Keep It Real: Highlights from 3 Days of Design 2025
photo: 3daysofdesign
Founded in 2013, 3 days of Design has quickly grown into one of Scandinavias most anticipated design festivals. From 18th to 20th of June nearly 470 exhibitors transformed Copenhagen to a vibrant scene of inspiration and creativity. This year the theme was “Keep it real”, a nod and call to action to stay true to one’s vision in a world of fast trends and fleeting fads.
Finding inspiration in Unexpected places
The events was not just found in traditional venues, but visitors could find moments of calm and discovery on rooftops, grassy courtyards and intimate studio visits. It served as a reminder that design is as much about the experience as it is about form and function.
A standout piece was the Dream View Bench by Lise Vester for Muuto. Made out of a single plane of stainless steel, designed to invite people to lean back and gaze at the sky. Placed on Muuto’ rooftop and in a green courtyard, it quickly became a small sanctuary in the heart of the busy festival. A simple but profound way to reconnect with space and time.
“Dream View Bench” by Lise Vester photo: 3daysofdesign
Innovation meets sustainability
Not surprising, sustainability ran as a strong current throughout the festival.
Among the more exciting projects were the Shrinx Lounge Chair by Boris Berlin Design for +Halle. Tackling the environmental issues of polyurethane, commonly used in upholstered furniture but harmful to the environment, the design used a clever heat-shrunk textile cover on a metal frame to provide comfort without toxic chemicals. The chairs design was a nod to the iconic Club Chair, with chunky and geometric lines, but it’s translucent fabric gave the chair a surprising lightness.
The “Upglas lamp” by Luca Nichetto photo: Astep
Another eco-friendly design as the Upglas Lamp by Luca Nichetto for Astep. Made from discarded Murano glass fragments (Italy) that usually cannot be recycled, the glass was ground into a powder and mixed with biodegradable resin t form a malleable material that’s then shaped into new, colourful lamps. A fun and exciting way of transforming waste into new objects.
the “MK Bookcase System” by Fredericia photo: fredericia furniture
Timelessness in design
The festival also honoured the past through a fresh perspective. The newly re-launched MK Bookcase System by Mogen Koch for Fredericia Furniture revisits the classic design from the late 1920s, updating the architects original dovetail-jointed shelving with modular options that fit our modern lifestyles. A nod to timeless craftsmanship and adaptability.
“The Quiet Power of Patina” photo: finnhjul.com
Similarly, House of Finn Juhl launched “The Quiet Power of Patina”, an exhibition inviting us to slow down and appreciate the character and durability in aged furniture. In an industry often chasing the “next new thing”, this show celebrated the longevity and personal stories told by well-crafted pieces, perfectly aligning with current trends towards more sustainability, curation and meaningful spaces.
Keeping it real
3 Days of Design 2025 reminded us that real design isn’t just about aesthetics or trends, but about authenticity, responsibility and connection. It offered us a moment to pause and breathe, appreciate our heritage and personal experience. A space to keep it real and to imagine what design could be.