In the landscape of contemporary design, increasingly driven by the ephemeral and by the relentless pursuit of novelty, there are still companies that choose a different pace. A slower, more layered rhythm, shaped by evolution rather than revolution. Grythyttan Stålmöbler belongs to this rare category: brands that do not chase trends, but instead build a coherent design language over time, one capable of spanning generations without losing relevance.

Founded in 1895 in the Swedish village from which it takes its name, Grythyttan Stålmöbler transformed outdoor furniture into a cultural practice long before it became an aesthetic one. Its wood-and-steel seating pieces, now icons of Scandinavian design, embody an idea of everyday life rooted in durability, a close relationship with the landscape, and a design quality that resists the passing of fashions.

This continuity of past and present is precisely what makes the presence of the brand at 3daysofdesign 2026, which will be held in Copenhagen from June 10 to 12, so meaningful. It is within the historical walls of Odd Fellow Palace that Grythyttan will reveal its novelties for 2026, including Bovik collection and an intriguing remake of the Classic Series in dark red. However, these novelties are more than just a launch of a new product; they constitute a logical continuation of the brand, being an organic combination of industrial past and modern life.

“In 2026, we are introducing a series of new products rooted in our 130-year history, while at the same time expanding our outdoor offering. These launches reflect who we are at our core: a company that honors tradition while continuously refining the way people experience outdoor life.”

— Bo Hellberg, CMO of Grythyttan Stålmöbler

Simone Lorusso: Copenhagen during 3daysofdesign turns into a conversation about how we want to live today. What do you think the design community is collectively searching for right now?

Grythyttan Stålmöbler: Today, we’re finding design communities craving craftsmanship, heritage, organic materials, cultural relevance, and emotional connectivity - there is a shift away from the digital into people desiring shared, tangible experiences. We’re witnessing a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship and storytelling in outdoor furniture, a kind of craftsmanship revival. This is closely linked to the ongoing trend where we mix eras and influences: pairing contemporary outdoor pieces with heirloom accents, handcrafted objects, or vintage-style lighting to create spaces with emotional richness and longevity.

Multifunctional spaces and flexible layouts are becoming more and more important, allowing furniture and zones to shift according to different needs. With hybrid working and multigenerational living, movable partitions, modular furniture, and customisable lighting help create adaptable environments that can easily transform throughout the day. Communities are no longer focused solely on what looks good; they care about how it supports their daily life, and how it aligns with their values, from sustainability to wellness and longevity. They’re choosing products and designs that feel personal.

SL: 3daysofdesign has increasingly become a reflection of how design is evolving today — more emotional, more tactile, and more connected to atmosphere. How does Grythyttan position itself within this new Scandinavian narrative?

GS: Grythyttan Stålmöbler has been a central part of the Scandinavian design canon since its beginnings in 1895. Whilst we stay true to our roots as a brand and our products continue to be made at our village in Grythyttan, innovation remains a central part of our design philosophy.

The most popular product in the range is the A2, which was also the very first chair designed in 1930, together with Chair 1. To Swedes and Scandinavians, the A2 is synonymous with the long Scandinavian summer evenings, relaxing with your friends and family in the garden, by the waterfront or in the countryside. It’s a piece of furniture that carries a lot of tradition and memories, with a design you recognise from childhood summers - although you might choose a more contemporary colour or wood. In 2026, we introduced our new Bovik Collection, which in a subtle manner pairs our centuries-old craftsmanship with an elegant, forward-thinking design sensibility.

SL: At a time when many brands constantly reinvent themselves, Grythyttan seems to evolve through subtle gestures and long-term consistency. Is slowness becoming a value in contemporary design culture?

GS: In 2025, Grythyttan Stålmöbler celebrated 130 years of Swedish tradition and. craftsmanship. Today, the brand continues to craft from the natural materials of wood and steel, balancing tradition and modernity. All production is carried out by hand in our factory in Grythyttan. No two pieces of furniture are identical – and this is something we are extremely proud of. To this day, the manufacturing is still very much artisanal, with equal care in the selection of material and manufacturing - the steel is bent carefully to get the unique spring effect in the steel, and every piece of wood is selected and inspected to ensure each piece of furniture has matching grain and is without blemishes.

In such a fast-paced world, many, especially within the contemporary design culture, are craving slowness, and that is reflected in our design sensibilities. There’s a tremendous pride and knowledge passed down through the generations. Many who work today have relatives or parents, even grandparents, who worked here in the past. It makes for an exceptional quality that comes with a 130-year legacy.

Among the key nouveautés presented in Copenhagen is Bovik, a new family of tables and armchairs named after the small lakeside village facing Grythyttan. Both a geographical and symbolic reference, the name reaffirms the strong bond between the brand and its place of origin.The collection emerges from the meeting of historic engineering and contemporary sensibility. Bovik uses the same spring steel structure developed in the 1930s for the celebrated Classic Series, reinterpreting it through lighter proportions and slimmer wooden profiles.

