Scandinavian shopping guide in London

  • 10 years ago
  • Views : 6427
  • Ellen Ripa

Scandinavian furniture and home accessories are not always easy to track down in this big city. ‘Nordic’ and ‘Scandinavian’ seem to be words used rather loosely these past few years as they have become very much in vogue, but where can the authentic gems be found?

Here is a small compilation of a few hotspots that I love and use for my design projects:

1. Skandihome – how could I not like this selection of stunning Scandinavian home accessories as I am the one sourcing them?! Despite my biased view, I believe you will find great decorative items, beautiful glasses and china but also lots of perfect gifts under £30. Our aim has always been to provide stylish design at affordable prices but keeping the quality at the highest level. Items are in stock and delivery times vary between 1-5 days depending on the service you choose. My absolute favourite these days are the Carolina sheets. Try them and you’ll see how your nights change…for the better!

2. Chelsea Textiles – located in the heart of Chelsea on Walton Street, Chelsea Textiles offers a wide range of reproduced Swedish Gustavian furniture. Originally founded on reproducing antique embroidered fabrics, I mainly love and use them for their beautifully painted furniture. It is unfortunately not for the small purses, but worth the few extra pennies. For anyone based in the States, they also have a showroom in New York.

3. Ikea – being a Swede, Ikea will always have a special place in my heart as it has almost become an national institution for affordable Scandinavian furniture, present all over the world. We have all been there – students with very little money, that’s when the duvet, crockery and wardrobes were bought there. These days I tend to cherry pick what I buy there – my favourites are: ‘stearin’ long white candles, paper napkins and the occasional real plants. Furniture wise I tend to limit it to the office buys or very functional basic pieces such as the Hemnes daybed which I love and have made very good use of through the years.

4. Skandium – located on Brompton Road and Marylebone High Street, this store is more for the brand fanatics. Skandium brings together all great Scandinavian design icons ranging from Fritz Hansen to Carl Hansen to Marimekko. Like Chelsea Textiles it is unfortunately not for the small purses but for those who want to invest in beautiful designed pieces. My current favourite is the Rhubarb fabric by JOBS.