Broste Copenhagen — Danish design | The Cool Republic

The Danish art of living, with simplicity and warmth

Founded in Copenhagen in 1955, Broste Copenhagen is one of the most iconic names in Scandinavian design. Inspired by Danish heritage and a way of life centred on comfort and conviviality, the brand creates collections of decorative pieces, tableware, textiles and furniture that combine authenticity, functionality and natural elegance. With timeless, accessible creations, Broste Copenhagen celebrates the simple pleasures of everyday life and the art of entertaining with ease.

The story of Broste Copenhagen began with Ulf Brøste, a passionate entrepreneur who travelled the world in search of objects, craftsmanship and inspiration. This curiosity about cultures and materials continues to shape the brand’s identity today, whilst remaining deeply rooted in the traditions of Danish design.

For over sixty years, Broste Copenhagen has been developing collections designed to enhance everyday moments. From handcrafted tableware and mouth-blown glassware to vases, textiles and furniture, each creation combines Scandinavian aesthetics, functionality and attention to detail.

The brand stands out for its warm and relaxed approach to design. Organic shapes, natural textures and soft colour palettes create welcoming atmospheres that encourage sharing and relaxation. The pieces are designed to be used, enjoyed and seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

Today, the majority of the collections are designed in-house by the Broste Copenhagen design team, which continues to strike a balance between Nordic heritage and contemporary influences. This approach results in pieces that are both authentic and modern, capable of withstanding changing trends without losing their character.

Broste Copenhagen thus embodies a vision of design in which simplicity, conviviality and quality come together to transform the little moments of everyday life into moments to be savoured to the full.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Broste Copenhagen?

Broste Copenhagen is a Danish brand founded in 1955 by Olaf Broste. Originally specialising in high-end ceramic tableware, it remained family-run for three generations before being bought out in 2013 and expanded into a complete catalogue: furniture, lighting, textiles and decoration. Broste cultivates a pared-back yet warm Scandinavian aesthetic, with an instantly recognisable signature: ceramics with organic, imperfect glazes, soft forms and minimal silhouettes. The brand produces part of its range directly in its own ceramics workshop in Portugal (the only historic Danish ceramic production workshop still in operation), which allows for rigorous quality control and limited production runs. Broste is now distributed in more than 70 countries and has established itself as a benchmark for artisanal Scandinavian design. The Cool Republic offers almost the entire Broste catalogue with fast delivery across France.

What are Broste Copenhagen's flagship pieces?

Ceramic tableware remains the heart of the Broste catalogue. The Nordic (glazed earthenware), Salt (rough texture), Hue (deep colours) and Esrum (raw ceramic) collections are absolute Scandinavian classics. Each piece is handcrafted and shows small variations that make it unique. On the furniture side, the catalogue is more limited but carefully considered: coffee tables in travertine or marble, wooden wall shelves, benches and stools. The lighting (ceramic lamps, rice paper pendants, floor lamps) comes in limited editions. The textiles (washed linen cushions, natural wool throws, curtains) are of high-end quality. Vases, plant pots, baskets and decorative objects complete the universe. Broste's strength: fewer pieces than Bloomingville but higher quality and genuine stylistic coherence. Ideal for anyone who wants to invest in pieces that last, rather than in seasonal decoration.

How does Broste compare to Bloomingville or Ferm Living?

The three Danish brands look similar on the surface but occupy distinct positions. Broste is the most focused on artisanal ceramics and favours small-batch production, with a workshop in Portugal for its tableware. The brand cultivates a rawer, more organic aesthetic. Bloomingville is more generalist with a very wide catalogue (4 collections a year), slightly lower prices, but ceramic quality that is sometimes less refined. Ferm Living bets on designer-led pieces (each item has a named designer) and a more upmarket positioning with finer materials. On price, Bloomingville is the most affordable, Broste sits in the middle and Ferm Living is the most expensive. In terms of style: Bloomingville is softer and more bohemian, Broste more artisanal and raw, Ferm Living more contemporary design. You can absolutely mix all three: Broste ceramics on a Ferm dining table with Bloomingville cushions. In fact, it's often this mix that creates the most interesting Scandinavian interiors.

Is Broste worth the investment?

For the ceramics, yes, clearly. Broste plates and bowls easily last 15-20 years in daily use (dishwasher safe, microwave OK). The glazes don't deteriorate over time and the shapes never go out of fashion. Expect 12-30 euros for a simple piece (mug, plate), 80-200 euros for a set of 4 or 6. It's pricier than IKEA or Maisons du Monde but amply justified by the quality and durability. For furniture, value for money is fair without being exceptional: a Broste travertine coffee table comes in at around 800-1,500 euros, a shelf 200-400 euros. Lighting and decoration are best used to complement another structural choice. To invest wisely: start with the tableware (Nordic or Salt collection), it's the safest bet. Add 1-2 signature pieces (XL vase, ceramic lamp). Avoid impulse buys of seasonal novelties: the main catalogue stays stable from year to year. Take advantage of the two official sale periods each year for 20-30% off the classics.