HAY — Danish design furniture and homeware | The Cool Republic

Contemporary Danish design for everyday life

Founded in 2002 in Denmark by Mette and Rolf Hay, HAY has established itself as a major reference in contemporary design. Inspired by art, architecture and fashion, the brand develops furniture, lighting and accessories that reinvent everyday objects with simplicity, functionality and modernity. By working with some of the most influential international designers of their generation, HAY offers an accessible and dynamic vision of Scandinavian design, conceived to suit contemporary lifestyles.

Ever since its inception, HAY has championed the idea that quality design should blend naturally into every aspect of daily life. This philosophy guides the creation of collections in which aesthetics, functionality and innovation come together in perfect balance.

Rooted in the heritage of Danish design, the brand reinterprets the great classics of furniture and household objects through clean lines, carefully selected materials and a resolutely contemporary approach. Each creation offers a fresh perspective on everyday use, whether it be a sofa, a chair, a lighting piece or a simple storage accessory.

The HAY world draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, spanning art, architecture and fashion. This diversity of influences gives the collections a unique identity, where Scandinavian minimalism and expressive creativity coexist harmoniously. The colours, textures and shapes are designed to breathe energy and personality into spaces whilst remaining extremely practical to use.

Among the brand’s iconic designs are the About A collections created by Hee Welling, the Mags modular sofas and the Palissade outdoor range developed in collaboration with Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. These pieces have become must-haves, recognised for their ability to transcend trends and blend seamlessly into a variety of settings, both residential and commercial.

HAY also pays particular attention to sustainability and evolving production methods. The brand develops products designed to last, with a focus on modularity, repairability and the choice of materials.

Combining functionality, creativity and a commitment to aesthetic excellence, HAY today embodies a vision of contemporary design that is accessible, innovative and deeply rooted in the realities of modern life.

Frequently asked questions

What is the history of the HAY brand?

HAY is a Danish brand founded in 2002 by Mette and Rolf Hay in Copenhagen. The name is a nod to their surname and to the English word hay, evoking Scandinavian simplicity. The initial goal: to democratise Scandinavian design by offering quality pieces at reasonable prices, with a genuine creative signature. The brand collaborates with the best international designers: Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Stefan Diez, Tomás Alonso, Hee Welling, Iskos-Berlin and Doshi Levien. In 2018, the American giant Herman Miller (now MillerKnoll) acquired the majority stake in HAY, which allowed the brand to accelerate its international development while preserving its Danish identity. Today HAY is present in more than 80 countries, with flagship stores in Copenhagen, Tokyo, New York, London and soon Paris. The brand produces furniture, lighting, textiles, office accessories and stationery. The Cool Republic is an official HAY distributor in France and offers almost the entire catalogue with fast delivery.

What are HAY's iconic pieces?

Several HAY designs have become global references. The About a Chair (AAC) chair designed by Hee Welling has sold hundreds of thousands of units since 2010. Its pared-back silhouette in recycled plastic with wooden or metal legs has become an icon of contemporary Scandinavian design. The Mags table and its matching sofa furnish design offices and living rooms all over the world. The New Order shelving system (designed by Stefan Diez) rivals String Furniture for modularity. On the lighting side, the Apex lamp and its colourful variants (Apex clamp lamp, Apex table lamp) have been hugely successful since 2020. The PC Portable Lamp (designed by Pierre Charpin) is much in demand for its nomadic character. The Slit side table and the Pebbles coffee table, in marble or wood, have established themselves as classics. When it comes to smaller objects, the Colour Crate storage boxes, the Mags cushions and HAY stationery (notebooks, pens) complete the universe. HAY's strength: a very comprehensive catalogue that lets you furnish an entire home with stylistic and chromatic consistency.

Why is HAY so colourful compared with other Scandinavian brands?

This has been one of the brand's signatures from the very start. Mette Hay, one of the co-founders, is in charge of colour direction and has made the HAY palette a major point of difference. Where most Scandinavian brands stick to neutrals (white, grey, beige), HAY embraces bright, sometimes highly saturated colours: apple greens, vivid oranges, mustard yellows, sky blues, scarlet reds. The approach is inspired by Italian design of the 1960s and 70s (Memphis, Sottsass) revisited with the restrained forms of Scandinavian design. Each season, HAY publishes its colour book (the Colour Forecast), which serves as a reference for designers and stylists worldwide. This colour policy allows HAY to stand apart from Muuto and &Tradition (more minimalist) or Bloomingville and Ferm Living (softer palettes). For an interior, the advantage is clear: with just a few HAY pieces, you instantly bring energy to a neutral scheme. The risk: too many different colourful pieces creates a patchwork effect. Our advice: choose 2-3 colours maximum and repeat them in different places.

How much does HAY cost and is it a good investment?

HAY sits in the mid-to-high end of the Scandinavian market. For the About a Chair, expect to pay from 250 euros (basic version with plastic shell and wooden legs) up to 600 euros (upholstered version with fabric or leather seat). The Mags table sells for 1,500-3,500 euros depending on size (100x80 to 320x110 cm). The Mags sofa (3-seater) is around 3,500-7,000 euros depending on the finish. For lighting, expect 100-300 euros for an Apex lamp and 250-500 euros for a PC Portable. Stationery and small objects are affordable (8-50 euros). Overall, you are paying for Scandinavian build quality (production mainly in Europe and Japan), designer credentials and durability (About a Chair chairs easily last 15-20 years in daily use). As an investment, HAY holds its resale value well on the second-hand market (Selency, eBay design), particularly for signature pieces and limited editions. Take advantage of the official sales twice a year (January, July), which can reach -30% on certain products, and of private sales in the showroom. At The Cool Republic, you'll find the complete HAY catalogue with fast delivery throughout France.

How do you combine HAY with other Scandinavian brands?

HAY mixes particularly well with other Scandinavian brands. With Muuto, you get a colourful yet minimalist Scandinavian blend: for example, a Muuto Outline sofa in beige fabric, two red HAY About a Chair chairs at the head of the table, and a white Muuto Unfold pendant. With &Tradition, you play on the contrast between heritage and contemporary: for instance, an &Tradition Flowerpot lamp (1968) next to a more recent HAY Mags sofa. With Ferm Living, you mix HAY's colour with Ferm's softness: a Ferm cushion in aged linen on a red HAY sofa, a Ferm oak coffee table with HAY chairs. With Bloomingville and HKliving, which are more organic, HAY brings structure and a graphic edge. The secret to a successful mix: choose a palette of 3-4 colours maximum and repeat it across several brands. For example, spruce green + cream + light oak + matt black, then choose your pieces within that palette across HAY, Muuto and Ferm. The result is a coherent interior with real depth. Avoid the total HAY look (showroom effect) or colourful patchworks that are visually tiring.