16 Designs That Just Make Sense
Portable lamps, thoughtful storage objects, and functional furniture in the modern Scandinavian design aesthetic
A core aspect of Scandinavian design is utilizing pieces that serve a purpose. These 16 designs are proof that functional, everyday items can be aesthetically pleasing too.
Feast your eyes on these 16 designs that just make sense––both functionally and aesthetically–– from celebrated design brands including Kristina Dam Studio, MUUTO Design, Skagerak, MENU Design, Normann Copenhagen, FLOS, and more.
1. Carrie Portable LED Lamp - MENU Design
The lightweight and portable design of the Carrie LED Lamp can be used practically anywhere - even for an evening picnic in the park or a camping trip. Completely cordless, the lamp charges via an included USB charger and lasts for up to 10 hours.
Shown above is the latest variation of the Carrie, featuring bronzed brass and cognac leather for a touch of elegance. The warm light has 3 settings and is super convenient to move with you from one place to the next.
2. Bellhop Portable LED Table Lamp - FLOS Lighting
The Bellhop Portable LED Table Lamp is another completely wireless lamp that holds a charge for up to 24 hours. It comes in both neutral and colorful options, with a sleek and modern silhouette that looks good wherever you place it.
3. Column LED Table Lamp - MENU Design
Norm Architects found inspiration in ship bollards to design the Column LED Table Lamp in collaboration with MENU. MENU describes it as a design that embodies freedom: freedom of form in its bold, cylindrical elements, freedom of light in its dimmable LED bulb, and freedom of movement thanks to its cordless design rechargeable via USB.
“We strived to create a design that finds its beauty in the interplay between something brutalist and elegant and has just the right amount of character to fit into different environments, whether in the home, the restaurant, or the office,” says Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen of Norm Architects. “The well-known, sturdy shape should feel familiar, like a no-nonsense companion – and the experience of using it seamless and no-fuss.”
If you’re familiar with our blog, you’ll know this isn’t the first time we’ve featured the Column LED Table Lamp. It’s one of many collaborative designs from MENU thanks to their unique community approach to Danish design.
4. Indoor/Outdoor Plastic Rugs - Pappelina
Pappelina Rugs and Runners have a material and traditional production process that just makes sense. Each rug is handmade by experts at a local weaving mill in Sweden. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, these high-quality rugs will last a lifetime––and look good the whole time.
Every rug is both water and UV-resistant, so the design will last for many years. Better yet, Pappelina Rugs and Runners can be washed in most at-home washing machines!
Another design feature that just makes sense: Pappelina Rugs and Runners are non-absorbent hygienic rugs, which means they don’t hold dust, making them the perfect option for anyone with asthma, allergies, or just a preference for a clean space.
Shown above is the Carl Rug Runner in Pale Rose, a beautifully subtle pink tone. Plenty of neutral options are available, too.
Learn the Pappelina story here.
5. Oak Cutter Bench with High Cutter Box - Skagerak
A minimalist design does not have to sacrifice storage, and Skagerak’s Cutter collection is proof. The Oak Cutter Bench paired with the High Cutter Box is the ideal entryway storage solution.
With its four tiny wheels, the High Cutter Box rolls to fit perfectly beneath the Oak Cutter Bench. Store shoes, outerwear, or whatever else you need by the door.
Get a closer look at Skagerak's Cutter Collection of modern Scandinavian wood furniture here.
6. Turn Table - Normann Copenhagen
“If you understand the product, it does not need any explanation,” says Simon Legald, a talented Danish designer who collaborated with Normann Copenhagen on the small yet functional Turn Table.
The name Turn refers to the rotational movement used to adjust the height of its round tabletop, gently raising it up from its bell-shaped steel base. Use it as a small coffee table or a side table––on its own or in a group of small tables. The Turn Table comes in three monochrome tones: black, dark gray, and a light yet warm gray.
Normann Copenhagen has plenty of modern side table and stool designs that just make sense. See them here.
7. Stack Storage Box Set - Kristina Dam Studio
Kristina Dam’s Stack Storage Box Set is proof that storage can be stunningly stylish. The set includes 3 stackable storage boxes that can be separated based on your design needs.
Each box is made from solid oiled oak with slender dark oiled walnut legs. Use them for books, games, linens, or anything else you need hidden, yet within reach.
8. Bent Box - Normann Copenhagen
More stackable storage: the Bent Box. The idea behind the boxes comes from traditional Japanese magewappa bento boxes made from bentwood. The Bent Box's simple, geometric, yet organic shape is charming, edgy, and ready to stack.
