How to Choose from Scandinavian Tableware Brands: A Complete Comparison Guide of the 6 Major Brands
How to Choose from Scandinavian Tableware Brands: A Complete Guide to the Top 6 Brands
The world of Scandinavian tableware is home to many prestigious manufacturers with over 100 years of history. Each brand has its own unique aesthetic sense and philosophy, and the more you learn about them, the more you will be captivated by their depth.
In this article, we will thoroughly introduce the characteristics, appeal, and signature works of six representative brands , based on our experience as a specialist in Nordic tableware, handling over several thousand pieces of tableware.
1. ARABIA — Finland's national tableware manufacturer
Founded: 1873 (Helsinki)
Country: Finland
Notable works: Paratiisi , Valencia , Rusca, Coralli , Crocus
(Arabia Paratiisi – a masterpiece of Finnish Nordic tableware)
Arabia is Finland's largest ceramics manufacturer and has been decorating Finnish dining tables for over 150 years. Its greatest feature is the fusion of art and everyday items . Numerous masterpieces have been created based on the philosophy of bringing tableware designed by famous artists to the dining tables of ordinary households.
Paratiisi , designed by Birger Kaipiainen , has been synonymous with Scandinavian tableware loved all over the world since its release in 1969. The bold designs featuring fruits and flowers instantly brighten up any dining table.
Vintage Arabia tableware has colors and old logos that are not available in current products, making it highly popular among collectors.
2. Iittala — Finnish glass jewels
Founded: 1881 (Iittala Village, Finland)
Country: Finland
Notable works: Ultima Thule, Kastehelmi, Flora, Toicabad
Iittala is a prestigious Finnish glass manufacturer that has produced works by world-renowned designers such as Tapio Wirkkala , Oiva Toikka , and Kaj Franck , with the motto "Beauty is in your hands."
Tapio Wirkkala's Ultima Thule, a design inspired by the ice of Finnish Lapland, became world famous when it was used for Finnair's first class in 1968.
Vintage Iittala products have the handmade feel and weightiness that is unique to early lots, and have a different appeal to current products.
3. Rörstrand — Europe's oldest porcelain manufacturer
Founded: 1726 (Stockholm)
Country: Sweden
Notable works: Mon Amie , Sylvia , Anemone, Irene
(Rörstrand Mon Amie — the most beloved tableware in Swedish homes)
Founded in 1726, Rörstrand is the second oldest porcelain manufacturer in Europe (after Meissen). It is a prestigious company that has supported Swedish food culture for approximately 300 years.
Mon Ami , designed by Marianne Westman , has a lovely design featuring blue flowers and is a classic piece of tableware that is said to be found in every Swedish household.
Silvia Leuchovius ' delicate floral reliefs are also masterpieces that demonstrate Rörstrand's artistic talent.
4. Gustavsberg — the mecca of Swedish design
Founded: 1825 (near Stockholm)
Country: Sweden
Notable works: Bertha , Prunus, Alena, Thelma
(Gustavsberg Bersa – an icon of Scandinavian mid-century design)
Gustavsberg is synonymous with Swedish porcelain, known for the work of talented designers such as Stig Lindberg .
Lindberg's Bersa , a 1960s classic with a vibrant green leaf motif, is a symbol of Scandinavian mid-century design. Prunus ' blue plum blossom pattern is also a perennial favorite.
Lisa Larson also studied at Gustavsberg from 1954 to 1980 and produced many masterpieces.
→ See all Gustavsberg products
5. Lisa Larson — Swedish ceramic artist
Born: 1931 (Helsingborg)
Country: Sweden
Notable works: Stora Zoo, Lilla Zoo, Kennel Series, Children of the World
Lisa Larson is a leading Swedish ceramic artist who has been creating art for over 90 years. Her works, born from her warm gaze on animals and humans, are immensely popular not only in Scandinavia but also in Japan.
Works from the Gustavsberg period are particularly valuable, and the warmth and individual differences that can only be found in handmade items are what make them so appealing. These unique pieces are sought after by collectors around the world.
→ See all of Lisa Larson's works | How to identify Lisa Larson's signature
6. Other noteworthy brands
JIE Gantofta
A Swedish ceramic tile manufacturer whose wall-hanging ceramic tiles are popular interior decorations.
Nuutajärvi
The oldest glass factory in Finland. Now integrated into Iittala. Many masterpieces such as Kastehelmi and Fauna.
→ See Nordic vintage glassware
Brand Comparison Table
| brand | country | Founding | Features | Representative work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabia | Finland | 1873 | Fusion of art and everyday items | Paratiisi |
| Iittala | Finland | 1881 | Glass Art | Ultima Thule |
| Roll strand | Sweden | 1726 | One of Europe's oldest traditions | Monami |
| Gustavsberg | Sweden | 1825 | Design innovation | Bertha |
| Lisa Larson | Sweden | 1954~ | Warmth of Pottery | Large zoo |
| G. Gantofta | Sweden | 1940s | Wall-mounted ceramic plate | Flower and animal ceramic plaque |
(Arabia Valencia Plate - Hand-painted Cobalt Blue Pattern)
How to choose Nordic tableware — recommendations by purpose
Recommended for everyday use
- Rörstrand Mon Amie —a durable and easy-to-use everyday staple
- Arabia's Korali - A simple design that goes well with Japanese cuisine
- Gustavsberg Prunus —Elegant Blue Floral Pattern
For the dining table on special occasions
- Paratiisi of Arabia —The most glamorous
- Rörstrand Silvia —delicate and elegant
For your interior collection
- Lisa Larson Animal Figurines —Fun to Display
- Nordic ceramic wall art
- Decorative plates —collector's items
For gifts
- Cup and saucer —perfect for a single guest or as a gift
- Nordic Vintage Glass – Unique Gifts
summary
The appeal of Scandinavian tableware lies in its beautiful design and practicality for everyday use. Tableware from brands with over 100 years of history continues to be loved throughout the ages.
At Tackschomücke, our Nordic tableware store, we only sell authentic vintage tableware sourced directly from Finland and Sweden, so you can shop with confidence without worrying about fakes or replicas.
→ See all products | See new products | Basic knowledge of Nordic tableware
