Studio Arhoj Design Store, Skindergade

Color-drenched design in the historic heart of Copenhagen

Studio Arhoj’s Skindergade flagship tucks into a narrow street in Indre By, steps from the Round Tower, but the moment you step inside the mood shifts from old town cobblestones to a world of playful Scandinavian design. Clean white walls, simple plywood shelving and carefully lit displays act as a calm backdrop for vivid glazes, soft pastel clays and jewel-like glass. The space feels intimate and approachable rather than gallery-stiff; pieces are made to be picked up, turned in your hands and imagined on your own kitchen shelf. The store is relatively small, but densely curated. Long shelves line the walls, punctuated by low tables stacked with mugs, bowls, incense burners and Studio Arhoj’s signature Ghost figurines. The overall impression is of controlled chaos: hundreds of unique objects, no two exactly alike, yet arranged with a designer’s eye so the colors sing rather than overwhelm.

Where the shop and studio merge

What sets Skindergade apart is that it is not just a shop front. It is the brand’s headquarters and production studio, with glass and ceramic work taking place directly behind and around the retail area. Large interior windows and openings let you glimpse potters at the wheel, shelves of freshly thrown clay drying, and glassblowers gathering molten glass from the furnace. This proximity to the making process creates a subtle soundtrack of whirring wheels, quiet conversation and the occasional soft clink of tools. Sometimes you catch the faint earthy smell of clay or a hint of kiln warmth drifting through. It feels less like visiting a boutique and more like stepping into a working atelier that happens to invite you to browse the finished results.

Signature pieces, one-offs and treasure hunting

Skindergade is the only place where the entire Studio Arhoj range comes together under one roof. You find rows of hand-thrown cups and bowls, characterful Ghosts and crystal Blobs, sculptural vases, glass tumblers and seasonal experiments in new glazes or forms. Limited runs, tests and one-off pieces often appear only here, turning a visit into a low-key treasure hunt. Color drives much of the appeal: glazes inspired by deep oceans, neon candy, misty Nordic skies or acid-bright cartoons. Many items balance refined forms with deliberately playful details, a reminder that Danish design can be light-hearted as well as functional. Gift wrapping is typically offered, making it an easy stop for presents that feel both local and personal.

Atmosphere, rhythm and when to linger

The atmosphere shifts gently throughout the day. Mornings are usually calmer, when you can take time to compare glaze variations on similar shapes or watch a potter perfecting a rim without distraction. Afternoons tend to bring a livelier hum as more people drift in from the surrounding streets, especially at weekends and in summer. Despite its central address, the store still feels relaxed. There is space to linger by a display without being hurried, to return to the same shelf three times before deciding which espresso cup has the right personality. Natural light from the street plays across the glazes, changing how certain colors read as the day wears on.

A contemporary chapter in Copenhagen’s craft story

Studio Arhoj’s Skindergade base is part of a broader Copenhagen design landscape that values craft, material and everyday objects. Here, traditional techniques like wheel throwing and glassblowing are used not to reproduce heritage patterns, but to explore new silhouettes and color combinations that feel distinctly of the present. The location in Indre By connects this contemporary practice to the city’s long history of craftsmanship and trade. You stand a short walk from centuries-old church spires and merchant houses while looking at ceramics that might just as easily live in a Tokyo apartment or a New York studio. It is this blend of local roots and global sensibility that makes a visit memorable, whether you leave with a single tiny Ghost or a carefully packed box of glass and stoneware.