Hopp Home was founded with the intention of bringing together the best assortment of vintage designer pieces.  These are pieces that enrich your interiors while adding layers of depth and history to your space.  We focus on works crafted from high quality materials and that have stood the test of time. Trends come and go but great design is eternal.  We showcase the gems of Mid-Century Modern design across Denmark, Sweden, Italy, France and beyond.

Each item in the Hopp Home collection tells a unique story of craftsmanship and artistic vision. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer looking for the perfect piece for your space, our geographic glossary will provide some insight into the design styles we love from around the globe.

Hans J. Wegner, born in 1914 in Denmark, was a prolific and influential furniture designer renowned for his iconic contributions to mid-century modern design. With over 500 chair designs to his name, Wegner's work exemplifies a perfect balance of form, function, and craftsmanship. Wegner's innovative approach to woodworking and his commitment to traditional craftsmanship revolutionized the field of furniture design, earning him the title of "Master of the Chair,” and several awards including the inaugural Lunning Prize in 1951 (considered the ‘Nobel Prize of design’ through 1971) in recognition of his outstanding work and contribution to Scandinavian design.

Also known as the CH24 or "Y Chair," the Wishbone chair is a quintessential example of Scandinavian design, celebrated for its elegance, simplicity, and functionality. Designed in 1949 and produced by Carl Hansen & Søn since 1950, the chair features a distinctive Y-shaped backrest that provides both support and aesthetic appeal.

Image Credit: Robert B. Moffatt

The Shell Chair

Also known as the CH07 or "Smiling Chair," the Shell chair is renowned for its innovative form, comfort, and sculptural beauty. Designed in 1963, the Shell Chair features a distinctive three-legged structure with a bent plywood frame that gives it a light, floating appearance. The three-legged base, while unconventional, is meticulously engineered for stability, showcasing Wegner's skill in merging aesthetic daring with practical functionality. 

Born in 1914, Mogensen studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where he developed a deep appreciation for simplicity and practicality in design. He became a leading figure in the Danish modern movement, creating pieces that emphasized utility and understated elegance. Mogensen's designs, often crafted from natural materials like oak and leather, are celebrated for their timeless quality and enduring functionality. 

Inspired by traditional Spanish furniture, this chair features a robust oak frame and a wide, leather-covered seat and backrest. The distinctive broad armrests are a defining feature, providing both comfort and a striking visual element.

Image Credit: Ramblersen

Hunting Chair

Designed as part of the furnishings of a hunting lodge shown at the Copenhagen Cabinet Makers' Guild exhibition of 1950, the Hunting Chair is notable for its low, inclined seat and backrest made of saddle leather, supported by an oak frame. The chair's exposed structure and use of natural materials exemplify Mogensen's design philosophy.

With a career spanning over six decades, Mathsson's work revolutionized the way people interacted with furniture, emphasizing functionality, comfort, and simplicity. His relentless pursuit of perfection led to collaborations with leading manufacturers like Dux and ultimately driving him to establish his own manufacturing company, Firma Karl Mathsson, named after his skilled cabinetmaker father.

His iconic designs, such as the "Eva" and "Pernilla" chairs, are celebrated for their ergonomic shapes and use of bentwood and canvas materials.

At left, a Bruno Mathsson Pernilla chair previously sold by Hopp Home

Axel Einar Hjorth was known for his distinctive blend of modernist and traditional styles. Born in 1888, Hjorth studied at the Högre Konstindustriella Skolan in Stockholm before embarking on a successful career in design. As the chief designer for the luxury department store Nordiska Kompaniet in the 1920s and 1930s, he created a range of iconic furniture pieces inspired by French Art Deco. After his tenure at NK came to an end, Hjorth moved to designing simpler pieces that combined clean lines with rustic charm, the most notable of which was  his "Sportstugemöbler" series. 

Founding his workshop in Stockholm in 1916, Malmsten drew inspiration from Swedish folk traditions, creating elegant designs from natural materials. His iconic "Lilla Åland" chair, exemplifies his mastery of traditional woodworking techniques. In 1930, he established the Carl Malmsten Furniture Studies, fostering a new generation of talent in Swedish design. Malmsten's work received numerous accolades, including the Prince Eugen Medal in 1945.

At right, Malmsten’s Stadshusstolen (City Hall Chair) Image Credit: Holger Ellgaard

Born in 1898, Aalto studied at the Helsinki University of Technology, where he developed his signature style that harmonized organic forms with functionalism. The school would later be renamed in his honor before merging with others to create the new Aalto University. Aalto's designs are celebrated for their elegance, simplicity, and natural beauty, often incorporating elements inspired by the Finnish landscape. His iconic works include the Paimio Sanatorium, the Savoy Vase, and numerous furniture pieces like the stacking stool 60, which reflect his innovative use of wood and commitment to human-centric design.

Designed in 1933 as part of a larger series of furniture for the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland, the Stool 60 was initially intended for use in various spaces throughout the facility, including patient rooms, lounges, and corridors.

The Stool 60 is celebrated for its simple yet ingenious design, featuring a bentwood frame composed of a circular seat and three L-shaped legs. Aalto's patented L-leg construction allowed for efficient mass production and easy stacking, making the stool highly versatile and suitable for both residential and commercial settings.

At left, Alvar Aalto’s stacking stools in the Vyborg Library he designed Image Credit: Ninaraas

Known for his emphasis on creating functional furniture for everyday use, Tapiovaara studied interior design at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in Helsinki and later at the Helsinki University of Technology. Tapiovaara's contributions to Finnish design were widely recognized, being included in the Museum of Modern Art’s Good Design exhibition in 1950. 

One of Tapiovaara's most famous designs is the Domus Chair, created in 1946. This iconic chair reflects his belief in creating comfortable and ergonomic seating for everyday use. Its simple, stackable design and use of bent plywood make it both practical and stylish, embodying Tapiovaara's democratic design ethos.

Image Credit: Otto-Ville Mikkelä

Marta Blomstedt was an influential Finnish architect and designer, celebrated for her role in shaping 20th-century modernist design. Born in 1899, she studied at the Helsinki University of Technology, where she met her future husband and collaborator, Pauli Blomstedt. Together, they designed numerous significant architectural projects, including the iconic Hotel Aulanko, which showcased their innovative approach to integrating architecture and interior design. Marta’s studies of modern functionalism were reflected in both her architecture and furniture design; it focused on the separation of the building structure from the facade and placing it in a park-like environment. 

At right, a Märta Blomstedt-style lounge chair offered by Hopp Home

What sets nordic design apart from its other mid-century counterparts is its emphasis on functionality, warmth and comfort, and its connection to nature. Influenced by the social and cultural context of the Nordic countries, particularly Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, this design movement sought to create harmonious, comfortable living spaces accessible to all.

Nordic mid-century design is distinguished by its blend of functionality, simplicity, and natural beauty, reflecting the values and aesthetics of the region. It is characterized by its democratic principles, aiming to make well-designed, high-quality products accessible to a broad audience. The strong emphasis on craftsmanship and quality utilizing traditional techniques ensures that these iconic pieces will remain functional for many years to come.

Whether you're drawn to the understated beauty of Scandinavian mid-century craftsmanship or the iconic designs of Italian post-modern masters, our vintage pieces are sure to elevate your space with their enduring style and quality. You can always count on Hopp Home to provide high quality items for all of your decorating needs. Shop online now or book an appointment at our Brooklyn showroom.