Scandinavian design is known the world over for its clean lines and tasteful simplicity, uniting form and function. In general, Danes and Swedes take great pride in their inherent good taste.

In recent years, Swedish design has broadly conquered the globe in via the IKEA chain of furniture warehouses, packaging good sense and laid-back sensibilities.

Malmö and Copenhagen present an intriguing blend of the old and the new, cobblestoned alleys and radical contemporary architecture. In the countryside, half-timbered farmhouses epitomize the classic look of the region, alongside Copenhagen’s fairytale castles and Scania’s exquisitely preserved manor houses. 

Danish design came into its own in the frugal yet richly creative post-war years. Danish design soon developed its hallmark quality of balance and simplicity.

Instantly recognizable classics from the golden age of Danish furniture design include Arne Jacobsen's Swan, Egg and Ant chairs, Hans J Wegner's wooden chairs or Børge Mogensen's armchairs and sofas.

Copenhagen’s Danish Design Center hosts changing exhibitions on a diverse range of design-related themes. Kunstindustrimuseet (The Danish Museum of Decorative Art) charts the progress of Danish and international decorative design over the centuries.

The Royal Academy School of Architecture on Holmen mounts regular exhibitions in Meldahls Smedie. The nearby Danish Center For Architecture at Gammel Dok is another show space. 

Swedish design is well known and fast becoming ubiquitous in household all over the world. Products from IKEA, the Swedish chain of furniture warehouses, have been inspired by generations of design. Pale woods such as pine, beech, oak and cherry are most often used in furniture. Textiles are cotton and linen.

Höganäs Keramik and Boda Nova, famous for their ceramic tableware in sleek, Swedish designs, have factory outlets in Höganäs. You can view and purchase Swedish design at Form Design Center on the Lilla Torg square in Malmö. David Design, Norrgavel and Olsson & Gerthel are other design shops in the same district. Gärsnäs, eastern Scania, is hometown and also the name of factory and shop offering furniture for the home, office or public building.