Cover Iittala and Byredo unveil Ljus, a Nordic collection of glass, flame and scent shaped by ritual and light
Iittala and Byredo unveil Ljus, a Nordic collection of glass, flame and scent shaped by ritual and light
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Iittala and Byredo join hands to distil the essence of Nordic light into glass, flame and scent, as an intimate study of how everyday rituals shape atmosphere and mood
It is said that Nordic light has a particular charm. It’s this elusive quality, from the glow of the midnight sun to the quiet intimacy of winter days, that anchors Ljus, Rituals of Light and Scent, a new collaboration between Iittala and Byredo. “Ljus” is the Swedish word for “light”, and rather than treating light as a byproduct, the collection positions it as a material in its own right.
The premise is deceptively simple: glass vessels animated by flame, carrying scent through space. But within that simplicity lies a careful interplay of opposites—think fire versus ice, warmth versus clarity, and permanence versus transience.
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Above Handcrafted at Iittala’s historic Finnish factory, the glass vessels are designed to hold candles and incense
Above A close-up of a Byredo candle peeking behind an Iittala glass vessel
Handcrafted at Iittala’s historic Finnish factory, the glass vessels are designed to hold candles and incense
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Handcrafted at Iittala’s historic Finnish factory, the glass vessels are designed to hold candles and incense. Each piece bears the subtle irregularities of its making, serving as evidence of breath, heat and human touch.
Founded in 1881, Iittala has long stood at the forefront of Nordic design. Its legacy is rooted in experimentation with glass and ceramics, producing enduring icons such as the Aalto vase and Aino Aalto glasses. Still manufactured in Finland, its pieces reflect a belief in craftsmanship as both discipline and expression.
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Above Byredo’s candles and incense lend atmosphere, transforming the objects into instruments of ritual
Above Each glass vessel bears the subtle irregularities of its making, serving as evidence of breath, heat and human touch
Byredo’s candles and incense lend atmosphere, transforming the objects into instruments of ritual
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Byredo’s contribution unfolds less visibly but no less powerfully. Candles and incense lend atmosphere, transforming the objects into instruments of ritual. Lighting a wick or letting smoke unfurl becomes an act of calibration—a way to mark the passage from day to evening, from activity to stillness. The collection understands that design is not only seen but sensed.
The collaboration made its conceptual debut in March 2026 at Matter and Shape, a design salon in the heart of Paris, where it was presented as a sculptural installation. There, the emphasis is less on product and more on philosophy: a shared Nordic sensibility between Iittala and Byredo that favours restraint over spectacle, and meaning over excess. The full collection will arrive globally in October, timed for the rituals of the holiday season, and will be available through Byredo and selected Iittala stores.
Above Ljus is about attention—how small, repeated gestures can define a space and, by extension, a state of mind
Above A handcrafted Iittala glass vessel next to Byredo’s Bibliotheque candle
Ljus is about attention—how small, repeated gestures can define a space and, by extension, a state of mind
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At its core, Ljus is about attention—how small, repeated gestures can define a space and, by extension, a state of mind. In bringing together glass and fragrance, Iittala and Byredo offer not just objects, but a framework for living with greater presence.
Based in Singapore, Engracia Ang is an experienced writer specialising in home and living content.
