NIKARI: Sustainable, beautiful furniture from the forests of Finland
Sustainable and Beautiful Furniture Born from the Forests of Finland—The Philosophy and Craftsmanship of NIKARI
NIKARI is a furniture manufacturer cherished by architects and designers worldwide as a luxury interior brand that merges Finnish nature with artisanal skill. It was founded in 1967 by 19-year-old carpenter Kari Virtanen in Ostrobothnia on the west coast of Finland. In 1993, seeking more space and a wider variety of wood species, the workshop moved to Fiskars Village, where it continues to produce minimalist, timeless wooden furniture rooted in the spirit of Nordic design.
Surrounded by abundant forests and pristine waters, NIKARI meticulously crafts durable furniture using local solid wood, sustainable manufacturing methods, and skilled craftsmanship. NIKARI stands out as a true Nordic furniture brand for those seeking sustainable and beautiful interiors.
Authentic Solid Wood Furniture—A Commitment to Natural Materials
NIKARI products use solid wood such as birch, ash, and oak sustainably managed from Finnish forests. To maximize the warmth, texture, and beauty of the wood's aging process, surfaces are finished naturally with natural oils and soap finishes, avoiding chemical treatments.
Each piece of furniture is hand-finished by artisans according to the unique characteristics of the wood, resulting in one-of-a-kind expressions that deeply complement the user's life.
The choice of wood is reverse-engineered from its intended use. For example, for the
Minimalist and Functional Design, Resonating with Nordic Architecture
NIKARI furniture embodies the essence of Nordic design: "less is more." Its simple, unadorned forms and design that leverages structural beauty naturally blend into any space while still making a strong statement.
Early in his career, Virtanen's skill caught the eye of architect Alvar Aalto, who had just completed the Lakeuden Risti church nearby and was working on a library. Aalto highly praised his work, and they collaborated on projects for seven years until Aalto's retirement. The next client was Kaj Franck, known as the father of Finnish design. In 1977, a joint exhibition by Virtanen and Franck was held in Helsinki. These collaborations set NIKARI's direction: to merge Finnish woodworking techniques with modern design.
A Sincere Commitment to Sustainability and Local Production
NIKARI is also known as a pioneer in sustainability within the furniture industry. Since its inception, it has utilized local wood, and the workshop's power is supplied solely by hydropower from the adjacent river. The company also employs environmentally friendly methods for product transportation and packaging, demonstrating a thorough commitment to manufacturing processes that do not burden the Earth.
Furthermore, by designing structures that are easy to repair and maintain, NIKARI creates "furniture to be cherished for a long time" rather than "disposable" items, proposing sustainable lifestyles and interior design to the world.
In 2012, when Helsinki was designated a World Design Capital, NIKARI launched the "12 DESIGNS FOR NATURE" project. This initiative involved conveying NIKARI's philosophy to 12 design studios, with each presenting their response monthly. Jasper Morrison, Harri Koskinen, and Alfredo Häberli were among the participants. A portion of the proceeds is donated to global forest biodiversity conservation.
The Furniture Brand Chosen by Architects and Designers Worldwide
Currently, NIKARI furniture is used in a wide range of projects, including residential homes, commercial spaces, hotels, and museums. Its refined presence and quiet strength that harmonizes with any space are highly praised by professionals worldwide who seek minimalist and high-quality interiors.
For example, in 1998, American architect Steven Holl selected NIKARI chairs for visitor seating at the Helsinki Museum of Contemporary Art "Kiasma," which he designed. Originally created to demonstrate "sturdy, basic wooden chairs" for a lecture at the University of Helsinki, this opportunity led to its development as the "Seminar" series.
NIKARI also has deep ties with Japan, with two Japanese designers, Wataru Kumano and Nao Tamura, having collaborated on products. The brand is gaining attention from architects and designers in Japan who favor Nordic interiors, solidifying its presence as a furniture brand ideal for creating spaces that leverage the warmth of solid wood and meticulous craftsmanship.
Where to find NIKARI furniture
House of Japan Inc. carefully selects interior textiles and furniture from overseas and domestic sources, delivering them in a form that suits Japanese homes. Our custom curtains are supplied to private residences, hotels, and embassy residences. NIKARI is one of our featured brands.
Delivery time
We ship from our domestic warehouse, with an estimated delivery time of about 10 days. As items in stock are not imported, there is no wait of several months, as would be the case when ordering from the workshop in Finland.
Relationship with WOODNOTES
In 2020, NIKARI merged with the Finnish textile brand WOODNOTES. While continuing to exist as separate brands, some operations have been integrated. We also carry WOODNOTES products. Both brands use materials born from the Finnish forests: wood and paper yarn.
What you can choose now
→ NIKARI Furniture Collection (20 items)
→ Shop Chairs
→ Shop Stools
Two types of seats available
The DECEMBER series offers two seat types: cognac leather and linen canvas. Whether you prefer the aging beauty of leather or the crisp texture of linen, we, as interior textile specialists, can also advise you on coordinating with curtains and cushions.
Create an Exquisite Space with NIKARI
NIKARI is an interior brand that offers sustainable and artistic furniture, combining Finnish nature with expert craftsmanship.
With its minimalist and timeless design, high-quality solid wood, and environmentally friendly production, NIKARI furniture brings quiet richness to daily life, deepening in value the longer it is used.
For those seeking high-quality, long-lasting Nordic furniture, NIKARI will be an ideal choice.
We invite you to incorporate NIKARI collections to achieve a luxurious interior.
