Karup Design — Danish designer furniture and home décor

The comfort of Scandinavian design

Karup combines minimalist Scandinavian design with Japanese futons. The brand always strives to stay ahead of trends and product developments, offering unexpected and innovative pieces.

Karup combines minimalist Scandinavian design with Japanese futons. The brand strives to stay ahead of trends and product developments by offering unexpected and innovative pieces.

An undeniable favourite at The Cool Republic, where we champion design, functionality and a unique style. The fusion of these two distinct styles gives rise to a timeless aesthetic and atmosphere where materials take centre stage. Harnessing natural materials to shape them and creating furniture imbued with artisanal craftsmanship is the guiding principle behind their brand.

Karup is rooted in the tradition of Japanese design, as seen, for example, in the Bebop and Jump sofa beds, which blend seamlessly into contemporary interiors, whether in Scandinavian-style living rooms or even bohemian-style spaces. The use of natural materials such as natural wood and soft colour palettes is perfect for creating a warm, cosy and vintage atmosphere. Their functional design, combined with this authentic Japanese inspiration, makes for an ideal blend.

Their philosophy remains to bring together classic pieces, furniture, friends and family, whilst adding new memories and curiosities inspired by art, travel and Japanese influences.

Karup offers a wide variety of furniture for every room in the house. Discover a wide selection of armchairs, sofas, benches, poufs, futon chairs and much more, all of which will suit every room in your home perfectly, whether it’s the bedroom, the living room, the children’s bedroom, the terrace or even the dining room. This selection will help you bring a bohemian style to your home décor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Karup Design?

Karup Design is a Danish brand founded in 1985 in Karup, in the Danish region of Jutland. Specialising in the manufacture of sofa beds and modernised traditional Japanese futons, it has established itself as Europe's benchmark for designer spare beds. The Karup spirit can be summed up in a few words: Scandinavian comfort, Japanese functionality, natural materials. All Karup futons are made in Denmark at the brand's historic factory using sustainable materials: organic cotton, wool, natural rubber and FSC-certified wood. The brand collaborates with Danish and international designers on seasonal collections (Karen Chekerdjian, Caroline Yndgaard). Karup Design is now distributed in more than 40 countries and ranks among the favourite brands for small spaces, studio flats and guest rooms. The Cool Republic distributes Karup Design in France with a wide catalogue including futons, sofa beds, day beds, stools and accessories.

How do I choose a Karup futon?

Several factors will guide your choice. Size: Karup offers standard sizes from single (90x200 cm) to XL double (180x200 cm). For a sofa bed used occasionally (guest room), a double (140 or 160 cm) will be enough. For daily use (main bed in a studio flat), opt for 180 cm for greater comfort. The frame: Karup offers wooden frames (oak, pine, bamboo) or metal ones (black or white lacquered steel). Wood brings warmth and Scandinavian style, while metal gives a more industrial or minimalist look. The mattress: the composition varies from model to model. Natural latex + organic cotton (the firmest and most durable, ideal for daily use). Cotton + wool (mid-range, comfortable and temperature-regulating). Foam + cotton (more affordable, for occasional use). Thickness: 12 cm minimum for acceptable comfort, 15–18 cm for daily use. The opening mechanism: click-clack (basic), fold-out bench (mid-range), convertible with storage box (premium). For daily use, opt for a thick natural latex futon with a sturdy wooden or metal frame.

Is the Karup futon comfortable for everyday sleeping?

Yes for the premium models, under certain conditions. The traditional Japanese futon is designed for firm sleeping on a flat surface (the tatami). Karup's westernised futon adds a frame (sofa or bench) and a thicker mattress for greater comfort. For daily use, choose a natural latex + organic cotton mattress (Senza or Topas collection) with a minimum thickness of 15 cm. Avoid foam + cotton mattresses, which lose their shape quickly with daily use. The frame must be sturdy: for daily use, go for solid oak or lacquered steel rather than pine or bamboo. To preserve comfort over time, follow 3 rules: turn the mattress every 2 weeks (alternating head/foot and top/bottom sides), air the mattress regularly (lift the sides to let the air circulate), and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight (the mattress's natural moisture balance can be affected). With these precautions, a premium Karup futon will easily last 10–15 years of daily use with no visible deterioration. Expect to pay 800–1,800 euros for a model suited to daily use, compared with 400–700 euros for one intended for occasional use.