Text by Marco Guagliardo, Editor in Chief of Mid-Century Home.

If you’re passionate about design and interiors, chances are you’re already familiar with the industry’s major events—Salone del Mobile in Milan, Maison & Objet in Paris, or Design Miami. These international design fairs each have their own identity, audience, and purpose.

But if you work in the field, you likely attend them all. What they share is a strong commercial edge. People go to show, sell, and scout. Milan has the scale, Paris the refinement, Miami the exclusivity. They’re big, established, and often overwhelming.

A welcome alternative is 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen (3DD)—whose 2025 edition took place last week, from 18 to 20 June—a smaller, more focused event that celebrates Scandinavian design in all its forms. Launched just over a decade ago, 3DD still feels fresh. It’s more relaxed. Human in scale. Rooted in one of the world’s most design-conscious cities. What sets it apart is the sense of togetherness that runs through the entire event.

It’s not just a series of isolated brand activations, but a collective celebration—where each participant contributes to a shared narrative of craft, heritage, and innovation. There’s a clear synergy between the spaces, the stories, and the people behind them. The result is a city-wide expression of what Scandinavian design stands for today.

I’ve attended several editions over the years, and each time I’m reminded why it stands out. The event began as a tribute to Danish design, and today it balances this strong heritage with growing international appeal.

For mid-century design enthusiasts, it’s arguably the best event to attend after Modernism Week in Palm Springs. While these two events differ in format and scope, they share a clear fil rouge: a deep appreciation for modernism, Scandinavian aesthetics, and post-war values. 

Modernism Week focuses on architecture and desert modernism while 3DD is dedicated to interior and product design. It’s a showcase of classic reissues and contemporary Scandinavian pieces, perfect for those looking to furnish a mid-century home or simply follow modern design trends with historical roots.

This year’s edition captured that balance well. Thoughtfully curated showrooms, engaging exhibitions, and a welcoming atmosphere. Unlike the large trade shows, here you can have real conversations. Designers, founders, and makers are present.

There’s no rush. And it’s not just about product launches—3DD is about community. I met several people who travelled from overseas just for the event, including the all-female team from Marshall Interiors and Karen Nepacena, an interior designer known for her work on Eichler homes. Others were new connections, made over coffee, wine, and small bites offered generously by the hosting ateliers.

There’s more than showrooms too—panels, talks, and design-focused events pop up across the city. I had the chance to participate as a speaker for Warm Nordic, a Danish furniture brand founded by Frantz Longhi in 2017. Known for reissuing pieces by designers like Hans Olsen and Knud Færch, the company mixes mid-century Scandinavian design with contemporary voices. Longhi’s goal has always been to bring warmth, joy, and heritage into the present—that’s where the name Warm Nordic comes from.

As part of 3DD, I interviewed Frantz about Warm Nordic’s origins, his take on Scandinavian modernism, and why 3 Days of Design has become such an important moment on the calendar. That conversation will be published next week here on Mid-Century Home.

3DD isn’t trying to be the biggest design fair. But if you’re seeking modernist design, real dialogue, and a deeper connection to Scandinavian tradition, it might just be the most rewarding one.