"The shape was created through reduction; by exploring different geometries, we focused on creating a shape that would be useful and easy to understand. Our hope is that the user will intuitively integrate the boxes into their daily lives and use them without thinking twice," explains Visibility, which collaborated with Normann Copenhagen on the design.
Pair the muted shades for a playful look to store office items, trinkets, small bathroom items, or even kitchen spices.
9. Arrange Desktop Series - MUUTO Design
Looking for an aesthetic organization solution for your desk that just makes sense? Turn to MUUTO Design’s Arrange Desktop Series, designed in collaboration with Swiss-based studio Big-Game.
”We wanted to create a flexible system that allowed for us to organize things on a desk or shelf. A focal point in the design process was to make the design playful by encouraging the user to interact with it, using and reconfiguring the combination of trays, paired with an expression that is inspired by contemporary architecture,” says Big-Game. “With its trays made in 100% recycled plastic and lids in cork and aluminum, the Arrange Desktop Series brings a forward-thinking perspective to modern storage.”
View more thoughtfully designed MUUTO accessories here.
10. Dots Wood Set of Hooks - MUUTO Design
”The Dots are a characteristic family of hooks that make a friendly addition to any wall,” says designer Lars Tornøe. “With their smooth, round edges, they will treat your clothes with the greatest care. Designed in multiple sizes and colors, The Dots can be arranged in any pattern imaginable to express your personal taste. Oh, and feel free to add more as time goes on: The Dots love to welcome one another on the wall.”
The Dots Wood Set comes with 5 hooks in oiled oak or walnut, making them the perfect place to start with the Dots series!
11. Oak Column Coat Rack - Kristina Dam Studio
The Oak Column Coat Rack is both sculptural and practical, and one of Jeanne Batten’s favorite things.
“We have these in almost every room in our house,” Jeanne says. “Most of the time covered in stuff you can’t even see it, but I know what’s under there.” Sometimes, good design can be appreciated - even when you can’t see it!
12. Part Oak Cutting Boards - Normann Copenhagen
The Part Oak Cutting Boards deserve to be displayed proudly on your kitchen countertop. Each board serves various tasks, with details that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
The Veggie Board is a solid and flat piece that includes a ledge perfect for slicing and dicing. The Meat Board has deep grooves on all sides, perfect for letting a piece of meat rest after cooking. The Bread Boar has deep grooves designed to easily slice a fresh baguette, with a flat section that could be used to serve a spread of your choice.
13. Brewer Stand Set - KINTO
KINTO’s Brewer Stand Set includes a stand, filter, brewer, and server. Adjust the height of the stand to brew directly into your mug or into the server. The brewer is beautifully made with porcelain, resting atop a stainless steel stand. There’s a 2-cup and 4-cup option.
KINTO knows how to turn everyday moments into inspiring rituals. Learn their story and see more of their designs that just make sense right here.
14. Ode Brew Grinder - Fellow
Grind your coffee beans with ease with Fellow’s Ode Brew Grinder, which is well-loved by many coffee aficionados.
The Daily Beast describes it as “a beauty to behold” thanks to its sleek matte black outer. “The grind catcher magnetically aligns, the dial lists numbers going from a finer to a coarser grind, and the lid in the bean filler has suggested numbers for different styles of brews. It’s shockingly quiet...and it automatically turns off once every bean has been ground...all you have to do with this bad boy is sit back, relax, and enjoy perfectly-ground beans every single morning.”
See more coffee and tea accessories that just make sense here.
15. Stagg Pour-Over Kettle - Fellow
Another thoughtful design from Fellow is its Stagg Pour-Over Kettle, which has become hugely popular in the past few years, and not just because it looks pretty.
Its beautifully functional design kicks your brewing up a notch, featuring a precision pour spout, a built-in brew-range thermometer, and a counterbalanced handle that moves the center of mass back towards your hand.
16. Bottle Grinder Set of 2 – MENU Design
Designed by Norm Architects in collaboration with MENU Design, the Bottle Grinders are anything but a normal salt/pepper grinder. e form, shaped more like a bottle, cleverly encourages a playful and experimental moment while seasoning.
The powerful ceramic mechanism makes the grinder easy to operate and perfect for trying out more than just salt and pepper including spices and grains, nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. The Bottle Grinder comes in a set of 2 with lots of beautiful color options based on your kitchen design.
Discover more functional furniture with our complete Storage collection.
More Like This: MUUTO Design: New Perspectives on Accessories
Batten Home carefully curates Scandinavian furniture designs and minimalist decor objects for the modern home. We are inspired by a Scandinavian aesthetic and Danish design philosophies with a new modern design feel we like to call new Nordic design.
Have any questions for us? We’re family-owned and independently operated, and we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at hello@battenhome.co or find more inspiration on Pinterest.