Transforming a Space through Ten Scandinavian Lighting Techniques, Creating a Sculptural Ambiance
In the heart of Copenhagen, the 3daysofdesign 2025 festival showcased a dazzling array of new Scandinavian lighting ideas, emphasising originality, authenticity, and a deep connection to craftsmanship and materiality.
The festival was a celebration of artistic originality, material mastery, and soulful connection, as evidenced by the innovative light diffusion and organic forms displayed by Norwegian designer Falke Svatun. His "Kantarell" lighting series, featuring pendant and floor lamps with light spreading from hidden sources, used trumpet- or donut-shaped shades that played softly with light diffusion.
Emerging brand Formarkivet introduced lighting pieces like the warped "Aglow" table lamps, characterized by tactile, tactile-exploratory forms that invite engagement and feel distinct from traditional Scandinavian minimalism. Studio 91-92 presented 3D printed lampshades with visual lightness that contrasted their substantial material composition, reflecting a trend towards material innovation and refined craftsmanship.
Pendant lights by Chialing Chang used conductive stainless-steel wires as both structure and power source for LED tubes that appeared to float in mid-air, blending minimalism with a striking technological aesthetic. Danish brand Louis Poulsen honoured the iconic Verner Panton Panthella Lamp with the immersive Circle Dome Square pavilion by Henrik Vibskov, blending bold, fabric-based playful shapes with traditional Danish design principles.
Copenhagen's Darling guest house exemplified the beauty and functionality of Louis Poulsen lights, using the Ring Crown wall fixtures in all of its bathrooms. Muuto's space at the festival encouraged thinking of lighting more sculpturally, with fixtures becoming the focal point of a room.
The cities of Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen are sources of innovative lighting ideas in Scandinavian design. The design of the wall light by Norm Architects and Audo Copenhagen originated from one of their many trips to Japan, but combining the look with Scandinavian principles suddenly makes it a much more versatile design.
Modern Scandinavian design brands worth knowing include Normann Copenhagen, Pholc, GUBI, Ferm Living, HAY, and Louis Poulsen. Carina Raymond, founder of Studio Raymond, favours HAY's Matin lamp for its ability to blend softness with architectural intent.
Secto Design, a Finnish brand, uses sustainable birch from Finland for light fixtures, which have a light, pleasing shade and are suitable for Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Opting for a wow-factor design classic, such as the Artichoke lamp from Louis Poulsen, can make your lighting as scenic as the view outside, especially in spaces with oversized windows that are flooded with natural light during the day.
Layering lighting ideas can create atmosphere and versatility in a space, according to Andrew Griffiths. Cordless, rechargeable lamps are a total game changer for modern living, as Melissa Hutley from Hutley & Humm believes. Suspending pendants low over dining tables for a sense of proportional balance is recommended by Kashi Shikunova.
Sofie Christensen Egelund, co-owner and concept director of Vipp, explains that their floor lamp has an adjustable arm, making it practical, functional, and timeless. The Multi-Lite lamp by GUBI captures Nordic design sensibilities perfectly, according to Melissa Hutley.
In spa bathroom lighting ideas, independently-controlled wall light fixtures around a mirror can provide flattering light and meet functional needs. Tollgard Studio's Danish Summer House project used the Flowerpot Lamp, designed by Verner Panton, for its timeless design and sculptural softness, aiming to create a seamless connection between inside and outside. Scandinavian lighting ideas are where beautiful forms meet an obvious practical function, from clever cordless designs to sculptural pendants made to stand out.
Overall, the festival highlighted a move towards lighting that combines artistic originality, material mastery, and a soulful connection, while evolving the Scandinavian tradition of craftsmanship with new technologies and bold forms.
- The living room can be accentuated with decorative lamps from Secto Design, made from sustainable birch for a Scandinavian-inspired ambiance.
- The 'Kantarell' lighting series by Falke Svatun showcases trendy and original artistry in furniture design.
- The bathroom decor can be updated with flattering, independently-controlled wall light fixtures, as demonstrated in Tollgard Studio's Danish Summer House project.
- The technology of lighting evolves with cordless, rechargeable lamps, revolutionizing modern living, as suggested by Melissa Hutley from Hutley & Humm.
- Scandinavian lifestyle magazines often feature articles on fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden, including insights on the latest lighting trends.
- Studio Raymond favors the Matin lamp by HAY, blending softness with architectural intent, as per Carina Raymond's preference.
- When considering kitchen decor, opting for a wow-factor design classic like the Artichoke lamp from Louis Poulsen can create a captivating visual impact, especially with oversized windows.
- Layering lighting ideas can create an atmospheric and versatile space, as outlined by Andrew Griffiths.
- Suspending pendants low over dining tables offers a sense of proportional balance, according to Kashi Shikunova.
- The Scandinavian lifestyle is rooted in a deep connection between living room furniture, decoration, and art, reflecting minimalist and tactile-exploratory trends.
- The Modern Scandinavian design industry features innovative brands like Normann Copenhagen, Pholc, GUBI, Ferm Living, HAY, and Louis Poulsen, each embodying the spirit of material innovation and refined craftsmanship.
