If you’re a fan of Danish design, chances are you’ve heard of HAY. This trendy brand, founded in 2002 by Mette and Rolf Hay, has quickly become a household name in the world of furniture and home decor. But what is it about HAY that makes it so darn lovable?

A photo of HAY HOUSE in the store's kitchen section. The shot includes shelves of purchasable product, including plates, mugs, carafes, teapots, and dish wash. The flooring is a geometric pattern of white squares separated by thick black lines. Sitting central in the space is a large dining table with big pendant over the top.

To start, let’s take a trip back in time to 2002, when HAY was just a twinkle in the eyes of its founders. Mette and Rolf Hay were on a mission to bring Danish design to the masses, and they knew just how to do it: by creating high-quality, affordable products that were both functional and stylish. Fast forward to today, and HAY has certainly succeeded in that mission. With a range of products that includes everything from furniture to accessories to office supplies, there’s something for everyone in the HAY universe.

This is a photo of a bedroom, featuring HAY's Korpus shelf in an army green colour. The glossy shelf is attached to a grained timber wall, holds a glossy white bedside lamp, and is next to a thickly striped blue and white bedspread.

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.

An outdoor shot of the HAY outdoor Pallisade range, including a table, chairs, and bench, in a muted army green tone. The setting is alongside an infinity pool, overlooking plenty of trees and a city skyline visible in the distance. On top of the setting are a number of glasses, plates and carafes, arranged neatly. There is also a glass Pao lamp in a soft grey on top of the table.

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.

A photo of HAY's Rey Chair in a deep grape burgundy. It sits alongside a pale blue table, on top of a vibrant orange floor. The lighting is moody, and both the table and chair casts a dark shadow.

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.

A photo of HAY's laundry basket in a soft beige yellow colour. The basket is on top of a polished concrete floor. Inside the basket are bright flowers and greenery, wrapped in brown paper. The lighting here is moody, with plenty of shadow play cast by the basket and florals.

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.

Two photos of HAY House taken during the annual 3 Days of Design event in 2021. The photo shots an exterior sign that says HAY HOUSE, VISIT UPSTAIRS. The second shot if from the interior of the showroom and store, and pictures a number of design objects from HAY including a red plush armchair, a fluffy white rug, a lantern pendant, a mirrored side table, and a row of tea pots. The space is clean and organised, with big windows that overlook the street below.

And if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Denmark, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to HAY House, the brand’s flagship store in Copenhagen. Located on Østergade street, also known as Strøget pedestrian shopping street in central Copenhagen, HAY House is a true design paradise. It’s the perfect place to get a feel for the HAY brand and check out all of their latest products. HAY House itself is a testament to HAY’s commitment to sustainability, as it was designed to be both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. So if you’re in Copenhagen, be sure to stop by HAY House – you won’t be disappointed!

So, if you’re in need of a little Danish design love in your life, HAY is the way to go. Whether you’re looking for HAY furniture, home decor, lighting, or accessories, this brand really has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your living room or your desk at work, HAY has got you covered. And if you’re looking to shop HAY products in Australia, be sure to check out the range here at Designstuff, an authorised retailer of the brand. We offer a wide range of HAY products online, including the iconic REY chair and sleek laundry baskets.

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