The Best of Nikari’s Scandinavian Craftsmanship
The Nikari studio is nestled away in the woods of the Fiskars village, surrounded by trees, and fueled by nature. It is no mystery why Nikari’s collection features unforgettable pieces imbued with natural forms and crafted from the finest ash, birch, and oak available to Nikari’s craftsmen. Scandinavian craftsmanship has deep roots and, thanks to brands like Nikari, they are well watered, bringing tradition, authenticity, and beauty to modern homes. Here’s everything you need to know (and our favorite pieces) to fully appreciate the best of Nikari’s commitment to Scandinavian craftsmanship and tradition.
About Nikari
The name Nikari has a medley of origins, combining the names of founder, Kari Virtanen, the river Nikkarinkoski, and the Finnish word for cabinetmaker, nikkari. In the same way the name pulls from various sources, the company continues to blend elements through their work with the genius of designers, the endless inspiration from and respect for nature, and long-standing Finnish traditions.
From the very first project—a collaboration with architect Alvar Aalto—Nikari has focused on seeking excellence through working with over twenty-five Finnish design masters who elevate the nature of natural wood and redefine high-quality functionality. Their work, and decades of distilling design wisdom, ultimately culminated in the 12 Designs for Nature and 5 Studies for Nature collections, as well as a catalog of wood furniture that any design enthusiast would be proud to integrate into their home.
The Best of Nikari’s Scandinavian Craftsmanship
Nikari’s one-man operation in 1967 has grown into a collaboration with nature and the world’s most dedicated artisans. Today, you can find clean, sculptural, and sustainable pieces that reconnect you to the natural order and inspire layered and soft interiors.
Scandinavian Chairs
The Scandinavian chair is simple. Built from wood and accented by modest joinery and natural fibers, these lounge and dining chairs elevate every aspect of the room they enter, ensuring comfort and style, as well as longevity.
Arkitecture Table
Inspired by the utility of workshop benches, Nikari’s Arkitecture Table combines Scandinavian simplicity with a more industrial touch. Featuring trestle legs and showcasing birch or ash wood local to the Nikari studio area, the Arkitecture Table infuses a graceful, natural atmosphere into dining rooms, restaurants, offices, and design studios. Bring this table into your intimate dining experiences, pull up a bench, or surround it by all wood dining chairs so everyone has a seat.
Arte Lounge Chair
Designer Rudi Merz uses the subtle details of the Arte Lounge Chair to exemplify his unparalleled understanding of art in everyday environments. From the open angles of the frame to the slats of the seat and backrest, to the luxurious cushions, the Arte Lounge Chair exudes quiet charm and dreamy artistry.
Konstruktio Bench
Through the Konstruktio Bench the Scandinavian concept of moderation and balance are not only embraced but epitomized, mixing it with Nikari’s own nature-first philosophy. The sharp edges and distinct angles are crafted using the oiled birch, ash, or oak that is often featured in Nikari’s designs giving the composition of the Konstruktio Bench a sleek and irresistible sculptural romance that allows it to fit right into the forest from which the materials were harvested.
April Tables
As part of the 12 Designs For Nature series, the April Tables stand as homage to Nikari’s most beloved mission: maintain a beautiful, balanced interaction between our natural home and the spaces we create. Designed by Alfredo Häberli, the April Tables come in three heights and showcase an enchanting contrast between the crisp lines of the tabletop and the organic, luxurious curves of the base. Use the April Tables as coffee tables, pedestals, or side tables in every room of the house.
Edi Bench
Clean lines and a modest presence define the Edi Bench. Utilizing bold, traditional joinery techniques as the primary detail of the Edi Bench, the ash and oak wood are allowed to shine, showing off the grain and ensuring every piece is unique. Use the Edi Bench throughout the house as extra seating, dining seating, or display space for plants and knickknacks.
Centenniale Coffee Table
Centenniale Coffee Table’s designer, Joanna Laajisto, embraces the unique markings of the ancient ash or oak used to create this dynamic modern coffee table. She believes each marking, formed over the tree’s lifetime, gives each piece its character and charm. Never scared of making a statement, the Centenniale Coffee Table uses bulkier cuts of wood for a thick, sturdy tabletop complemented by larger, rounded legs. The contrast in sharp and soft shapes helps the Centenniale Coffee Table stand out among the modern Scandinavian furnishings of contemporary homes and commercial spaces.
Perch Bar Stool
A classic Finish composition, the Perch Bar Stool uses traditional craftsmanship techniques to create a modest stool suitable for all living spaces. Constructed from the oak that has come to be synonymous with Nikari, the Perch Bar Stool features a T-shaped footrest, carefully turned legs, and a rounded seat that optimizes comfort.
Sustainable Furniture
There is a strong streak of commitment running through everything Nikari touches—from tradition to resources. And a commitment to sustainability is certainly a thing of passion for Nikari. The workshop is runs completely off of renewable hydro power from a neighboring plant, and the raw wood materials are sourced from Northern European forests maintained with sustainability and biodiversity principles. Additionally, textiles and metals are certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), and all shipping packages are recyclable. Every piece of furniture Nikari makes can be recycled or ultimately returned to the environment from which it was initially gleaned.
A Timeless and Minimalist Global Presence
Each piece of Nikari furniture is crafted to highlight and reflect a deep connection to nature. The beauty of wood is the best place to begin, and Nikari has made a name for itself with timeless and minimalist approaches to the medium. The Arkipelago Bench, Arkitecture High Cabinet, and November Light Table all bring the brand’s devotion to exceptional craftsmanship into focus.
While Nikari's roots are in Finnish tradition, the brand has garnered international acclaim. Its pieces can be found in the Victoria & Albert Museum and prestigious establishments worldwide, including the renowned Copenhagen restaurant Noma and various Japanese tearooms. Not to mention homes, offices, restaurants, and hotels on nearly every continent.
The Future: Innovation and Collaboration
Though tradition guides Nikari, they are still looking to the future. New acquisitions, collaborations, and investments in the creative visions of new designers are expanding the Nikari collection by leaps and bounds. Today, tomorrow, and well into the future, Nikari will stand as a testament to the enduring appeal of Finnish design and the impact of sustainable practices. HORNE is proud to feature a number of iconic Nikari pieces, helping the brand continue to carve out a unique space in the global furniture industry.
Explore related collections, including Lighting, Pendant Lights, and Task + Table Lamps, and visit our design guides for a broader point of view.
