Howe
ActiveOverview
Howe is a Danish furniture brand specializing in modular systems for workplace, education, and public spaces. It focuses on sustainable, flexible designs that adapt to modern environments, with a heritage in metal craftsmanship. The brand is noted for its collaboration with architects and designers on scalable solutions for offices and institutions.
History
Howe was founded in 1928 in Denmark as a metal workshop. It expanded into furniture production, developing innovative systems for institutional use. Key milestones include partnerships with designers like Digne Cortsen Andersen and the launch of modular office and educational furniture lines. The company remains family-influenced and independent, emphasizing Scandinavian design principles.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Workscapes (modular office systems) | Flexible workplace configurations | $800 - $5,000 |
| 2150 Series (stacking chairs) | Durable educational seating | $250 - $600 |
| Spin (rotating task chairs) | Ergonomic office chairs | $400 - $900 |
| Softline (upholstered lounge) | Comfortable public seating | $1,200 - $3,500 |
| Rowlinx (linear bench systems) | Collaborative bench seating | $1,000 - $4,000 |
| HiRise (high-density storage) | Space-efficient lockers | $500 - $2,000 |
Manufacturing
Products are primarily manufactured in-house at facilities in Denmark, with some components sourced from Europe. Howe emphasizes sustainable practices, including recycled materials and local production to reduce carbon footprint. Assembly occurs in Allerød for quality control.
Notable Products
- 2150 Chair - Iconic stacking chair used in schools and offices worldwide for its durability and stackability.
- Spin Chair - Ergonomic task chair with intuitive height and tilt adjustments for dynamic workspaces.
- Workscapes Desk System - Modular desking with integrated power and cable management for agile offices.
- Softline Sofa - Modular upholstered seating for lounges and waiting areas with customizable configurations.
- Rowlinx Bench - Linear shared bench promoting collaboration in open-plan environments.
Reputation
Howe is regarded by architects and designers for reliable, adaptable furniture suited to high-use public and corporate settings. Strengths include longevity, modularity, and sustainability focus. Some professionals note higher pricing compared to mass-market alternatives, though quality justifies investment for long-term projects.