Stockholm Design Week 2025, scheduled from February 3rd to 9th, promises a vibrant exploration of contemporary design, blending sustainability, creativity, and a touch of whimsical charm. The week-long festival transforms Stockholm into a hub of design innovation, showcasing exhibitions, workshops, and pop-up events that delve into the future of design while celebrating its rich history. From cutting-edge furniture crafted from centuries-old trees to fungus-inspired materials and exhibitions revolving around food, the event offers a diverse and engaging experience for design enthusiasts.
At the heart of Stockholm Design Week lies the Stockholm Furniture Fair, held from February 4th to 8th at Stockholmsmässan. As Scandinavia’s largest furniture event, the fair sets the stage for groundbreaking installations, product launches, and captivating displays by renowned designers and brands. Attendees can anticipate impressive showcases by designer Alexander Lervik and architecture firm Olsson Lyckefors Arkitektur, a compelling entrance hall installation by guest of honor Faye Toogood, and exciting new product reveals from iconic brands like Flokk, Blå Station, and Fogia. The fair provides a platform for exploring the latest trends in furniture design and experiencing the vision of leading figures in the industry.
Beyond the furniture fair, Stockholm Design Week encompasses a spectrum of design disciplines, including innovative material explorations and thought-provoking exhibitions. Finnish designer Mari Koppanen’s exhibition, “Kääpä,” showcases the potential of amadou, a fungus-based leather alternative, as a sustainable design material. Koppanen’s work breathes new life into this ancient substance, traditionally used for fire starting and medicinal purposes, by transforming it into modern design objects that bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.
Food takes center stage as another key theme of the week. Konstfack, Sweden’s premier art and design school, hosts “What’s Cookin’?”, a series of exhibitions exploring the intersection of design and food. Students from the Industrial Design program present collaborative projects with young people with special needs, focusing on products for eating and cooking. Meanwhile, Design Ecologies graduate students showcase their visions for sustainable food systems of the future. This exhibition offers a unique perspective on how design can shape our relationship with food, both in the present and the years to come.
Stockholm Design Week also embraces the concept of upcycling and sustainable design through intimate and playful exhibitions. “Reclaim!”, hosted by Paola Bjäringer, founder of the design collective Misschiefs, transforms her apartment into a private gallery showcasing upcycled creations. The exhibition features a playful blend of art, design, and humor, with pieces ranging from reclaimed wooden armchairs to cushions cleverly disguised as everyday objects like Aspirin and chewing gum packets. This exhibition exemplifies the potential of transforming discarded materials into unique and functional design objects.
The week-long event also offers a glimpse into the historical roots of Swedish design. “The King’s Hat,” a collaboration between designer Nick Ross and Stockholm studio Contem, features limited-edition furniture crafted from 300-year-old linden trees originally planted by King Frederick I of Sweden. This exhibition demonstrates how history can inform and inspire contemporary design, showcasing the enduring beauty and value of natural materials. Complementing this historical perspective, the Nationalmuseum’s permanent exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of Swedish design history, featuring iconic pieces that have shaped the country’s design legacy.
Stockholm Design Week 2025 caters to a diverse audience, from design professionals and industry insiders to curious individuals seeking inspiration and exploration. The festival’s multifaceted program encompasses large-scale exhibitions, intimate showcases, and interactive workshops, providing opportunities for engagement and discovery. The event not only celebrates established designers and brands but also provides a platform for emerging talent and innovative ideas.
The emphasis on sustainability and eco-conscious design permeates the various exhibitions and installations throughout the week. From the use of fungus-based materials to the upcycling of discarded objects, Stockholm Design Week champions environmentally responsible practices and encourages a more conscious approach to design and consumption. This focus on sustainability reflects a growing awareness of the importance of environmental considerations in the design world.
The playful and whimsical elements incorporated into many of the exhibitions add a unique dimension to the festival. The blend of art, design, and humor creates an engaging and accessible experience for visitors, inviting them to explore the creative possibilities of design in unexpected ways. This playful approach challenges conventional notions of design and encourages a more lighthearted and interactive engagement with the exhibits.
Stockholm Design Week 2025 serves as a testament to the city’s vibrant design scene and its commitment to fostering innovation and creativity. The event brings together designers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts from around the world, creating a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas and exploring the future of design. The festival’s diverse program and its emphasis on sustainability, creativity, and playfulness ensure a stimulating and enriching experience for all participants.
The event’s focus on both established and emerging talent creates a dynamic environment where established designers can showcase their latest creations while emerging designers have the opportunity to gain exposure and recognition. This interplay between established and emerging talent fuels the creative energy of the festival and contributes to the ongoing evolution of design.
The accessibility of the various exhibitions and events makes Stockholm Design Week an inclusive experience for a wide range of audiences. From large-scale installations to intimate showcases, the festival offers something for everyone, regardless of their level of design knowledge or expertise. This accessibility fosters a sense of community and encourages a broader appreciation for design.
Stockholm Design Week 2025 serves as a cultural hub, showcasing the city’s rich design heritage and its ongoing commitment to innovation. The festival’s diverse program and its focus on sustainability, creativity, and playfulness create a vibrant and engaging experience that celebrates the power of design to shape our world.
The festival’s ability to seamlessly blend tradition and innovation is a testament to the enduring power of design. By showcasing both historical perspectives and cutting-edge creations, Stockholm Design
