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Dutch furniture design has long been celebrated for its innovation, craftsmanship, and distinct aesthetic, seamlessly blending minimalism with cutting-edge materials and technology. From the iconic designs of the early 20th century to today’s up-and-coming movements, Dutch designers continue to lead the way in shaping the future of furniture.
This article will explore the most prominent furniture design trends and movements in the Netherlands, which is home to a dynamic mix of traditional craftsmanship and progressive design philosophies that are redefining modern living and working spaces. Plus, we’ll highlight some of our favourite, cutting-edge brands that are paving the way in Dutch furniture design. Finally, we’ll present our month-long pop-up showroom collaboration with De Vorm, hosted in the Day2 offices from the 21stof February until the 21st of March. Keep reading for more details or click here to register to view the pop-up.
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The history of Dutch furniture design can be traced back to the early 20th century when movements like De Stijl, led by figures such as Gerrit Rietveld, introduced bold, minimalist principles. Rietveld’s Red and Blue Chair (1917) redefined the relationship between art and design, turning furniture into functional sculpture that challenged traditional conventions. Over the decades, Dutch designers embraced modernism’s ideals of simplicity and practicality, contributing to a global design movement that favoured clean lines, geometric shapes, and unembellished beauty.
The tradition of modernist design continued with influential figures like Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld, who reduced furniture to its most essential forms. Their designs reflect the ethos of Dutch design: functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. This minimalist approach to design would pave the way for the next generations of Dutch designers, who would combine these timeless principles with innovation and new technologies.
Emerging in the late 20th century, Dutch Design is a broad movement characterized by a focus on creativity, experimentation, and a mix of art and function. It often combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques and modern materials. This movement has produced many international designers such as Marcel Wanders, Maarten Baas, and Bertjan Pot, who are known for their bold, quirky, and often humorous takes on furniture design. This movement is best exemplified by conceptual Dutch design company Droog, founded in 1993 by Gijs Bakker and Renny Ramakers. Their furniture is a blend of art and functionality, often using irony, humor, and social commentary to provoke thought and challenge conventional design. The brand’s ethos of “less is more, but also more is more” encourages designers to explore the boundaries between ordinary objects and conceptual statements.
Droog has introduced many groundbreaking designs, such as the 'You Can't Lay Down Your Memory' Chest of Drawers (above, right), which transforms a simple, functional object into an intriguing sculpture. Collaborations with designers like Hella Jongerius and Marcel Wanders further pushed Droog’s avant-garde vision, cementing its place as a pioneer in the conceptual design space. Droog’s impact extends beyond furniture to a broader cultural movement, encouraging designers to experiment with new materials, ideas, and forms.
In recent decades, Dutch designers have been at the forefront of the sustainability movement, with a strong emphasis on using eco-friendly materials and creating long-lasting, functional pieces. Brands like De Vorm and designers like Piet Hein Eek are known for their use of reclaimed materials, as well as their commitment to reducing waste and environmental impact in the production of furniture. Designers such as Dirk van der Kooji blend a interest in sustainablility with the Dutch Design movement in pieces such as the 3D printed Satellite Lamp (above, left), which not only reimagines a functional object, but also allows for intricate, customized forms and the use of sustainable materials, in this case. recycled plastic. This movement has grown in importance as consumers increasingly demand products that are both stylish and responsible.
Continue reading for our brand recommendations that encompass these movements in Dutch furniture design.
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De Vorm: Sustainability Meets Innovation
A standout in contemporary Dutch design, De Vorm combines cutting-edge materials with a deep commitment to sustainability. Founded in 2010, De Vorm has quickly gained recognition for its use of recycled materials, such as felted wool and plastic bottles, to create high-quality,eco-friendly furniture. One of their most notable collections, Mute (above, top left), exemplifies this dedication to sustainable design by transforming recycled plastic bottles into durable, felted panels for acoustic purposes. De Vorm’s designs are known for their clean lines and modular elements, offering functional, striking pieces for homes, offices, and public spaces. The brand’s innovative approach to sustainability positions it as a leader in shaping the future of Dutch design, showing how style and eco-consciousness can coexist seamlessly.
In light of this, Day2 is excited to announce a special pop-up showcasing the innovative work of Dutch furniture designers De Vorm at their offices. From the 21st of February until the 21stof March this pop-up offers a unique opportunity to discover De Vorm's sustainable, design-forward furniture collections. De Vorm’s pieces will be on display for visitors to explore and engage with. Whether you're a design enthusiast or simply looking for fresh, inspiring pieces to elevate your space, this pop-up promises to bring creativity and functionality together in a truly exciting way. Don't miss out on this chance to see cutting-edge design up close!
