Scandinavian wood-making – a proud tradition

Scandinavian design is based on philosophy of functionality, simplicity, and clean lines. There is a belief that people should be in harmony with their environment, with the furniture and objects of the home blending in seamlessly. Furthermore, longevity and sustainability are important - things should be made to last rather than be replaced.

Wood is one of the core materials used in Scandinavian design, and it’s no wonder why. Wood is sturdy, robust, elegant, and completely natural. By using it correctly, your home can become an extension of the natural world. Wood epitomizes the core philosophy of Scandinavian design.

However, while Scandinavian design emerged within the last 100 years, the people in the Nordics have been working with wood for much longer. Some of the earliest literature from the region highlighted that early inhabitants were extremely skilled woodcraftsmen, using the material for homes and other carpentry as much as 5000 years ago (before 3000 BC), and later developing more complex objects such as large ships. Being a skilled woodcarver could be a matter of life and death, as poor craftsmanship could lead to cracks in the walls in homes – letting in rain and extremely cold winds during the winter – as well as broken ships. For early inhabitants in the region, wood was essential to their survival.

It is within this tradition that modern Scandinavian wood-making has emerged. Today, you will find the same craftsmanship, attention to detail, and passion in wooden products from the region. So the next time you see a wooden design ornament or piece of furniture from Scandinavia, take a moment to cherish its proud history.

Photo courtesy of  vikingeskibsmuseet.dk