What Are the Top Finnish Design Stores to Visit?

Finland has long been recognized for its minimalist yet functional design, blending nature-inspired aesthetics with practicality. Helsinki, the capital, is home to some of the best Finnish design stores where you can explore the country’s rich design heritage, from home décor and fashion to furniture and glassware. Whether you’re a lover of timeless classics or cutting-edge modern design, these stores offer an immersive shopping experience that reflects Finland’s commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and style.

1. Marimekko – Bold Patterns and Iconic Prints

Marimekko is arguably the most famous Finnish design brand worldwide, known for its bold prints and vibrant colors. Founded in 1951, Marimekko’s designs range from fashion to home décor, with each product embodying a playful yet refined sense of style.

• Product Range: Marimekko offers a wide range of products, including clothing, bags, textiles, tableware, and home furnishings. Its signature floral and geometric patterns, such as the iconic “Unikko” print, are instantly recognizable and perfect for adding a touch of Finnish flair to your home or wardrobe.
• What to Buy: Look for Marimekko’s statement dresses, colorful kitchenware, and their range of fabrics and cushions that bring a pop of Finnish design to any space.
• Store Experience: Marimekko’s flagship store on Esplanadi in Helsinki offers a beautifully curated selection of products, where you can browse the latest collections and even enjoy in-store exhibitions.

2. Iittala – Timeless Glassware and Home Accessories

Iittala is a renowned Finnish design company that has been creating elegant glassware and home accessories since 1881. Known for its combination of form and function, Iittala’s products are designed to be both beautiful and practical, with a focus on sustainability.

• Product Range: Iittala specializes in glassware, tableware, and home decor. Its most iconic products include the “Aalto” vase, designed by Alvar Aalto, which mimics the shapes of Finland’s lakes, and the timeless “Teema” tableware collection.
• What to Buy: The Aalto vase is a must-have for design lovers, but Iittala’s range of glassware, including its colorful Kastehelmi and Kartio collections, make great gifts and home additions.
• Store Experience: Iittala’s flagship store on Esplanadi showcases a wide variety of their collections. The store’s minimalist, open design reflects the brand’s aesthetic of simplicity and elegance.

3. Artek – Iconic Finnish Furniture

Artek is synonymous with Finnish furniture design, founded in 1935 by renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Specializing in modern, functional furniture, Artek’s designs emphasize simplicity, natural materials, and timeless elegance.

• Product Range: Artek’s most famous pieces include Aalto’s bentwood furniture, such as the “Stool 60” and “Armchair 42,” which are considered masterpieces of modern furniture design. In addition to seating and tables, Artek also offers lighting and home accessories.
• What to Buy: If you’re a fan of mid-century modern design, Artek’s furniture is a must. The iconic “Stool 60” is a versatile piece that’s both functional and stylish, and Aalto’s signature lamps are perfect for adding soft lighting to any space.
• Store Experience: Artek’s store in the Design District offers a beautifully curated space where visitors can see and touch the products, making it easy to appreciate the craftsmanship of each item.

4. Lokal – Contemporary Finnish Art and Design

Lokal is a unique gallery-store hybrid located in Helsinki’s Design District, focusing on contemporary Finnish design and art. The space is dedicated to showcasing the work of both established and emerging designers and artists, offering a mix of ceramics, textiles, prints, and furniture.

• Product Range: Lokal’s products are a blend of contemporary art and design, featuring handcrafted items like ceramics, wooden furniture, and textiles. The store also regularly hosts exhibitions, making it a cultural destination as well as a shopping spot.
• What to Buy: Lokal is perfect for finding one-of-a-kind pieces, such as handmade ceramics, art prints, and wooden home accessories. Each product is crafted with care, reflecting the natural beauty and understated elegance typical of Finnish design.
• Store Experience: The gallery-style layout of Lokal provides a calm and inspiring atmosphere, allowing visitors to appreciate the artistry behind each object. It’s an excellent place for discovering new Finnish designers and taking home unique, locally-made items.

