Honoring the golden era of Danish design, the Multi-Lite Collection is a minimalist lamp series, inspired by the drawings of Danish designer and architect Louis Weisdorf. In the original concept, Weisdorf used cylindrical shapes and quarter-spherical opposing shades to create dynamic multi-light, shielding the eye from direct glare at all angles. Aside from adding warmth to any setting, Multi-Lite allows for a variety of light options within a room.

 

The Multi-Lite Pendant

Back in 1972, Louis Weisdorf drew the Multi-Lite. The drawing was a reflection of his passion for diversity. Within the Multi-Lite Pendant, a metal ring encompasses the lamp base, made of two cylindrical shapes, anchoring the two quarter-spherical shades – the basis of the multi-purpose design.

The Multi-Lite Table Lamp

The decorative Multi-Lite Table Lamp, with its timeless elegance, is an evolution of the pendant design. A variety of combinations, characteristic for the Multi-Lite Table Lamp, allows you to direct the light upwards, downwards, or exude an asymmetrical art light in any space. The almost sculptural appearance of the lamp makes it ideal for public areas, hotel rooms, and domestic environments.

”The Multi-Lite Table Lamp helps the multi-light design to be part of a wider spectrum — and foremost places with limited space.” — Louis Weisdorf

The Multi-Lite Floor Lamp

With its distinctive style and timeless elegance, the Multi-Lite Floor Lamp is an evolution of the pendant design and brings character and life to any design scheme. This multi-functional piece consists of two opposing outside shades, enabling a variety of transformations. With Weisdrorf’s work in mind, the light can be rotated to face different directions, creating a festive atmosphere in any interior space.

”With the Multi-Lite Floor Lamp, I get after almost half a century, yet another of my original wishes fulfilled – namely a movable edition. This gives the lamp design even more possibilities for an exciting location.” — Louis Weisdorf

Based on the Danish island of Funen, the birthplace of legendary author Hans Christian Andersen, Carl Hansen & Søn is a family-owned furniture design company with a tradition spanning over a century.

A staple of Danish design, this Scandinavian company values craftsmanship above all else, which along with passion and creativity, has birthed an incredible portfolio of furniture adored across the world. 

Through a partnership with Hans J. Wegner, one of the driving forces behind the new Danish Modern style, Carl Hansen & Søn created some of its most iconic pieces, including the Wishbone Chair. 

In recent years, Carl Hansen & Søn embraced a sustainable and environmentally conscious philosophy and is working tirelessly to blend these efforts with beautiful design and functionality.

Timeless beauty, comfort, craftsmanship, and sustainability are so deeply ingrained in all our furniture works that only sight and touch are required to understand and fall in love with them.

– Knud Erik Hansen, CEO, and owner

 

 

Wishbone Chair

This best-selling item from 1949 became an instant classic of Danish design when it first appeared. Also known as the CH24 Chair, the Wishbone was designed by Hans J. Wegner within his first month of work for Carl Hansen & Søn and has been in continuous production ever since. 

The inspiration behind the Wishbone were Ming dynasty chairs, evident in the original names for the series – China chairs. 

The Wishbone is the product of a profoundly intricate manufacturing process, done mostly by hand, making this impressive piece the epitome of exquisite craftsmanship and dedication. 

The chair is made from 14 different parts, while assembly requires 100 separate processes that take about three weeks. For example, each Wishbone chair has a completely hand-woven seat made from 4000 feet of paper cord.

Truly an incredible piece of modern design history, the Wishbone chair is also a prime example of the timeless quality of Danish design – a piece that stood the test of time and continues to remain a favorite 60 years after its inception. 

 

Oculus Lounge Chair

Another piece from Hans J. Wegner, this stunning lounge chair was designed in 1960. However, production on the Oculus chair began half a century later based on the original drawings from Wegner.

The name is derived from the Latin word for eye and refers to the chair’s unique shape. An instantly recognizable masterpiece, the Oculus is also synonymous with comfort due to its extra deep seat.  

