Kvadrat

Kvadrat. Kvadrat is a Danish design company renowned for producing high-quality contemporary textiles and related products for interiors. Founded in 1968, the company has established itself as a leader in the European design landscape through innovative collaborations with prominent architects, designers, and artists. Its product range encompasses textiles for upholstery, drapery, and acoustic panels, alongside rugs and wall art, distributed globally. Under the leadership of the Byriel family, Kvadrat has become synonymous with sophisticated colour, advanced material research, and a deep commitment to sustainability.

History

Kvadrat was established in 1968 in Ebeltoft, Denmark, by entrepreneurs Poul Byriel and Erling Rasmussen. The company's early focus was on supplying the contract market with durable, wool-rich upholstery fabric, quickly gaining recognition for quality. A pivotal moment came in the 1980s under the direction of Anders Byriel, son of the founder, who steered the brand towards deeper engagement with the international design community. Strategic partnerships, beginning with influential figures like textile designer Margrethe Odgaard and architect David Adjaye, propelled its growth. Key acquisitions, such as the Gustavus brand and the high-tech textile maker Kinnasand, expanded its portfolio and technical capabilities, solidifying its presence from Scandinavia to key markets in the United Kingdom, Germany, and North America.

Products and materials

The company's core offerings are advanced textiles for interior architecture, including a vast collection of wool, cotton, and trevira blends for contract furniture and residential use. Its product lines extend to sophisticated acoustic solutions like the Soft Cells panel system, developed with Raf Simons, and the Really project, which creates new materials from textile waste. The Kvadrat Shade collection offers innovative window treatment fabrics, while the Kvadrat/Raf Simons collaboration produces distinctive upholstery and drapery. Through its Kinnasand division, it offers technically complex textiles like Sunbrella-branded outdoor fabrics and shimmering metallic yarn constructions, catering to projects for major firms like Foster + Partners and OMA.

Collaborations and projects

Kvadrat's identity is deeply intertwined with long-term collaborations with leading creative figures. A landmark partnership with former Dior creative director Raf Simons has yielded multiple, critically acclaimed fabric collections since 2014. The company frequently works with renowned designers such as Patricia Urquiola, Ron Arad, and Piet Hein Eek on specific lines. Beyond products, it engages in artistic and architectural projects, having supplied textiles for the High Line in New York City, the Hotel de la Marine renovation in Paris, and installations at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Collaborations with artists like Olafur Eliasson for the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art further blur the lines between functional textile and art object.

Sustainability and initiatives

Environmental responsibility is a central pillar of Kvadrat's operations, guided by its Ecolabel certification and membership in the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. The company invests significantly in recycled wool and post-consumer waste programs, notably through its Really initiative, which transforms old textiles into solid boards for furniture and interiors. It adheres to strict chemical standards, including the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and prioritizes long-lasting design to combat fast fashion. Its production facilities, including those at Kinnasand in Germany, focus on reducing water consumption and carbon footprint, aligning with broader European Union environmental targets and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Recognition and awards

Kvadrat's work has received extensive international acclaim across design and business spheres. It has been honored with multiple Wallpaper* Design Awards, IF Design Awards, and German Design Awards for its product collections and collaborations. The Raf Simons collaborations, in particular, have won Bo Bedre awards and are featured in permanent collections of institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The company's leadership in sustainability has been recognized with the Danish Design Award for Responsible Design, and CEO Anders Byriel has been acknowledged by business publications such as Børsen for corporate stewardship within the Danish textile industry.

Category:Textile companies of Denmark Category:Design companies Category:Companies established in 1968