“We wanted to make the best for the most for the least,” Charles Eames famously said about his first foray into the world of mass-produced furniture. The same sentiment could extend to Hem – the Swedish furniture brand that has become renowned for its contemporary design-led furniture, which combines good looks with utmost functionality.
Within the crowded furniture market, every other brand boasts its own variation of ‘handmade’ or ‘hand-finished’ furniture, but true authenticity is increasingly difficult to determine. Not so with Hem. The label represents a new era of designer-makers who take on the design, product development, manufacturing, technology and logistics. Which means, instead of pushing the margins of mass manufacturing, Hem opts for revisiting traditional craftsmanship techniques and forging collaborative working relationships with a range of the world’s best independent designers to create furniture that is unique, understated and incredibly high-quality. Scroll on for ten such pieces, available now at OPUMO.
Hai Lounge Chair
With nods to both Italian and Nordic design and a subtle mid-century feel, Luca Nichetto’s high-end Hai Lounge Chair merges classic and contemporary design. Inspired by the sleek form of a whale shark – as suggested by the Finnish “hai” name – the chair comprises a slender, elegant metal frame and invitingly soft upholstery. The Hai also boasts comfortable functionality as it can be assembled by hand with no tools – a feature that shouldn't be underestimated.
Round Bon Pouf
The Bons are Hem’s signature collection of characterful and colourful poufs that are ideal for either sitting on or propping up your tired feet. They're made to last, with hard-wearing and comfortable wool blend covers. Mix and match a variety of coloured Bon poufs for a playful interiors statement.
Alphabeta Pendant Uno
With its clever bidirectional lighting, Luca Nichetto's Alphabeta pendant light emits both spotlight and ambient light, so you can have the best of both worlds. Made in Italy from powder coated steel, Alphabeta is as sturdy as it is stylish. Choose your favourite from eight different shade shapes in eight powder-coated colours, or combine a variety for an impactful installation.
Udon Upholstered Chair
Staffan Holm’s Udon chair draws inspiration from archetypal bentwood chairs and traditional Japanese carpentry, resulting in a classic yet contemporary design that looks simple but has taken a huge amount of skill to create. The combination of lacquered beech and high quality Scandinavian leather results in pure elegance.
Vienna Throw
Fashion designer Arthur Arbesser has applied his characteristic bold graphic prints to a series of rugs, throws, and cushions, each featuring a distinctive pattern. The Vienna Throw is a nod to the graphic motifs of Wiener Werkstätte and the repetitive patterns of Vienna's industrial architecture. Made from New Zealand lambswool using traditional weaving techniques, it's the perfect winter warmer.
Palo Modular Corner Sofa
Designed by the in-house team at Hem, Palo is the sofa concept that 'evolves with you'. Thanks to an innovative frame featuring removable struts, its components can be easily added, removed or rearranged as your living circumstances change. Plus, it’s available in a range of different colours and with cushions and armrests compatible across the whole series, the Palo allows you to mix and match as you like.
Palo Side Table
You will of course need a handy side table to attach to your Palo sofa, which is why the Palo Side Table exists. Practical and versatile, not to mention boasting sleek contemporary style, it's the perfect perch for just about anything, so you can't go wrong.
Zig Zag Media Shelf
The Zig Zag Shelf is a super sleek storage solution from designers Studio deForm. The team have invented a system of construction that enables the user to easily assemble the shelf without tools, thanks to an innovative hidden folding hinge that allows the flat-packed shelves to simply stretch into shape like an accordion. Smart and stylish – what's not to love?
Kendo Swivel Chair
Hem's Scandi-inspired take on the humble desk chair, designed in collaboration with Italian design studio LucidiPevere, is sleek, simple and stylish, far from the clunky, oversized desk chairs that we've grown accustomed to. Ergonomic seating, adjustable height and 360-degree rotation lend the Kendo Swivel Chair ultimate versatility and functionality.
Key Side Table
Lightweight yet durable, Hem's Key Side Table is ideal for any interior. Designed by studio GamFratesi, it's a modern classic that would work just as well alone as in a cluster. What's more, it requires minimal effort to assemble, thanks to tripod legs that screw smoothly and efficiently into the top.
Discover all Hem furniture at OPUMO.
