KARUP

The art of multifunctional furniture, between Scandinavia and Japan

A singular DNA, born of minimalism

Founded in 1972 in the small Danish town of Karup, the Karup brand has established itself as a benchmark in multifunctional furniture. Its credo: "Make room for more, in less space". Behind this formula lies a true philosophy of life: to rethink our interiors through furniture capable of evolving with the rhythm of everyday life, without ever giving up elegance. Combining Scandinavian spirit and Japanese inspiration, KARUP has been developing a singular vision of comfort and simplicity for over fifty years.

The Japandi aesthetic, between rigor and serenity

The Karup universe is nourished by the meeting of two strong traditions: Nordic sobriety and Japanese purity. This trend, now known as Japandi, translates into pure lines, natural colors and a soothing aesthetic that invites you to let go. Here, light wood blends with powder-toned textiles, geometric structures interact with supple volumes, and each room creates an atmosphere of calm and balance.

Multifunctionality and originality: Chameleon furniture

The brand has established itself on the international scene thanks to its visionary approach to Adapter furniture. Convertible sofas, benches, futons and modular beds form the core of its collections. Each creation can be defined in three words - Sit. Read. Dream. - summing up the very essence of Karup. These seats can be transformed according to need: sofa by day, comfortable bed by night, convivial bench for entertaining or Reclining chair for relaxing. Whether in a city studio or a Maison de Vacances, these Chameleon pieces are an intelligent response to space constraints, while cultivating a keen sense of aesthetic detail.

The futon, icon and heritage

It's impossible to evoke KARUP without mentioning the futon, a true signature of the house. Inherited from Japanese tradition, this firm, modular mattress has been revisited in Scandinavian style: thicker, softer, combined with natural wood structures and covers in contemporary colors. The result is a timeless collection in which the futon is transformed into a bed, a sofa or an easy chair.

Noble materials and responsible manufacturing

KARUP places sustainability at the heart of its approach. All structures are crafted in FSC®-certified Solid pine from sustainably managed Scandinavian and Baltic forests. Varnishes are exclusively water-based, to banish harmful substances. Futon covers are made from Oeko-Tex® textiles , free from hazardous chemicals, and upholstery is made from recycled fibers, cotton or natural materials such as Coconut fibre. Every piece of KARUP furniture is made in Europe, with particular attention paid to every detail. Much of the production is still based on manual know-how: precise assembly, meticulous finishing, futon sewing... This handcrafted approach gives the pieces a tangible authenticity, far removed from standardized production. Last but not least, logistics illustrate this commitment: furniture is delivered in Kit form to save space and optimize transport. By relocating its warehouses to Poland, the brand has reduced its Carbon footprint by over 100 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

A collaborative creative process

The KARUP team, made up of some twenty enthusiasts, cultivates a collaborative approach, open to influences and partnerships. Over the years, the brand has collaborated with Scandinavian designers such as the duo Says Who, Steffensen & Würtz and Julie Strange, bringing a contemporary and daring breath of fresh air to its collections. This constant dialogue between craftsmanship and contemporary design makes it possible to renew aesthetics without ever betraying the brand's DNA: simplicity, functionality and authenticity.

Deeply human values

Beyond design, Karup embodies strong human values. The spirit of community and sharing, the desire to design furniture that is accessible and modular, the search for a balance between modern comfort and respect for Nature: all these elements contribute to the strength of this identity.

Karup's flagship products

Some of the company's most emblematic models have become staples of contemporary design:

• Flip Sofa bed(Karup Design Studio): a modular model with a simple, functional design, conceived to optimize space with elegance.
• Sofa bed Fresh(Karup Design Studio): a revisited futon bench, alternating between a convivial sofa and a comfortable bed.
• Roots Sofa bed(Says Who, 2015): a hybrid model that lets you switch from sofa to Double bed in a single movement.
• Senza bed(Karup Design Studio): a minimalist futon bed on the floor, illustrating the purity of Japandi style.
• Hippo Chair(Steffensen & Würtz, 2019): a playfully designed convertible armchair that goes from sitting to sleeping in seconds.
•  

Why choose Karup creations for your home?

Opting for Karup is much more than choosing a piece of furniture: it's adopting a philosophy of life where design rhymes with simplicity, durability and freedom. The collections combine minimalist elegance, European manufacturing, certified materials and craftsmanship, with a touch of Japanese-inspired serenity. In an urban studio, a contemporary loft or a country house, each Karup creation becomes the reflection of a balanced, open and sustainable art of living.

Karup: frequently asked questions

Is Karup furniture easy to assemble at home?

Yes, the furniture is delivered in kit form with clear instructions and requires only basic tools. Assembly is quick and easy, and designed for lasting strength. This choice also reduces the Carbon footprint of transport and offers the satisfaction of self-assembly.

Does Karup offer furniture for small spaces?

Absolutely. The brand has built its reputation on multi-functionality: convertible sofas, futons or modular armchairs that can be transformed according to need. Each room is designed to optimize space without sacrificing comfort or style. These intelligent solutions are particularly suited to studios, urban interiors or multi-purpose rooms where every square metre counts.

Can you really sleep comfortably on a futon or a Karup Sofa bed?

Absolutely. Whether for occasional or daily use, futons combine support, breathability and durability, while retaining the ergonomic virtues of traditional Japanese sleeping.