The lightweight stainless steel base of the Oculus chair holds the upholstered, curved seat which features a round backrest. The Oculus is available at Rouse Home in three versions – black leather, gray wool, and a navy blue Kvadrat canvas (wool and nylon). 

Popular in both office spaces and homes alike, this eye-catching piece is sure to take any room to the next level in terms of style. 

 

Contour Chair

The Carl Hansen world of chairs contains many classics, all of which possess an exquisite design and are the result of incredible skill. No different is the Contour Chair, a piece designed by the Danish master Børge Mogensen in 1949. 

The chair was later relaunched in 2019 and continues to entice design lovers. The Contour chair has a very distinct silhouette composed of a wooden frame, angled legs, and a curved seat. It is very light creation as has a cutout backrest, but the Contour still manages to be a durable piece. 

Working on the Contour chair was a great challenge for Mogensen as he had previously designed solid wood furniture. His experiment with a new style paid off and the Contour is already being hailed as a future classic – an amazing feat of craftsmanship, passion and all the other qualities that have made the Danish school of design the cream of the crop. 

 

Cuba Chair

The foldable Cuba Chair was designed by Morten Gøttler in 1997 to evoke balmy days on the tropical Caribbean island. This lounge chair is another fine piece representative of Danish quality, but also practicality as the Cuba Chair is a real space-saver. 

The solid oak frame of the chair can be folded with one hand and discreetly placed in storage or hung on a wall. 

The space-saving ability combined with the comfortable seat of the Cuba chair makes this piece another favorite of design-lovers, whether it is used as extra seating or as part of a permanent set-up. 

Its clean design will make the Cuba Chair an elegant addition to any home, whatever the finish (soap oak, oiled oak or black oak), while longevity is guaranteed with a piece like this, as is the case with all of Carl Hansen’s furniture.

 

Shop the full collection of Carl Hansen & Son here.

Born out of a fusion of classic Danish tradition and Italian quality, furniture design studio GamFratesi was established in 2006. Founders Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi describe their approach to design as both traditional and experimental, with an aim to “create furniture that illustrates the process and the techniques that created it, and which reflect a persistent exploration of the diverse border zone between harmony and disharmony.”

The architectural duo split their time between their respective hometowns of Copenhagen and Pesaro, drawing inspiration from their travels and from the design traditions of both countries.

“Contrasts are often the center of our inspiration. Both in work and daily life we are constantly confronted with contrasts, and we do work a lot with references and respect to traditions in both our cultures. We both have roots in strong design cultures. Studying, researching and moving constantly between our two countries, it has become such a natural part of us, that it will also show in our work,” the couple says.

Recipients of numerous design awards, GamFratesi’s exquisite projects range from stunning restaurant interiors to the famed Beetle Chair.

 

Beetle Dining Chair, Beetle Lounge Chair

The iconic Beetle was inspired by the prominent insect, which is visible in the chair’s shape and structure. It was created for GUBI in 2013 and first presented at Milan’s annual Mindcraft exhibition.

A favorite at renowned restaurants around the world, the Beetle boasts a comfortable design and finish optionality, making it an excellent fit for a wide variety of interiors.

“We first found inspiration in the anatomy and aesthetic of the beetle. We reinterpret the beetle’s hard and characteristic shell and structure in a chair that, like an actual beetle, has a hard exterior and a soft interior. This insect has a very delicate form, but with an important functional aspect,” Stine Gam and Enrico Fratesi said of the Beetle.

 

Take a journey through the truly captivating world of the gorgeous GamFratesi-designed interiors.

 

Harlan & Holden Glasshouse at Rockwell

The Harlan & Holden Glasshouse at Rockwell (Manila)

Located in the hectic Philippine capital, the Harlan & Holden Glasshouse Cafe is a dreamy refuge of tropical allure right in front of one of Manila’s most popular shopping malls.

According to the designers themselves, the breathtaking design centers on “breaking the boundaries between indoor and outdoor” and showcases, among other pieces, the Beetle Bar Chair, available at Rouse Home in your choice of fabric and base finishes.

