Softline A/S is a renowned Danish company specialising in the design, development and production of innovative, functional and high-quality designer furniture. Founded in 1979, Softline has established itself as an international benchmark brand in contemporary furniture, with a strong identity rooted in Scandinavian design. 

History of Softline

Softline was founded in 1979 as a division of K. Balling-Engelsen A/S, a Danish manufacturer of high-quality polyurethane (PU) foam, widely used in the furniture industry. The initial aim was to exploit this flexible and durable foam to develop innovative furniture suited to modern lifestyles. 

In 2003, after a series of ownership changes (including a takeover by Shell in 1981 and a sale to a Finnish investment fund in 2000), Softline became an independent company through a management buyout led by Finn H. Sørensen. Since then, the company has continued to grow, strengthening its status as a global brand while remaining true to its Danish roots.

Today, Softline employs around 70 people directly and works with 100 to 120 employees at its main suppliers. The company is based in Maribo, Denmark, where its production plant, showroom and main facilities are located.

Softline's mission and values

Softline is a leading designer of furniture that combines aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. Its core values include:

• Innovation: Since its inception, Softline has focused on innovative design concepts, anticipating the changing needs of consumers and modern spaces.

• Craftsmanship: All upholstered furniture is handmade in the Danish factory, following Scandinavian furniture-making traditions.

• Sustainability: The company prioritises environmentally friendly materials and production processes that minimise its ecological impact.

• Collaboration: Softline works closely with renowned international designers to offer unique and evolving collections.

• Adaptability: The furniture is designed to be multifunctional, allowing for flexible use in a variety of contexts (homes, offices, public spaces).

Softline product families

Softline offers a diverse range of contemporary furniture, mainly focused on upholstered seating (sofas, armchairs, pouffes) and multifunctional furniture (sofa beds, modular chairs). The products stand out for their timeless design, clean lines, natural colour palette and ability to adapt to different environments.

• Sofas and sofa beds – Examples include the Lotus sofa, famous for its appearance in the film Sex and the City, and the Sleep and Nest sofa beds, which allow a smooth transition from sitting to sleeping and are ideal for compact spaces. All these products use high-quality PU foam to offer optimal comfort and exceptional durability.

• Armchairs – The Hello armchair designed by busk+hertzog for singer Kylie Minogue has become a Softline design icon, exhibited in museums such as the Danish Museum of Art and Design. Another example is the Havanna, which offers unique acoustic comfort, insulating the user from their surroundings.

• Poufs and side tables – Examples include the Sculptural Cubes, decorative and versatile pieces available in a wide range of colours, and the Drums, which can be used as a seat or side table.

• Furniture for public spaces – Softline designs furniture for a variety of environments, such as hotels, airports, offices, museums, universities and exhibition spaces. These products can often be customised to meet the specific needs of architects and interior designers.

Softline product features

• Multifunctionality: Many Softline furniture pieces can be transformed (e.g., a sofa into a bed) without complex mechanisms, reducing wear and tear and costs.
• Customisation: Customers can choose from a wide selection of certified fabrics, colours and materials, allowing them to tailor the furniture to their tastes and needs.
• Sustainable materials: Softline uses certified textiles and environmentally friendly foams that comply with strict environmental standards.
• Collaborative design: The collections are created in partnership with renowned designers, ensuring a contemporary and innovative aesthetic.

Softline designers

Softline collaborates with more than 15 international designers, such as Kurt Brandt (until 1997), pioneer of the first collections, including the PAX sofa, and Flemming Busk and Stephan Hertzog (busk+hertzog), who redefined Softline's modern aesthetic with pieces such as the HELLO armchair.

Karim Rashid, Hiromichi Konno, Thomas Müller, Nanna Ditzel and Stine Engelbrechtsen bring creative diversity to the brand.

What makes Softline unique?

Softline stands out in the designer furniture sector thanks to several strengths:

• Scandinavian heritage: The brand capitalises on the global reputation of Danish design, synonymous with simplicity, comfort and functionality.
• International reach: Softline exports its products worldwide, with a strong presence in Europe (Germany, Austria, France, Benelux, Switzerland), the Middle East, Asia and North America.
• Diverse customer base: The company serves both private individuals and professional customers (hotels, offices, public spaces).
• Recognition: Softline has won numerous design awards and its products have been featured in prestigious projects, such as gifts presented to the Prince and Princess of Denmark (GRAND PRIX and DONUT).

Production of Softline furniture

All Softline upholstered furniture is manufactured at the factory in Maribo, Denmark. This choice of local production guarantees:

• Rigorous quality control at every stage.

• Craftsmanship, with upholstery made by hand according to Scandinavian traditions.

• Flexibility to meet specific customer requirements, particularly for bespoke projects.

The use of high-quality PU foam, inherited from the original expertise of K. Balling-Engelsen, remains a central element of production. This foam is chosen for its durability, flexibility and comfort, while complying with strict environmental standards.

Softline, a company committed to sustainability

Softline integrates sustainability into every aspect of its business:

• Materials: Use of certified textiles and environmentally friendly foams.

• Design: Furniture is designed to be durable, reducing the need for frequent replacement.

• Production: Minimisation of environmental impact through optimised processes and local production.

• Life cycle: Each phase of the product life cycle is assessed to ensure safety, sustainability and low environmental impact.

Softline, more than just a furniture manufacturer 

Softline embodies Danish design excellence, combining innovation, craftsmanship and sustainability. For potential buyers, Softline represents an opportunity to invest in high-end, versatile and customisable products backed by a globally recognised brand.