Helsinki’s Best Home and Interior Design Stores

Helsinki is a city that has long been at the forefront of Scandinavian design, known for its clean lines, functional aesthetics, and connection to nature. The Finnish capital is home to a variety of home and interior design stores that cater to different tastes and styles, offering everything from minimalist furniture to unique handmade crafts. Whether you’re furnishing your home from scratch or looking for that one perfect decor piece, Helsinki’s design stores offer endless inspiration. In this guide, we’ll explore the best home and interior design stores in the city, each offering its own unique take on Finnish and Nordic design.

1. Artek – The Icon of Finnish Design

Founded in 1935 by renowned architect and designer Alvar Aalto, Artek is one of the most iconic names in Finnish design. Specializing in modernist furniture and home decor, Artek embodies the principles of simplicity, functionality, and timelessness that define Finnish design.

• What to Expect: Artek’s flagship store in Helsinki, located in the heart of the city, showcases a range of classic and contemporary furniture pieces, lighting, and home accessories. The store’s design reflects the brand’s philosophy of blending beauty with practicality. You’ll find Aalto’s signature bentwood furniture, including the famous “Stool 60,” as well as the clean and modern “Artek Chair 69” and the elegant “Tea Trolley 901.”
• Best Finds: Artek’s furniture is highly sought after for its versatility and longevity. The “Aalto Vase,” inspired by the shapes of Finland’s lakes, is one of the brand’s most iconic pieces and a must-have for design enthusiasts. Their lighting collection, featuring minimalist pendant lights and floor lamps, adds a modern touch to any room.
• Pro Tip: Artek is not just about furniture. Don’t overlook the small home accessories and textiles, which include everything from sleek shelving units to practical yet beautiful storage solutions.

2. Iittala & Arabia Design Centre – Finnish Glass and Ceramics

Iittala is synonymous with Finnish glass design, known for its timeless glassware and decorative pieces that blend form and function. The Iittala & Arabia Design Centre offers a full immersion into Finnish design, showcasing the best in glass and ceramics from these two iconic brands.

• What to Expect: The Design Centre houses a store where you can shop a wide range of Iittala’s glassware, including the famous “Aalto Vase” and the “Kastehelmi” glass collection, known for its delicate, bubble-like design. You’ll also find Arabia’s beautifully crafted ceramic tableware, including the popular Moomin-themed products and classic collections like “24h” and “Paratiisi.” The Design Centre also includes a museum that tells the story of Finnish glass and ceramic design, making it a great spot for both shopping and learning about design heritage.
• Best Finds: Iittala’s glassware is perfect for those looking to add a touch of Finnish elegance to their home. The “Teema” tableware collection is a timeless favorite, available in a variety of colors to suit any kitchen. Arabia’s ceramics, especially the playful Moomin mugs, are highly collectible and make excellent gifts.
• Pro Tip: Take time to visit the workshops and exhibitions at the Design Centre, where you can see how Iittala and Arabia products are made and gain a deeper understanding of Finnish craftsmanship.

3. Finlayson – Textile Excellence Since 1820

Founded over 200 years ago, Finlayson is a Finnish brand that specializes in high-quality home textiles, offering everything from bed linens and towels to curtains and kitchen textiles. Known for its timeless designs and commitment to sustainability, Finlayson products are a staple in Finnish homes.

• What to Expect: Finlayson’s store in Helsinki features a wide selection of textiles in classic and contemporary patterns. The brand is known for its bold, colorful designs, such as the “Elefantti” (elephant) print, as well as its eco-friendly production methods. Finlayson’s textiles are made from organic cotton and other sustainable materials, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious shoppers.
• Best Finds: Finlayson’s organic cotton bed linens are a standout item, offering both comfort and style. Their bath towels, with playful prints and soft textures, are also a popular choice. Don’t miss their seasonal collections, which often feature limited-edition prints inspired by Finnish nature and culture.
• Pro Tip: Finlayson is dedicated to sustainability, so keep an eye out for their recycled textile products and eco-friendly gift options.

4. TRE – Finland’s Largest Lifestyle and Design Store

TRE is the largest design and lifestyle store in Finland, offering a curated selection of homeware, furniture, fashion, and beauty products from over 300 Finnish brands. Located in central Helsinki, TRE is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the breadth of Finnish design, from contemporary pieces to timeless classics.

