3dayofdesign Copenhagen Wrapped Up: 8 Design Gems from This Year

Three days in June – as every year – we spent in Copenhagen at 3dayofdesign, keeping a keen eye out for the most exciting expressions of contemporary design. Check out the installations and projects that will stay with us for a long time!

Author: JS

Published: 02.07.2025

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1. A Story That Lasts

Photos: press materials

History has often shown that when the talents of two outstanding creators come together, exceptional works can be born. The Danish brand GUBI and the Parisian boutique textile house GARRO ÉDITIONS, reaching back into the past, have added a new chapter to this story. They combined the legacy of two 20th-century legends: Finnish lighting designer Paavo Tynell and British artist Henry Moore. The result of this collaboration is an extraordinary lamp – the “9602” model by Tynell, featuring a lampshade adorned with a drawing by Moore, paying tribute to the great masters of the past.

2. Double the Joy on the Table

Photos: press materials

During the 3daysofdesign 2025 event, the brand HAY transformed its Copenhagen store, HAY House, into a realm of design and art. Our hearts were especially won over by “La Pittura” – a hand-painted tableware collection by artist Emma Kohlmann, available for purchase ahead of its global launch planned for August. We were also delighted by the reissue of the “Amanta” sofa by Mario Bellini – a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Here’s a little spoiler: there’s plenty to look forward to this autumn – the brand will introduce several new pieces, including Julien Renault’s comfortable “Layout” armchair, John Tree’s “Annex” table, and Jonas Forsman’s “O2” chair. Visiting the HAY store was a treat not only for the eyes but also for the stomach – delicious treats were generously provided by the Copenhagen restaurant LOCALE 21.

3. Classics Reimagined

Photos: Tonya Matyu

The creators of VERPAN’s “Living with our Senses” exhibition focused on presenting Verner Panton’s iconic designs in unexpected forms and settings. The exhibition drew special attention to the photographs by Casper Sejersen, who beautifully captured the minimalist beauty of the “Spiegel” lamp, the Fun lamp with its shell-like elements subtly moving with the air, and the soft curves of the Cloverleaf sofa. Some classics took on a new look – the Pantop lamps appeared in as many as eight new colors, while the Wire lamp was introduced in a portable version.

4. The Functional Fungus

Photos: Armin Tehrani

The MycoWorks exhibition, on the other hand, is a celebration of innovation. The brand – founded by artists Philip Ross and Sophia Wang – specializes in producing eco-friendly materials and putting them into practice. During 3daysofdesign, we had the pleasure of admiring the “Reishi™ in the Nordic Light” collection – which consists of objects made from Reishi™. This mycelium-based material combines the qualities of both leather and fabric – opening up many new design possibilities. Talented Danish designers – Frederik Gustav, OEO Studio, Cecilie Manz, Maria Bruun, and Atelier Axo – embraced these opportunities, creating aesthetic and functional furniture with respect for nature.

5. Design as a Mirror

Photos: Kacper Banasiak

At the “Persona” exhibition, the Danish brand Adorno showcased works by creators from over 25 countries – celebrating quality design. Its curators, Chase Drake Jensen and Martin Clausen, divided the apartment at Frederiksgade 1 into three distinct zones – symbolizing different human personalities. The rooms “Perfectionist,” “Eccentric,” and “Romantic” were designed to invite visitors to experience humanity through the lens of design. The concept behind “Persona” was to explore how design can reveal the emotional and psychological depth of the human self. The exhibition also featured Polish highlights – with projects by Mati Sipora, Pani Jurek, Puff-Buff, Hyz, Magdalena Szmydtke, Studio Klaudyna Marciniak, Hasik Design Studio, and Salak.

6. An Apartment Filled with Positive Energy

Photos: press materials

Thanks to Sancal and Paper Collective, we were able to immerse ourselves in a world of intense colors and original forms. Although the brands come from countries far apart in Europe, they found common ground in their passion for expressive objects – Spanish Sancal for furniture, Danish Paper Collective for prints and posters. Together, they transformed a historic apartment located opposite Designmuseum Danmark into a space pulsing with creativity. They filled it with pieces that were hard to take your eyes off. Among them stood out the angular “Canto” sofa in a juicy lime color – designed by MUT, the rainbow poster collection “Paper Curves” by Raw Color, and the “Bold” coffee table designed by Studiopepe.

7. Simply Harmony

Photos: press materials

The Italian brand Saba reminded us that sometimes the greatest charm lies in simplicity. It encouraged guests to appreciate how high-quality craftsmanship and timeless forms will always stand the test of time. In the “Gestures of Home” installation – presented at the event space The Conary – Saba created a warm, cozy interior where visitors could truly feel at home. Admiring the brand’s pieces was pure pleasure – from icons like the “Teatro Magico” table and “Pixel” seating system to brand-new furniture collections by Federico Peri and Studiopepe.

8. Design That Brings a Smile

Photos: press materials

We’re always delighted when designers turn their attention not only to the more eye-catching pieces – like chairs, tables, or sofas – but also to the more modest ones, such as electrical outlets. Omer Arbel – designing for 22 System by Bocci – gave them cheerful, yellow forms reminiscent of the Smiley, the world’s most famous pictogram of a human face. He then teamed up with India Mahdavi. Together, they paired the outlets with Mahdavi’s pink “Oliver” armchair – creating an unusual, playful piece. It was previously shown at Paris Fashion Week, and during 3daysofdesign, it was displayed at the Copenhagen art bookstore Le Petit Voyeur.