About Stelton

Stelton is an innovative Danish design house, founded in 1960. It is our ambition to create timeless and functional design, which makes everyday life more beautiful. Design, which is sustainable because it stands the test of time aesthetically and quality-wise, so it can be cherished for years and passed on to future generations. 

Stelton’s design families and many product lines are the result of fruitful collaborations with international designers and architects. Collaborations which have often been awarded with design prices like Red Dot, German Design Award and the ID price.

Iconic designs like Arne Jacobsen’s Cylinda-line and Erik Magnussen’s EM77 vacuum jug are the basis of Stelton’s DNA, and the durable, functional products are present in homes and offices all over the world. 

The year was 1960

It all started more than 60 years ago with Stellan and Carton, two soldier comrades who let their names melt together and created one of the most well-known design brands in Denmark - Stelton. First, they tried selling sports shoes and furniture, but sales did not really take off before they heard about a small factory in Fårevejle in Northern Seeland. The factory was called “Danish Stainless”

Danish Stainless

Danish Stainless produced serveware in stainless steel which was very modern in Denmark during the 1960s. After having made a deal with the owner of Danish Stainless, Jørgen Knudsen, Stelton started promoting a sauce bowl in stainless steel which became very popular with the Danish hardware stores. At the same time the gravy boat became very popular outside of Denmark. In the US products form Danish Stainless were synonymous with Danish design and were sold in exclusive department stores and design shops. 

In 1963 a young Peter Holmblad was engaged as a Sales Manager and later became the CEO of Stelton. He brought visionary ideas about how to market Stelton into the company. New catalogues, packaging and graphic design were part of his strategy to create a new design brand. But Peter Holmblad knew that it would not be enough – the only way Stelton could survive was to develop new designs. There were too many companies producing the same kind of products.

Arne Jacobsen

Peter Holmblad was Arne Jacobsen’s stepson and since Arne Jacobsen was one of the most famous Danish architects and a designer, it was only natural that Peter Holmblad went to see his stepfather with his ideas.

However, Arne Jacobsen was a very busy man, so Peter Holmblad made some sketches himself, knowing that they would probably not be accepted by the master, but he hoped that they would provoke Arne Jacobsen to take over. He succeeded with this strategy during a family dinner and a simple drawing made on a napkin was the first draft of what would become Arne Jacobsen’s first design of a serveware.

After three years of product development Cylinda-line was launched in 1967 and immediately, it was awarded several design prices. At that time the characteristic cylindrical profile was very avant-garde. Today, the series is recognized as a symbol of a classic, sophisticated style. 

Learn more about Cylinda-line   

EM77

The next important designer that worked for Stelton was Erik Magnussen who created the iconic EM77 vacuum jug in 1977, hence the name. Later Peter Holmblad introduced some of his own designs like the Original watering can which has become a design classic to aesthetics with green fingers, and the complete Original bar series inspired by the cylindrical shape.   

Learn more about EM77

Family-owned business

In 2004 the Ring family acquired Stelton and since then Stelton has extended its collaboration with international architects and designers. They contribute to assuring that Stelton’s assortment is characterised by a synthesis between form and function and innovative ideas. Stelton has its own internal product development and quality control department and strives to be a brand that the world’s best designers wish to work for.  

For more than five decades Stelton has embellished offices, meeting rooms, restaurants and private homes of people who appreciate good design. 

”Together with our first-class designers we strive to create timeless design that makes everyday life more beautiful.” 

- Michael Ring, CEO, Stelton

A new design era

In recent times Stelton’s coffee and tea collections have been extended with jugs and cups in stoneware, the new modern classic ‘Emma’ in steel and moulded beech wood, as well as different French Press models and mocha coffee makers for coffee enthusiasts. 

The assortment also comprises bar series, cutlery, vases, bowls and LED lamps for the home and personal accessories like to go cups and bottles for a life on the move.

Explore our design families

Design philosophy

Stelton’s products must have a purpose, meet our customer’s needs and be functional. We believe in simplicity and Scandinavian minimalism. Form and function must create a synthesis that embodies innovative and multiple ideas with regard to concept, design and materials. 

Our guideline is: "less is more".

Steltons design philosophy comprises four main points:


- Timelessness
- Simplicity
- Functionality
- Innovation

Stelton’s values

Scandinavian design heritage

We wish to continue the Scandinavian design heritage. Not by dwelling in history and tradition for the sake of it but by using it as a source of inspiration and by refining and developing this unique design heritage.

 

Innovative approach

We do not wish to follow any one’s footsteps, but walk our own. Our program should signify a new and innovative approach to product design within its category.

 

Distinct quality

We wish to create products in a distinct quality – worthy to our proud history and tradition. Our products should not be compromised in terms of quality whether in aesthetic quality, functional quality or physical quality.

 

Tickle the design gene

The products we make should tickle the design gene, they should be interesting and appealing and give the user added value.