• What to Expect: TRE is a spacious store that feels more like a design exhibition than a typical shop. Each product is carefully selected, representing the best of Finnish craftsmanship and design innovation. You’ll find everything from minimalist home decor to quirky, handmade pieces that add personality to any space. The store also focuses on sustainability, offering eco-friendly products made from natural materials.
• Best Finds: TRE is known for its selection of Finnish home goods, including textiles, lighting, and furniture. You’ll find products from iconic Finnish brands like Marimekko and Lapuan Kankurit, as well as emerging designers creating innovative home accessories. Their collection of candles, ceramics, and kitchenware makes it easy to find the perfect gift or accent for your home.
• Pro Tip: TRE frequently hosts design events, exhibitions, and workshops, making it not only a shopping destination but also a hub for Finnish design culture. Keep an eye on their calendar to time your visit with one of these special events.

5. Marimekko – Bold Patterns for Home and Lifestyle

Marimekko is one of Finland’s most iconic design brands, celebrated for its bold prints and vibrant colors. While it’s best known for fashion, Marimekko also offers a wide range of home products that bring a touch of Finnish creativity and joy into everyday life.

• What to Expect: Marimekko’s store in Helsinki’s Esplanadi district showcases a stunning range of home textiles, tableware, and decor. Their famous prints, such as the “Unikko” (poppy) pattern, are applied to everything from bed linens and cushions to mugs and plates. Marimekko’s home collection is characterized by bold, graphic designs that make a statement in any room.
• Best Finds: Marimekko’s colorful kitchen textiles, including aprons, oven mitts, and tablecloths, are perfect for adding a cheerful touch to your kitchen. Their bed linens and throw pillows, available in a variety of signature prints, are another great way to bring some Finnish design into your home.
• Pro Tip: Marimekko’s products are built to last, with high-quality fabrics and durable materials. Their seasonal collections often feature limited-edition prints, so if you see something you love, don’t wait to buy it!

6. Lokal – Contemporary Finnish Art and Design

Lokal is a unique gallery-store hybrid located in Helsinki’s Design District, offering a curated selection of contemporary Finnish art, design, and homeware. Focused on handmade, small-batch products, Lokal is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the modern Finnish design aesthetic.

• What to Expect: Lokal’s minimalist, gallery-like space features a wide variety of home decor items, from ceramics and glassware to textiles and furniture. All of the products are created by Finnish artisans and designers, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability. In addition to home goods, Lokal also offers artwork and photography, making it a great destination for art lovers.
• Best Finds: Lokal is known for its beautiful ceramic pieces, including vases, bowls, and mugs, all handmade by local artists. Their selection of linen textiles, such as table runners and napkins, is perfect for adding a touch of understated elegance to your dining room. You’ll also find unique, hand-carved wooden decor pieces that reflect Finland’s connection to nature.
• Pro Tip: Lokal frequently rotates its collections and exhibitions, so each visit offers something new. It’s a great place to discover emerging Finnish artists and designers, and many of the pieces are limited edition or one-of-a-kind.

7. Lapuan Kankurit – High-Quality Textiles with a Heritage Touch

Lapuan Kankurit is a family-owned Finnish textile company that has been weaving beautiful, high-quality linens and wool products since the 1970s. Known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail, Lapuan Kankurit’s products bring warmth and comfort to any home.

• What to Expect: The store offers a wide range of textiles, including linen tablecloths, wool blankets, and bath towels. Their designs are inspired by Finnish nature, featuring subtle, earthy tones and natural materials. Lapuan Kankurit places a strong emphasis on sustainable production, using eco-friendly methods and materials in their textiles.
• Best Finds: Lapuan Kankurit’s wool blankets are a highlight, offering warmth and coziness with beautiful, simple designs. Their kitchen linens, including tea towels and aprons, are both functional and stylish. For a touch of luxury, check out their soft linen bathrobes and bath towels.
• Pro Tip: Lapuan Kankurit’s products make excellent gifts, especially their wool throws and bath textiles. The brand is also dedicated to sustainability, so you can feel good about supporting ethical production practices.

Conclusion

Helsinki’s home and interior design stores are a reflection of the city’s deep connection to craftsmanship, nature, and functional beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless modernism of Artek, the artisanal elegance of Lokal, or the vibrant patterns of Marimekko, each store offers its own unique take on Finnish design. From high-quality furniture and textiles to handmade ceramics and glassware, Helsinki’s design scene is filled with both iconic brands and emerging talent. Whether you’re furnishing your home or looking for the perfect gift, these stores provide a rich and inspiring shopping experience, allowing you to bring a piece of Finland’s design heritage into your everyday life.