Mint-colored upholstery dominates this verdant design along with rattan furniture, a stone and terrazzo bar, and wood and stone tabletops.

Surrounded by the urban sprawl of Manila, this chic and elegant decor perfectly encapsulates the GamFratesi design philosophy.

 

 

Masculo Leather Dining Chairs, Cobra Wall Sconce

Copenhague (Paris)

GamFratesi designed the interiors of the two restaurants located in The Danish House in Paris (Maison du Danemark) on the famed Champs-Élysées.

The fine-dining restaurant Copenhague is a luxurious, intense and sophisticated experience. Dark blue walls grace the interior of the Copenhague, paired with large mirrors and Greta Grossman’s Cobra Lamps designed for GUBI. Cobra Lamps can be found at Rouse Home.

Interspersed with white porcelain, the moody interior features Raf Simons Kvadrat textiles for the curtains and tablecloths and the Masculo Chair, offered in the fabric of your choice at Rouse Home.

 

 

Beetle Upholstered Dining Chair, TS Dining Table

Flora Danica (Paris)

The second restaurant in the Danish House is the quaint high-end brasserie Flora Danica. The custom furniture for Flora Danica was created in partnership with GUBI specifically for this eclectic restaurant that serves contemporary Danish dishes with a French twist.

Named after the comprehensive botanical atlas that documents Denmark’s plant life between 1761 and 1883, Flora Danica has the feel of a beautiful, lush orangery.

In contrast to Copenhague, the brasserie enjoys an abundance of natural light. Green and gray hues dominate the design that spreads across a marble floor, offset by the black and brass bases of the Beetle chairs in various textiles. The TS Table is prominently featured in the Danish restaurant as well.

The focal point of Flora Danica is the luxurious green marble bar lined with Beetle Bar Stools. The bar exuberant display is supplemented with a geometric floor.

A large wall display featuring Flora Danica drawings completes this perfect mixture of Art Deco and Nordic design, right in the heart of Paris.

 

 

Beetle Dining Chair, Beetle Bar Chairs

Verandah (Copenhagen)

Housed in an iconic 1930’s building, Verandah was a river-view, contemporary Indian restaurant closed in 2016. As with other GamFratesi interiors, the space possessed a greenhouse feel to it, this time in a cool-toned palette of grays and blues.

The copper Orient pendants from Lightyears gave Verandah a rustic note, while the special edition Beetle Bar Chairs provided the now-closed venue with just the right touch of Danish elegance.

Among GamFratesi’s numerous impressive pieces, here is a selection of our most favorite works.

 

 

Haiku Sofa

The Haiku Sofa

Inspired by the simplicity of the eponymous Japanese poetic form, the Haiku Sofa was launched by Fredericia in 2012.

The dazzling design combines a rigid outer shell with a soft and cozy inner seat that perfectly suits both public spaces and private homes.

 

 

Masculo Chair with Sledge Base

The Masculo Chair

The Masculo chair comes in a lounge and dining version. GamFratesi’s vision for these pieces designed for GUBI was a marriage of contrasts in the masculine back/arm section and the feminine leg base.

Simple and elegant, the Masculo Chair is offered in a variety of fabric choices and base styles.

 

 

TS 2 Tier Console Table with Tray, TS Table Collection

The TS Table Collection

The previously mentioned TS Table, designed for the Standard restaurant in Copenhagen, comes with a glass or solid marble tabletop that rests on a slim, criss-cross frame.

The different sizes and colors of the tables can be combined into a small group or used individually for adding a hint of luxury to your preferred space.

 

 

Bat Lounge Chair, Bat Unupholstered Dining Chair, Bat Upholstered Dining Chair

The Bat Lounge Chair

With its distinctive shell that evokes a bat’s wingspan, the Bat Lounge Chair is available in both high and low back versions.

Optionality also makes the Bat Lounge Chair suitable for a broad array of settings, although we personally prefer this comfy piece for curling up with a good book in the living room.

Shop the full collection of GamFratesi furniture here.