8 stores to visit for Finnish design icons and future classics

3 minute read

Wooden Artek furniture, table and chairs.

Credits: Artek

These eight stores showcase the very best of Finnish design

In Helsinki, there are three iconic Finnish design stores that anyone who calls themself a design lover must visit: Artek, Iittala, and Marimekko.

But Helsinki is also the perfect place to discover future design classics, and there are plenty of shops where you can spot them. These are the eight Finnish design stores worth a visit in Helsinki.

If you'd like to know more about what to take home as a Finnish memento, read our article 15 best souvenirs to bring home from Finland.

Article last updated: September 2026

Artek – designs by the legendary architect Alvar Aalto

Credits: Artek

Founded in 1935 by Alvar and Aino Aalto, Finland’s most famous architect couple, together with Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl, Artek is the pre-eminent interior design house of Finland. The two-storey store provides stylish interior design ideas that combine classics with novel pieces. Today, Artek continues to produce and sell many of Aalto’s classic, world-renowned designs – like the Stool 60 design with its distinctive L-shaped legs.

Alongside new pieces, Artek tracks down vintage items and gives them a new life at Artek 2nd Cycle on Pieni Roobertinkatu.

Artek Helsinki: Keskuskatu 1 B, Helsinki
Artek 2nd Cycle: Pieni Roobertinkatu 4–6, Helsinki

Alvar Aalto’s Stool 60 is one of the most iconic pieces of Finnish design and can be used as a seat, table, storage unit, or display surface.

Credits: Mikko Ryhänen

Iittala – colour genius of glassware

Credits: Elina Sirparanta

Glassware company Iittala has a collection of timeless and essential objects for the home, comprised of early designs by luminaries Alvar and Aino Aalto and Kaj Franck, and modern pieces from some of the most talented Finnish and international designers working today. Iittala’s global flagship store is located on Esplanadi, at one of Helsinki’s most prestigious addresses.

The store showcases beautifully Iittala’s glass art objects as well as the whole product line. Iittala gets its name from the small village where the original glass factory was established in 1881. With over a thousand secret colour recipes, Iittala’s mastery of pigment is completely unique.

Iittala & Arabia flagship store Esplanadi: Pohjoisesplanadi 23, Helsinki

Credits: Miki Watanabe

Marimekko – fashion and design with outstanding prints

Credits: Helsinki Partners, Yiping Feng and Ling Ouyang

Marimekko is best experienced through stepping inside the colourful world of Marimekko on Esplanadi. The Finnish design company founded in 1951 has always been an emblem for people who walk their own path with confidence and style. Renowned for its original prints and colours, Marimekko offers high-quality clothing, bags and accessories, as well as home décor items such as textiles and tableware. The iconic Unikko flower, a vivacious and bold poppy pattern, remains adored and can be found printed across many items in-store. The shop assistants are famously welcoming and helpful.

Kämp Galleria: Pohjoisesplanadi 33, Helsinki (there are multiple other Marimekko store locations in the Helsinki city centre as well)

The Unikko flower pattern was created in 1964 by artist Maija Isola. The pattern has experienced a resurgence in recent years and can be seen in home decor, on fashion-forward influencers, and even in tattoos!

Credits : Helsinki Partners

Along with Iittala, Marimekko’s cups, plates and mugs adorn many Finnish homes. If you’re a fan of Marimekko’s bold patterns, their kitchenware and tableware items are easy and elegant souvenirs to take home and enjoy!

Credits: Marimekko

Lokal Helsinki – functional Finnish design

Credits: Lokal, Katja Hagelstram

Lokal carries a range of handpicked homeware items that bring beauty and functionality to the everyday. Themed group exhibitions that present works by Finland’s leading designers and artists are held in the store’s gallery, perfect for those hoping to blend a shopping trip with culture.

Lokal Gallery: Annankatu 9, Helsinki

Credits: Katja Hagelstam

FRENN – clothing with relaxed sophistication

FRENN has become the favourite brand for men who appreciate casual formality with comfort. Launched in 2013 by Jarkko Kallio and Antti Laitinen, FRENN makes easy-to-match clothes designed in Helsinki from European fabrics, and offers alterations and repairs in store. Because of their excellent quality, these clothes can be used for years, if not decades. With FRENN you don’t have to think about what to wear to which occasion, work or play. The store is located on Fredrikinkatu, in the heart of Helsinki, with plenty more design to explore nearby.

FRENN Helsinki: Fredrikinkatu 24, Helsinki

Credits : FRENN

Credits: Janne Westerlund

Klaus Haapaniemi & Co. – magical luxury

Klaus Haapaniemi & Co. is located in Kämp Galleria that showcases high-quality style and modern design in a glamorous setting, under a beautiful glass ceiling. The artisanal design and lifestyle brand, Klaus Haapaniemi & Co., is famous for its designs that bring mystical nature and Finnish folklore to mind. The luxurious home collection includes hand-printed textiles, cushions and rugs, among other items. In addition, the accessories collection carries beautiful silk scarves, dresses and kimonos that can captivate any crowd.

Kämp Galleria: Pohjoisesplanadi 33, Helsinki

Credits : Julia Kivelä

Credits: Klaus Haapaniemi & co

Nomen Nescio – minimalistic everyday clothing

Nomen Nescio is a Helsinki-based design studio run by Niina and Timo Leskelä. Their signature designs are black, minimalistic and gender-neutral, made for everyday wear. The studio rejects fast-changing trends in favour of seasonless slow-fashion, creating a collection that can stay in your wardrobe for years to come. These modern classics have become popular with Helsinki’s trendsetters. Nomen Nescio’s flagship store on Fredrikinkatu is a peaceful stage for Nomen Nescio way of living, art, and design.

Nomen Nescio: Fredrikinkatu 33, Helsinki

Credits : Nomen Nescio

Credits: Nomen Nescio

Terhi Pölkki – cool yet comfortable shoes do exist

Terhi Pölkki is a Finnish shoe designer who is known for minimalist luxury with a tough edge. Her store on Vironkatu in Kruununhaka is a cosy spot with an amicable staff. Longevity is at the core of Pölkki’s designs, which strike that magical balance between beauty and comfort. Pölkki’s shoes take your outfit from the office to the bar and beyond.

Terhi Pölkki Store and Studio: Vironkatu 8, Helsinki

Other top design store picks

Here are other design shops to plan your Helsinki visit around.

Lapuan Kankurit

Katariinankatu 2, Helsinki

Hakola Shop

Annankatu 5, Helsinki

Salakauppa

Tarkk'ampujankatu 5, Helsinki

Miela Design Room

Mikonkatu 7, Helsinki

Design District Helsinki

Would you like to know more about design in Helsinki? Visit Designdistrict.fi to read about design companies and shops in downtown Helsinki, locate them on a map, and get the best recommendations from locals.

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