5. Johanna Gullichsen – Textile Design with a Modern Twist

Johanna Gullichsen is a Finnish textile designer known for her geometric patterns and modern interpretations of traditional weaving techniques. Her designs are a celebration of Finnish craftsmanship, offering a wide range of textiles for both fashion and home interiors.

• Product Range: The brand offers a variety of handwoven textiles, including cushions, rugs, table linens, and bags. Johanna Gullichsen’s designs are known for their graphic, bold patterns, which combine a contemporary feel with traditional weaving methods.
• What to Buy: Look for her distinctive cushions and rugs, which are perfect for adding a touch of Finnish design to your living space. Her stylish bags, crafted from the same durable woven fabrics, are also popular.
• Store Experience: Located in the heart of Helsinki’s Design District, the Johanna Gullichsen store offers a beautifully presented collection of her textiles. The minimalist store design reflects the clean lines and simplicity of her creations.

6. TRE – Finland’s Largest Design Store

TRE is Helsinki’s largest design store, offering a wide selection of Finnish lifestyle and design products under one roof. Located in the heart of the city, TRE brings together a curated collection of fashion, homeware, beauty products, and more, all from local designers.

• Product Range: TRE showcases over 300 Finnish brands, offering everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and children’s toys. You’ll find both well-established brands like Samuji and Aarikka, alongside emerging designers creating cutting-edge products.
• What to Buy: TRE is a great place to find a variety of Finnish design items in one stop. You can pick up everything from sustainable fashion to minimalist homeware and beauty products.
• Store Experience: TRE’s spacious layout makes it easy to browse through their extensive collection of Finnish products. The store’s friendly staff is always on hand to help you discover new brands and find the perfect item.

7. Finlayson – Finnish Textile Heritage

Founded in 1820, Finlayson is one of the oldest textile manufacturers in Finland and remains a beloved brand for its high-quality home textiles. Known for its sustainability and durable fabrics, Finlayson offers a wide range of products that blend tradition with modern design.

• Product Range: Finlayson specializes in bedding, bath textiles, and kitchen linens. The brand’s famous elephant print, “Elefantti,” and other classic patterns can be found on a variety of products, from duvet covers to towels.
• What to Buy: Their organic cotton bedding sets are a must-have for anyone looking for sustainable yet stylish home textiles. Finlayson’s kitchen linens, including their patterned oven mitts and tea towels, make excellent gifts.
• Store Experience: Finlayson’s flagship store in Helsinki offers a cozy and inviting shopping experience, with rows of beautifully arranged textiles. The store’s commitment to sustainability is evident, with many eco-friendly and organic options available.

8. Aarikka – Finnish Wooden Jewelry and Home Decor

Aarikka is a Finnish brand that specializes in wooden jewelry, home decor, and accessories. Known for its playful and colorful designs, Aarikka’s products are crafted from natural materials and embody the simplicity of Finnish design.

• Product Range: Aarikka offers a range of wooden jewelry, Christmas decorations, and home decor items such as candle holders and serving trays. Their signature wooden beads are a recurring element in their designs, adding a touch of natural beauty to everyday items.
• What to Buy: Aarikka’s wooden jewelry is both stylish and unique, making it a great souvenir or gift. Their Christmas decorations, particularly their wooden elves, are also a popular item during the holiday season.
• Store Experience: Aarikka’s store in Helsinki is a warm and inviting space, filled with colorful wooden products that reflect Finland’s connection to nature. The playful designs make it a fun place to explore, and you’re sure to find something special to take home.

Conclusion

Finnish design is celebrated around the world for its emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature. Helsinki is home to some of the best design stores where you can explore and purchase unique items that embody these qualities. Whether you’re shopping for bold prints at Marimekko, timeless glassware at Iittala, or contemporary furniture at Artek, you’ll find an abundance of beautifully crafted products that reflect the essence of Finnish design. Be sure to visit these top stores during your trip to Helsinki to bring home a piece of Finland’s rich design heritage.