Arne Jacobsen
‘CH36’ (1962) Hans Wagner
Left: ‘Ant Chair’ (1952) Arne Jacobsen (Three and four legged variants)
Right: ‘Series 7’ (1955) Arne Jacobsen
It is claimed that Illums Bolighus invented the concept of arranging a showroom as a collection of furnished interiors, where the furniture, textiles, and art are staged to compliment each other. This format is also meant deliver a more comfortable retail experience for the customer than sitting across a desk from a sales associate.
Lighting, furniture, and accessories displayed as a furnished space
In addition to furniture and decor, Illums Bolighus also offers everything from children’s wear, wooden toys, kitchen utensils, and basically anything else that is well-designed and made for a wholesome and sustainable lifestyle. As a souvenir, I bought this Italian designed set of magnetic bike lights.
While their stores can only be found in major Scandinavian cities, the website does ship internationally, and the sales associate told me that one could also call if there is something that cannot be found online. If you are ever in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Malmö, Oslo, or Bergen, it is definitely worth checking out, even if just for the retail experience.