Arco: Tradition Meets Modernity
Founded in 1904, Arco is one of the Netherlands’ most iconic furniture manufacturers, known for its expert craftsmanship and timeless designs. With a strong focus on high-quality wood, Arco's commitment to sustainability is reflected in both its use of natural materials and its enduring designs. Over the years, the company has collaborated with prominent designers such as Bertjan Pot, who helped bring the Slim collection to life. Pot's design philosophy shines through with the use of slender, lightweight frames that contrast with the solid, durable materials typical of Arco's craftsmanship. Moreover, Arco's focus on sustainability shines through in their Base range; an elegant and minimalist creation that showcases the strength and natural beauty of locally sourced wood and is makes it a stunning example of Arco’s ability to harness traditional woodworking techniques without compromising modern design or aesthetics. These designs are a perfect representation of how Arco's furniture combines form, function, and sustainability and continues to influence both residential and commercial spaces.
Montis: Industrial elegance
Since its founding in 1985, Montis has been known for its perfect balance of industrial elegance and timeless design. The brand's pieces embody a sophisticated fusion of robust, industrial materials with refined, minimalist aesthetics, creating furniture that feels both modern and enduring. Montis prides itself on craftsmanship and functionality, ensuring that every piece is not only visually striking but also built to last. With a focus on high-quality materials, from premium leathers to sustainable fabrics, Montis delivers luxurious yet practical furniture solutions for contemporary living spaces. The essence of their design philosophy is bold yet elegant, sturdy yet comfortable, meaning their designs elevate any interior with a sense of understated luxury.
This is encapsulated by the Otis Sofa (above); a striking example of contemporary design that seamlessly combines style and comfort. Featuring a clean, elegant silhouette with soft, rounded edges, and an all important kink in the arm rest, the Otis sofa exudes a sense of character, relaxation and luxury. Its modular design allows for easy customization, making it adaptable to different living spaces and seating needs. With its thoughtful design, the Otis sofa offers a perfect balance of visual appeal, exceptional comfort, and functionality, making it a timeless addition to any modern interior.
Vepa: Leading the Charge in Sustainable Design
For over 50 years, Vepa has been a leader in creating sustainable furniture, particularly for commercial spaces. Founded in 1971,Vepa produces high-quality office furniture with a focus on using environmentally friendly materials and processes. The brand collaborates with leading designers like Richard Hutten to create functional, aesthetically pleasing pieces that contribute to a healthier planet.
Vepa is at the forefront of the furniture industry, championing circularity in the concept of furniture as a service. This approach to circular design means that furniture is treated as a long-term investment rather than a disposable commodity, meaning the design focus is not only high quality and durable but also must be easy to repair, upgrade, and recycle. Through innovative leasing models, Vepa allows businesses to access stylish, functional furniture without the need for ownership, ensuring that the products are returned, refurbished, and reused when no longer needed. This commitment to a circular economy helps reduce waste, minimize environmental impact, and transform how we think about office furniture and sustainability in the design industry.
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Jess Design: Functional Luxury for Every Space
Jess Design is a brand known for its luxurious yet functional seating solutions, particularly in the contract market. Founded in1996, Jess Design creates high-quality furniture that combines comfort with sophisticated design. The brand’s commitment to ergonomics and durable materials ensures that its products provide both style and longevity.
Collaborating with designers like Gijs Papavoine and EmaPeter, Jess Design has developed a range of seating options that cater to both private and public spaces. With a focus on sustainability, Jess Design uses recycled materials and produces furniture that is built to last. The brand’s emphasis on comfort and refined aesthetics makes it a key player in both residential and commercial furniture design.
Cascando: Sculptural Design Meets Functionality
Cascando is a Dutch design brand known for its innovative approach to office and public space furniture, that aims to 'cheer up' the environment . Founded in 2004,Cascando creates sculptural, multifunctional pieces that enhance the atmosphere of any space. The brand’s products, such as room dividers and acoustic panels, are designed not only for aesthetic appeal but also to improve the functionality and acoustics of the environment.
With a focus on creating visually dynamic and functional pieces, Cascando’s designs often incorporate materials like felt, wood, and metal. The brand’s collaborations with designers like Studio Rens and Anne Kooistra have resulted in products that are as much works of art as they are functional furniture. Their wide selection of coat stands represent Cascando’s ability to merge design with practicality, with the Bamboo range blending a sense of humour and functionality, whilst the Kendo range represents extreme attention to detail and configuration, with both fulfilling a practical yet artistic role in the workplace (above). For this reason, Cascando has become a go-to choice for transforming commercial spaces into creative, comfortable environments.
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From the pioneering work of De Vorm and Droog to the enduring craftsmanship of Arco and Montis, Dutch furniture design continues to evolve, embracing sustainability, innovation, and timeless aesthetics. The new wave of emerging designers is pushing the boundaries of what furniture can be—creating pieces that are not only functional but also socially and environmentally responsible. As technology and sustainability play an increasingly significant role in the design process, Dutch furniture continues to set the stage for a future where creativity and responsibility coexist seamlessly.