The result is a collection with a more refined and architectural aesthetic, while preserving the solidity and comfort that have made Grythyttan furniture iconic. In particular, the new armchairs offer a contemporary reinterpretation of the historic A2 Armchair designed in 1930. Available exclusively in teak, Bovik introduces a more sophisticated and tactile dimension into the Grythyttan universe, appealing to an audience seeking outdoor design that is both understated and highly distinctive.

Together with Bovik, Grythyttan is launching a new color range for its Classic Series – Dark Red Lacquered Oak. It’s a strong color with a lot of depth, giving furniture a certain architectural quality, highlighting the difference between the organic texture of wood and the clean lines of the metal frame. This new finish can be combined with either black or galvanized metal legs and used on selected tables and seating from the classic range. Dark Red is not just another new color but a completely new concept based on the Grythyttan range, urban and contemporary yet true to the minimalistic spirit of Nordic design.

SL: Outdoor furniture has traditionally been associated with function and seasonality, yet today it increasingly intersects with architecture, hospitality, and lifestyle culture. How do you interpret this shift?

GS: At Grythyttan Stålmöbler, design is synonymous with durability. Each piece is made to last for generations and to withstand the Scandinavian weather, and is so comfortable that you will never want to get up. Traditionally, our customers have a house and garden and like to spend quality time outside with their families, but the newer ranges, like High Tech, have become very popular for smaller spaces, terraces, and balconies, wherever you entertain. Grythyttan Stålmöbler is popular in the hospitality market. It lasts forever and is stackable.

There is a general opinion that outdoor furniture, particularly durable wooden and steel pieces, is uncomfortable and requires soft furnishings. This isn’t necessarily true. When constructed with ergonomics in mind and expertly designed to distribute weight evenly across the surface, weather-resistant seating can offer optimal support and comfort tailored to the human body.

SL: With Bovik, you reinterpret a historic construction system through a lighter and more architectural language. How do you balance respect for heritage with the need to evolve aesthetically?

GS: The Bovik Armchair by Grythyttan Stålmöbler evolves a historic design into a more contemporary and refined product. Named after the small village near Lake Torrvarpen, close to Grythyttan, the Bovik Armchair draws inspiration from the calm and natural landscape, which informs its lighter and more refined design. 

Building on the original design of the A2 Armchair by Artur Lindqvist, the challenge was to create a design that was distinct yet still connected to the heritage of the Classic range. Grythyttan Stålmöbler addressed this through subtle but deliberate changes like reducing visual weight, improving proportions, and using high-quality teak to enhance both appearance and durability. Bovik carries a new expression - the teak slats are more numerous, slimmer, and lighter, giving the furniture a more slender silhouette. The result is a collection that carries the same heritage as the classics, but with the unmistakable feel of Bovik. Rather than reinventing the core structure, the design focuses on subtle refinement, showcasing how existing engineering can be adapted to meet contemporary expectations. The result is a design that feels current while maintaining the reliability, comfort, and weather resistance quality associated with Grythyttan’s long-standing outdoor furniture tradition. At Grythtyttan Stålmöbler, we take this approach with all new design pieces introduced to the range. A subtle nod to our past, whilst looking to our future.

SL: The introduction of Dark Red feels like more than a new finish — almost a new emotional atmosphere for the Classic Series. What role does color play in redefining iconic objects today?

GS: The introduction of Dark Red for the Classic Series adds a subtle yet defining twist to this iconic collection. The Classic Series dates back to 1930 when our founder, Artur Lindqvist, designed the A2 Armchair. Last year, we introduced a serene green colourway, so this year felt right to introduce something bolder. 2026 has seen a shift to richer, more expressive colour palettes, with rich reds leading the way. This hue adds warmth and sophistication while still behaving like a modern neutral. It pairs beautifully with natural woods, muted metals and the earthy palettes that continue to anchor outdoor furniture  esign. The movement towards rich red also mirrors a wider appetite for colour that feels sumptuously luxurious, yet sophisticated and full of personality.

Colour plays a beautiful role in redefining heritage objects and breathing new life into brands. Whilst the original Classic Series will always be a firm favourite amongst our design savvy audience, the introduction of new colours reinvigorates design and appeals to those looking to bring a bolder aesthetic to their outdoor spaces.

Today, the firm continues to be a family-run business and has entered into its fourth generation, maintaining its founding principles, which involve making furniture that is meant to last for a long time both visually and physically. In times of haste and obsolescence, the brand Grythyttan seems to convey that real luxury today might just be this: items that age well and accompany people through life's ordinary moments.

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Words: Simone Lorusso