HAY, HEY! A WHIRLWIND TOUR OF DENMARK’S DESIGN DARLING

HAY is a brand that’s deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility. In addition to using materials like recycled plastic and recycled aluminium in their products, they also prioritise ethical production methods and working conditions in their factories. HAY is also a big believer in the “democratic design” philosophy, which essentially means they strive to create products that are accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. This is reflected in their pricing, which is designed to be fair and reasonable, as well as in their partnerships with charities and non-profit organisations.

Aside from their dedication to sustainability and social responsibility, HAY is also deeply committed to the design process. The brand has an in-house design team that works and collaborates closely with external designers to create innovative, high-quality products that stand the test of time. HAY is always looking for ways to push the boundaries of design and to create products that are both functional and beautiful.

One of the things we love most about HAY is their playful spirit. In a sea of stuffy, formal home decor brands, HAY stands out for its sense of fun. Just take a look at their REY chair – based on the original Rey Collection designed by Swiss designer Bruno Rey in 1971 and relaunched by HAY in partnership with Dietiker, this chair is the perfect blend of style and function. Its distinctively rounded edges and curved backrest give it a unique, modern look, and its solid construction, strength, and stackable design make it suitable for a wide variety of settings. The REY chair was the first chair to be patented with Dietiker’s unique screwless wood-to-metal connection, and it has become one of the most successful Swiss chairs of all time.

And when it comes to function HAY’s range of laundry baskets truly stand out from the pack. Produced in a range of neutral, contemporary colours, the design team aimed to create a product that would be both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. And they succeeded – the laundry basket is arguably one of their most recognisable and iconic products to date. Made from durable, easy-to-clean materials, these baskets are lightweight, easy to carry, and can be easily tucked away when not in use, making them one of a kind in the world of laundry baskets.